KAYAKING ON THE YARRA

Although Melbourne is situated on the shores of one of the largest bays on the Australian coast, the city's main water feature is the Yarra River. As it winds down from the Yarra Valley, it enters the City and provides much opportunity for leisure activities along its banks and in the water. We are lucky to live close to a beautiful spot along the Yarra, here shown. It is the Yarra close to Fairfield Boathouse.

You've got to love dogs!


This post is part of the Watery Wednesday meme,
and also part of the Outdoor Wednesday meme.

BAYSIDE, MELBOURNE

The City of Bayside is a Local Government Area in Melbourne. It is located in the southern suburbs, with an area of 36 square kilometres and an estimated population of about 100,000 people. It comprises the City of Brighton, City of Sandringham, City of Moorabbin, City of Mordialloc and City of Bayside. As well as having quite exclusive and very expensive real estate by the seaside in Brighton, for example, it also has areas of industrial and business park usage, as in Moorabbin, for example.


Last Sunday we had gorgeous Summer weather and we went for a drive down the coastal road, visiting Elwood, Brighton, Hampton and Sandringham. The sea was perfect and there were many bathers, sail boat  and motor boat enthusiasts, as well as the jet ski devotees. Many lovely beaches exist along this stretch of Melbourne's suburban coast, so it is a popular are for fun in the sea and sun. Add to that large numbers of great cafés, restaurants and all sorts of other eateries and you have the recipe for a perfect weekend outing.


This post is part of the Watery Wednesday meme and also,
part of the Outdoor Wednesday meme.

YAN YEAN RESERVOIR

Yan Yean Reservoir is the oldest water supply for the city of Melbourne. It is built on the Plenty River a tributary of the Yarra River, 30 km north of the city. A 9.5 metre embankment holds back 30,000 megalitres (30 million cubic metres) of water. Work began in 1853 at the height of the gold rush, and it took four years to construct at a cost of £750,000.


The reservoir is managed by Melbourne Water as part of the water supply system for Melbourne. At the time of its completion in 1857 it was the largest artificial reservoir in the world. It was designed by James Blackburn, an English Civil Engineer and former London sanitary inspector who was transported to Tasmania as a convict following charges of embezzlement. After being pardoned he came to Melbourne in 1849. The Toorourrong Reservoir system, constructed in 1883–1885, supplies water to Yan Yean via an aqueduct.


Around the reservoir there are parklands, an extensive nature reserve and picnic grounds. It is a popular and beautiful spot for family outings, another advantage being its proximity to the city. Native flora and fauna (like the Eucalypts and Eastern Rosella pictured below) can be found in the reserve.


This post is part of the "Our World Tuesday" meme.