YARRA RIVER, WARRANDYTE

The Yarra River or historically, the Yarra Yarra River (Aboriginal: Berrern, Birr-arrung, Bay-ray-rung, Birarang, Birrarung, and Wongete) is a perennial river in east-central Victoria, Australia. The lower stretches of the river are where the city of Melbourne was established in 1835 and today Greater Melbourne dominates and influences the landscape of its lower reaches.

From its source in the Yarra Ranges, it flows 242 kilometres west through the Yarra Valley, which opens out into plains as it winds its way through Greater Melbourne before emptying into Hobsons Bay in northernmost Port Phillip. The river was a major food source and meeting place for indigenous Australians from prehistoric times. Shortly after the arrival of European settlers land clearing forced the remaining Wurundjeri to neighbouring territories and away from the river.

Originally called Birrarung by the Wurundjeri, the current name was mistranslated from another Wurundjeri term in the Boonwurrung language; Yarro-yarro, meaning “ever-flowing”.

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SPRING

Spring is coming early this year. We've had a glorious, warm sunny day today and in a walk around the neighbourhood, many of the Spring bulbs were out and some had already perished. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology officially declared an active El Niño event on June 16, 2026, marking the first time the pattern has been established in nearly three years. Driven by record-fast warming in the central tropical Pacific, current oceanic and atmospheric indicators point to a strong—potentially historic—event persisting through the rest of 2026 and into early 2027.

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FACTORY

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AUSTRALIAN RAVEN

This is an Australian raven (Corvus coronoides), about 45 cm long and characterized by glossy black plumage and a pale white iris. These birds possess all-black glossy feathers with greyish bases hidden underneath. Distinctive white irises surrounding a dark pupil, indicate an adult bird. Strong, heavy black bill and perching posture typical of the Corvus genus.

Australian ravens are exceptionally intelligent birds. Like other corvids, they possess a high brain-to-body mass ratio and cognitive problem-solving abilities that closely rival primates and young children. They have been observed actively shaping and using sticks to extract insects buried deep within tree bark. In urban areas, Australian ravens work together collaboratively to pull heavy plastic liners out of public rubbish bins to access food. They are also famous for stalking bushwalkers and successfully unzipping backpacks to steal snacks.

They can accurately recognize individual human faces and categorize them as either a threat or a friend. They can hold these memories—and potential grudges—for several years. They easily pass vital safety information down through generations, effectively teaching their young which specific neighborhoods or humans are dangerous to approach.

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SUNSET

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AEONIUM

These bright yellow, star-shaped inflorescences (clusters of star-like blossoms) are characteristic of a flowering succulent from the genus Aeonium (such as Aeonium arboreum), belonging to the stonecrop family Crassulaceae.

The insect resting on the yellow flowers is a Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens). It has a long, slender black body that mimics the appearance of a wasp to ward off predators, though it lacks a stinger and is completely harmless. As adults, they are important, docile pollinators that feed gently on flower nectar. Their larvae are highly beneficial decomposers used globally to recycle organic kitchen and garden waste into rich compost.

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DAREBIN CREEK

In winter, after rain.

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HERRING ISLAND

Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park is a 3.2-hectare artificial island on the Yarra River in South Yarra, about 3 km from Melbourne's CBD. It is Melbourne's only river island, famous for its environmental art sculptures, walking tracks, and free weekend summer punt service.

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WINTER SUN

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TURKEY TAIL

This is a Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor) mushroom, a common polypore found worldwide.It is characterised by its thin, fan-shaped, and colourful caps that resemble a turkey's fanned tail feathers

These fungi are frequently found growing in overlapping clusters on fallen hardwood logs or stumps. Trametes versicolor has a porous underside rather than gills and is a popular subject for foraging due to its distinct features and potential medicinal uses.

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HORSE, RELAXING

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YARRA SUNRISE

Crack of a Winter dawn and the young rowers of the University Rowing clubs get ready to race in the icy water. Ah, youth! I'm content to photograph them wrapped in my warm coat and gloves.

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MOSSY SAXIFRAGE

Saxifraga x arendsii, also known as mossy saxifrage or rockfoil.The plants form low-growing, mounded mats of evergreen foliage.The specific variety shown is the "Early Picotee" type, which has pale pink petals that shade to a creamy white in the centre.

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RAINY NIGHT

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SOUTH YARRA POST OFFICE

This distinctive "castle" building is the former South Yarra Post Office, a historic heritage landmark located at 162 Toorak Road. Designed in 1890 by architect A.J. MacDonald for the Public Works Department and completed by 1893, it is of an eclectic style: The rear of the building features a unique blend of Scottish Baronial, American Romanesque, and Art Nouveau design elements, making it resemble a miniature medieval fortress hanging over the train tracks.

It is situated directly adjacent to the South Yarra railway station cutting, visible from passing suburban trains (from which train this photo was taken). While it no longer operates as a civic post office, the red-brick building is legally protected under the local heritage overlay.

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GOTHIC

Standing on the corner of Queen Street and Collins Street in the City, are two impressive buildings, the former English, Scottish and Australia Bank and the former Melbourne Stock Exchange. Built between 1883 and 1891, the two were combined and renovated in 1921, and are now the world headquarters of ANZ Bank.

Designed by architect William Wardell and built in 1883-87, the ES&A Bank is the more restrained of the two, with high ceilings, lancet windows and a narrow spire. As well as ES&A's head office, it was once the residence of the bank's general manager. The former Stock Exchange was constructed shortly after and completed in 1891. Designed by William Pitt, its appearance is flamboyant, with gargoyles, stained glass and a rose window at the very top of the building.

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TARRAWARRA

At the Tarrawarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley.

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CATERPILLAR AND BUTTERFLY

Papilio anactus, the dainty swallowtail, dingy swallowtail or small citrus butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly from the family Papilionidae, that is endemic to Australia. For protection against predators, this non-poisonous butterfly mimics the poisonous male Cressida cressida, another swallowtail butterfly that obtains its toxic properties through its host plant, the Dutchman's pipe.

Papilio anactus is endemic to Australia. It was originally only present in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, but due to the growing of citrus, a larval food plant of this species, in orchards, the species spread to South Australia in the late 1920s. Papilio anactus is not present on Kangaroo Island or elsewhere in Australia, as there are currently too few citrus trees. Sadly this butterfly is much less common than it once used to be. Dingy Swallowtail It also occurs on New Caledonia. There, it may be an introduced species or a vagrant.

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SUNRISE

Sunrise over the Yarra River in the City.

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LONG-LEAF WAXFLOWER

Philotheca myoporoides, commonly known as a waxflower is an Australian shrub. This is the 'Winter Rouge' cultivar, characterised by deep pink buds that open into soft pink or white star-shaped flowers.The plant is an evergreen Australian native that typically blooms from winter through spring.

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AT YERING STATION

Yering Station, recognized as Victoria’s first vineyard, was established in 1838. The estate is located in the Yarra Valley, approximately 50 minutes from Melbourne, and is known for its cool-climate wines. The winery grounds feature a modern restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the vineyards. The property also serves as a contemporary art gallery, showcasing works from established and emerging artists.

The artwork floating in the reflection pool is an abstract figurative bronze sculpture by the acclaimed Tasmanian artist Hugh McLachlan. The "Mother and Child" sculpture is in cast bronze with a deep patina, and is designed to withstand outdoor conditions. It stands as a permanent highlight of the estate's Yering Station Art Gallery collection.

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FLINDERS ST STATION

In Elizabeth St, City, looking South towards the side entrance and clock tower of the Flinders St Train Station. A wintry Sunday morning.

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SHORT DAY

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DYMOCKS

One of my favourite shops in the City: Dymocks in Colin St. I could spend hours in there and buy more books than I could carry away. Sigh!

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POSSUM

The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula, from the Greek for "furry tailed" and the Latin for "little fox", previously in the genus Phalangista) is a nocturnal, semi-arboreal marsupial of the family Phalangeridae. It is native to Australia, and the second largest of the possums.  Like most possums, the common brushtail possum is nocturnal. It is mainly a folivore, but has been known to eat small mammals such as rats.

In most Australian habitats, leaves of eucalyptus are a significant part of the diet but rarely the sole item eaten. The tail is prehensile and naked on its lower underside. There are four colour variations: Silver-grey, brown, black, and gold.  It is the Australian marsupial most often seen by city-dwellers, as it is one of few that thrives in cities, as well as a wide range of natural and human-modified environments.

Around human habitations, common brushtails are inventive and determined foragers with a liking for fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and kitchen raids. This is Fred and he raids our garden every night, having a liking for oranges and grapefruit.

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WINTER SUNSET

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EARLY BUTTERCUP

We are already seeing signs of Spring in our mid-Winter month of July.

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MOON OVER THE DAM

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BUCOLIC

A classic rural vista in Diamond Creek, Victoria, characterized by its rolling green hills, paddock fences, and rustic hobby farm homesteads. This is an outer-northeastern suburb of Melbourne located within the picturesque Nillumbik Shire Council region. 

The outer suburb blends suburban convenience with expansive acreage, horse properties, and semi-rural bushland. It is highly popular among hobby farmers, equestrian enthusiasts, and families seeking open space away from the city centre. 

It is home to scenic shared pathways like the Diamond Creek Trail, local reserves, and nearby gateways into the Yarra Valley.

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A MAZE

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FOG

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LADYBIRD

The ladybird is a small beetle with a domed back, typically red or yellow with black spots. Both the adults and larvae are important predators of aphids. The North American term for the insect is ladybug. The common European seven-spotted ladybird is seen as symbolising the seven joys and seven sorrows of the Virgin Mary.

Ladybird, ladybird, fly away home!
Your house is on fire, your children all gone.

All but one, and her name is Ann,
And she crept under the pudding pan

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MOON AND VENUS

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BANKSIA SPINULOSA

Banksia spinulosa, the compact 'Birthday Candles' hybrid, which is widely available in Australia in 14cm to 175mm pots.The plant is a dwarf shrub recognised by its dense, needle-like foliage and vibrant flower spikes with golden-yellow styles and contrasting purple/red tips.

It is a hardy Australian native that thrives in well-drained soil, is frost-tolerant, and grows to approximately 0.5m in height.This species is excellent for attracting wildlife, particularly birds, and is well-suited for rockeries, small gardens, or container gardening.

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MERRI CREEK

Merri Creek is a waterway in southern parts of Victoria, Australia which flows through the northern suburbs of Melbourne. It begins in Wallan north of Melbourne and flows south for 70 km until it joins the Yarra River at Dights Falls.

The area where the creek meets the river was traditionally the location for large gatherings of the Wurundjeri people and is suspected to have been the location for one of the earliest land treaties in Australia between Indigenous Australians and European settlers.

This is Merri Creek at Clifton HIll, along the Merri Creek Trail, in Winter. There is a 21 km shared use path for cyclists and pedestrians that follows the Merri Creek through the northern suburbs of Melbourne. It makes for a pleasant walk along the creek and one can pretend that one is walking in the wilderness, while still in the heart of the City!

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MELBOURNE TRAMS

Melbourne trams in Acland Street,St Kilda. St Kilda is a vibrant, palm-lined beachside suburb located just 6 kilometres southeast of Melbourne's CBD. Famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, it serves as the city's seaside playground, offering a mix of iconic entertainment, historic architecture, diverse dining, and natural attractions.

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TRIPTYCH

This is a digital composite image from three different photos, each taken from the same spot, but each photo three months apart from the previous one. Each photo section comprises a vertical third of the image. it was all put together digitally in Photoshop, by carefully stitching the images together and melding each third on top of the previous one, by adjusting the transparency of the layer.

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TEST DRIVE

At the Sunday market...

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KOI POND

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SUNSET SYMPHONY

The birds liked the view.

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"I'M FIRST"

Our crazy weather continues. In midwinter, a Callery pear blossom appears...

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WINTER IN THE PARKLANDS 2

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WINTER IN THE PARKLANDS

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MIDWINTER

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OPHELIA

The colorful "Ophelia" mosaic sculpture on the Southbank Promenade in Melbourne provides a lively encounter even on the greyest winter's day. The artist who created this is Deborah Halpern.

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WINTERWEAR

As the temperature drops in Winter, we mustn't forget our canine friends who also need some winterwear!

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