Name Of The Place (Post#27) : Murchison Bridge and Lake Rosebery
While our tour guide was driving around Tasmania, at early in the morning we saw Lake Rosebery, before crossing Murchison Bridge, a scenic place while we were on our way to Montezuma Falls during our second day tour in the island. The photo is part of Tasmania Adventure Photo Collection June 2013.
Twilight (Post#7) : Sydney Harbour Bridge
What can I say about this bridge? It is famous every time the new year is celebrated in the city as usually fireworks display held in the bridge. It’s fascinating to see the night version of this bridge. The photo is part of Sydney Walking Tour April 2014.
I had a post about my first travel in Sydney entitle “Serenading at Opera House” that covers the first place that I visited which was the famous Sydney Opera House and then I returned to the city after almost two weeks since I got a deal for Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves tour from Groupon which scheduled and planned prior to my first travel in Sydney. Why that was happened? It happened because the musical collaboration activity event that I attended in my first travel was announced after my Blue Mountains tour had been set.
Since I was in Australia for work and not for a holiday, the only days I had a chance to roam in Australia were mostly weekends, holidays and scheduled leaves. And similar to my first travel in the city, I just spent more than one day again in Sydney just for the tour. I booked a single room in a hostel for 1 night as I am a solo traveler. I can say that accommodations such as hotels in this prime city are quite expensive and you can get good deals in a short period of time with hostels unless I wanted to spend a lot of money for hotels for such one day holiday just to sleep for few hours.
I have to end such introductions since I’m here to tell my memories of my second visit in Sydney. I flew to Sydney at Friday night last April 2013. Then I took train from Domestic Terminal to Town Hall Station which in the middle of Central Business District of Sydney, then walked a little bit until I found the hostel that I will be staying for few hours of sleep. Yes I only had overnight in Sydney as I will be flying back to Melbourne in the evening the next day. I came to the hotel quite late like past 11PM, which I informed the hostel prior my flight as I wanted to make sure that they were aware of my arrival time because some hostels does not have 24 hours service desk and I cannot afford to sleep outside to a place that I had been second time and I do not knew someone personally. I can’t forget the experience that I had that night because the person in charge in the hostel was not around at the time I was in front of the building. I called the number and I felt relieved because someone showed up and open the door for me.
I checked out early in the morning and walked to the meeting place where the bus was stationed for Blue Mountains Tour. At the moment of my walk I saw Sydney on its most silent time which is Saturday morning because most of the time Friday night in Australia in major cities of this continent country down under are significant to them for party and chilling out. The bus was located at Level B2 Coach Terminal in Pirrama Road within The Star (The Star Sydney Casino Hotel) building.
From the hostel (Sydney Backpackers in Wilmot Street) I walked few kilometres. From Wilmot St to George St, turned left to Bathurst St until I reached Harbour St. I passed IMAX Theatre and then saw Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. I saw some hotels surrounding the famous harbour such as Novotel and Ibis Hotel. Pyrmont Bridge which carries pedestrian and bicycle traffic are also to be found in the harbour. I peek as well the Cockle Bay and Cockle Bay Wharf, a steam ferry before but now floating restaurant South Steyne Sydney. Last but not the least, I also passed the Australian National Maritime Museum.
For me it was really a good walk and it was a good thing that I went to the bus coach terminal early and had ample time for normal walk and photo shots in the area.
View At My Window (Post#6) : North Saskatchewan River
During my stay in Edmonton, one of the things that I tried in the city as experience and another way to look around Edmonton was riding the High Level Bridge Streetcar. The said bridge is located near Alberta Provincial Legislature Building. The photo captured when I got a chance to visit the capital city of Alberta which is Edmonton last June 2008. The bridge is now one of the tourist spot in the city because of its significant history.
As per Wikipedia, High Level Bridge links separate communities of Edmonton and Strathcona which combined to become Edmonton City today. The bridge was designed to accommodate rail, streetcar, automobile and pedestrian.
Other post related to North Saskatchewan River which published few years back
North Saskatchewan River – Edmonton (Part 5)
View At My Window (Post#4) : Lions Gate Bridge
The photo above is Lions Gate Bridge located in Greater Vancouver. The bridge connects Vancouver (South) to West Vancouver and North Vancouver. Under the bridge is Burrard Inlet and Vancouver Harbour. I captured this photo during my Whistler Tour last June 2008 in British Columbia, Canada while inside Whistler Mountaineer train.
You can also look at my post for my Whistler Tour stories:
Whistler – Warm Haven in Cold Paradise
Squamish – With The Chief, Canyon and Tantalus
Brackendale Forest and Shannon Falls
Metropolitan Vancouver From Cypress Mountain
My sister and I decided to visit Putrajaya, that visit become our cheapest and the luckiest accident tour that we experienced while touring around Malaysia.
We took train from Kuala Lumpur and to be honest we really don’t know how we are going to go or walk around the intelligent and garden city. As we aware that it is a planned city and as well as government city as its political centre had been moved from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya.
From our hotel in Batu 3 Old Klang Road, we took a cab straight to KL Sentral Station. From KL Sentral Station we took purple line (KLIA Transit Line) which the same line that goes to KL International Airport. We got off at Putrajaya and Cyberjaya Station.
It was Saturday that we visited the said city, we arrived at the train station without knowing that we will discover almost a free tour that runs twice a day during Saturday at that time, which only cost us exactly 1 MYR (Malaysia Ringgit) per person. At first I can’t believe until we registered at the information booth at the train station and paid 2 MYR for the tour. For us we just came in time before the bus leaves the station on its schedule. Our problem how to go around the said city had been resolved on its own.
Putrajaya word in Sanskit are combined words, ‘putra’ means ‘prince or male child’ and ‘jaya’ means ‘success or victory’. Putrajaya unlike famous Kuala Lumpur is a planned city as Malaysian Government sees that Kuala Lumpur are overcrowded and heavily congested place that made them decided to move the government offices to the planned city.
When the bus started to roll in to the intelligent garden city, we got a chance to see and explore one of the future city of Malaysia. While we were on our way I reminisce if there is similar place that we have back home in my country that I can say that is a planned city where opportunities may arise. Though there is one city that came into my mind which is Taguig City, though not the whole Taguig but just part of it which is Bonifacio Global City but still I cannot compare its development to Putrajaya because of its directions and objectives on its city.
Moving back to Putrajaya, while inside the bus I immediately admired that the city seems intend to remain its being green city or garden city. Though not so much sky scraper exist when we visited the place, but there were already significant buildings, offices to be seen and residential areas which carefully laid out in the city. The government offices are positioned and located on prime and distinguishable parts of the intelligent city.
Aside from mosque, government buildings, residential areas that we saw in the area, another structures that made me admire the city was because of its beautifully crafted bridges. Yes we knew the function of bridges, but how it was designed made people look back again and again to the bridge. The city has beautiful lake that can be seen most of the areas of the city that made me feel that the place is just really with the nature. City’s convention center are located at some hills of Putrajaya that made it really a stunning building. Overall I felt relax in the place as we go around inside the bus. Within the tour, we stopped in some photo areas that we grabbed our chance to take photos as it’s the precious gifts in our memories that we can bring back home in my country.
Here are the tourist spot that we saw and enjoyed in the city:
Buildings:
One of the important building at the center of Putrajaya where the office complex of Prime Minister of Malaysia can be found which located at the main hill of the city
Main mosque in the city which built near Perdana Putra.
It is the official residence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia
The main convention center in the city.
Bridges:
Main link between the core island to the south of Persiaran Perdana and serves as main entrance both for motorist and pedestrians.
Landmark and main route to the core island from south-east.
The bridge is categorised as ‘signature bridge’ which important between the core island and residential area in Precinct 8.
Putrajaya Lake
This is the lake that makes the city’s atmosphere so soothing and relaxing to anyone’s view.
Dataran Putra (Putra Square)
According to Wikipedia, the 300 meter circular Putra Square is bounded by Perdana Putra, Putra Mosque, Putra Bridge and the Promenade Shopping Mall.
Taman Warisan Pertanian
An agricultural park where we saw different seeds and plants available in Malaysia.
Trying to search what I can see and do in Melbourne because I know that I will be in the city temporarily. For what I know I will stay in Melbourne until May this year. With that sole reason I even checked for adventures that can be done after office hour. I found a unique but short adventure that does not need me to pack my stuff, no need for accommodation and not so far away from the city.
I searched online and discovered that there is available classic sailing with Enterprize Tall Ship, Enterprize a classic timber vessel that looks like 100 years old, what I mean is it was like a vessel came from 19th century. I never experienced sailing before and definitely not yet experienced to be on boarded in an 19th century ship. My curiosity lies not only in the places that I will be able to see during the cruise but also lies in the ship itself. I checked the website of Enterprize and then booked my tour two weeks before the schedule. Sailing schedule has been set already in their website and all I did was choose the date of the sail and the type of the sail.
I cruised last Friday, March 08, 2013. The meeting place was in Waterfront City Promenade at Victoria Harbour in Docklands Melbourne. After my work that day, I went straight to the meeting place. I arrived at Victoria Harbour and looked around the area if I can see the classic ship nearby. Looking at the time that it’s almost up for the cruise, I worried that I maybe waiting in wrong docking area. I called the person that I was talking previously to confirm my sail and responded with assurance that the sail was not yet started. While talking on the phone, that was the time that I saw the Enterprize. It was a relief that I was waiting in the right place.
I waited in the promenade until the ship stop at the wharf. It is true that Enterprize is a tall ship, at first I thought it was really a small vessel but when it halt in the docking area, I can say it was a tall one. Before I come to sail, I went to Melbourne Visitor’s Centre (I used to visit this one to check where else I can go around Victoria) and I found a brochure about Enterprize Melbourne Tall Ship. One thing that surprised me after reading something in the brochure that the Tall Ship is managed by a non-profit organisation because I thought they were like a tour company that gives unique experience to the people who joined the sail and the crew are volunteers. I learned that this non-profit organisation are assigned to preserve and to promote a significant part of Melbourne’s history. Enterprize has a huge part of Melbourne’s past because it was the ship that used by the people who started settlement in Melbourne in its early days. I found out as well that the original ship was made during 18th century in Hobart (city in Tasmania) and the ship that we will on boarded is a replica of the Enterprize.
The ship was ready and people who scheduled to sail that night on boarded the ship. I felt excited because two things that I experience that night, one is cruising or sailing and the other one is hopping on the historical and classic ship. The crew of the vessel talked about the Enterprize and took care of us in the whole journey. The sail begun and from the ship, I saw Victoria Harbour in a different angle. I enjoyed the scene all the way from the harbour. I knew that the sail will not really going far because it was just 1.5 hours voyage. At the trip, I met two Indian ladies who are twins and born in Australia, they are look asian but their accents are not anymore. They were the people who I grouped with along the journey.
Enterprize
Inside the cabin of the ship
Leaving Victoria Harbour in Docklands
On our way to Bolte Bridge
With the sunset view on the way
The sail was from Victoria Harbour in Docklands up to before we reach the West Gate Bridge. I remembered I asked one of the crew in the ship why a lots of ferries are passing the ship (what I meant that time was the ship was not fast) and he answered me that we’re not traveling, we’re sailing, that very moment I realised the difference of traveling and sailing.
Rigging Climb of Enterprize
West Gate Bridge
Limelights of Victoria Harbour
Bolte Bridge on our way back to the harbour
Victoria Harbour at night
At Waterfront City Marina
During the sail, people on board like me given an option to help the crew during the cruise or do the rigging climb. At first I did not took any of the options, but in the end I chose to climb the rigging of the ship. I was nervous but I was looking up for it that was why I wore rubber shoes that time. Before I did the climb, the crew helped me prepared to wear the harness for my safety. And then, another crew helped me during the climb. I took my time while going up and took some time to at the top of the rigging to feel the wind and to see the surroundings from above. All in all it was a great experience.
I went down the rigging and we were on our way back to the harbour. During those period, since it’s night, I took photos of Victoria Harbour on its lime lights.
I enjoyed my first ever sailing adventure.
Public Art Display at New Quay Promenade beside Waterfront City Promenade
entitled “Silence” after returning from Enterprize sail
There were lots of walking tours available that I found when I went to Melbourne Visitor Center at Federation Square located across Flinders Street Station (train station) in Swanton Street. Some walking tours are group walking tours that has affordable fees and some are free on your own. At that time I was eager to walk around the city on my own to take my time while taking pictures that was why I took some brochures for free walking tours.
Flinders Street / Federation Square Tram Stop
The first walk that I did with my camera was happened last March 6, 2013 which was almost a month after I arrived in Melbourne and I chose the route entitled “Melbourne Walks 3: On the Waterfront”. In the brochure, there is an excerpt description which is about Spectacular bridges, Indigenous history, sculptures, Southbank Promenade, the Melbourne Aquarium and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre feature on this walk of discovery along north and south banks of the Yarra River.
The scenery with the river and surrounding city skyline is one of the picturesque views that I am interested, it reminds me the city of Edmonton in Canada where there is a beautiful Saskatchewan river beside it. The view of the city skyline of Melbourne from Yarra River was amazing and that’s what I was trying to capture in my camera while walking the river side of Yarra River.
Walking track starts from Federation Square in Swanston Street but I did not follow the route as is, I actually started taking photos at Webb Bridge which is the farthest point to reach in the tour. The overall walk moves around between the two sides of Yarra River. Here I saw Mebourne CBD with the river at different angle and different perspective of the city came to light.
The other end of the Webb Bridge is like a snake shape where there are open shades covering it. The said bridge are only enjoys by pedestrians and cyclists, it links Southbank Promenade at Yarra’s Edge and the Docklands. From Southbank Promenade at Yarra’s Edge or Yarra Esplanade, I got a snapshot of Dockland side where ANZ head office is located and the surrounding docking area nearby.
Webb Bridge
Marina YE near at Yarra’s Edge
and ANZ office behind
Southbank Promenade at Yarra’s Edge (or Yarra Esplanade)
Webb Bridge, Charles Grimes Bridge (at the back of Web Bridge) and
Southbank Promenade at Yarra’s Edge (right side)
Southbank Promenade at Yarra’s Edge (or Yarra Esplanade)
I moved on, looked around and skimmed again the map that I was holding to see what’s next to discover. Since I was walking at the side of Southbank Promenade, I had a view of Dockland. My walk continues and I passed the underground of Charles Grimes Bridge, then SouthWharf where DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) mall is, with some bar and restaurants outside. I walked along South Wharf Promenade until I saw Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. I passed the nearby Seafarer’s Bridge which is another walking bridge like Webb Bridge that will take people in the Docklands or CBD.
Yarra River at Southbank Promenade near at DFO
Charles Grimes Bridge at Yarra River and the Docklands at the end of it
South Wharf Promenade
Side Entrance of DFO
Bar / Restaurant at South Wharf Promenade
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Seafarers Bridge
Some photos at South Wharf Promenade
In my walk I did not missed historical Polly Woodside Tall Ship which is located in historical Duke and Orrs docks which was the ships home during its early days in South Wharf. I crossed the busy Spencer Street and I saw Crown Entertainment Complex. The front of the complex is called Yarra Promenade, where a lot of people are passing by, the place is really nice because of its relaxing ambiance, beautiful view of river and line of trees. While walking along the promenade I had a glimpse of Batman Park at the other side of the river.
Polly Woodside Tall Ship
World Trade Center Wharf, Crowne Plaza, Spencer Street (bridge),
Crown Entertainment Complex and Yarra River from South Wharf Promenade
Seafarers Bridge and Yarra River
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Spencer Street bridge
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Spencer Street bridge
Clarendon Street which connects to Spencer Street
Spencer Street
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Batman Park at the other side of Yarra River with Rialto Twin Tower
Batman Park, Rialto Twin Tower, and Kingsway road bridge
Crowne Plaze and Spencer Street bridge
Melbourne Aquarium
Kingsway road bridge, Rialto Twin Tower and Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne CBD skyline with Yarra River at Yarra Promenade
Spencer Street bridge from Yarra Promenade
I crossed under the Kingsway road, I had a glance of Melbourne Aquarium and Rialto Twin Tower. Next thing I saw after Batman Park is called Enterprize Park where I discovered from the brochure that the park is a site for ‘Scar Project’ where represents the “scar tree”. Based from the information printed, the First people of Australia which called Aboriginal people did took pieces of bark from some trees and called it as “scar tree”. Scare tree is a sign that you entered the land of another community. Learning this information is fascinating, I discovered something from my walk. In the same park, I saw from a far the art called Constellation but I not clear as it should be.
Some photos around Yarra Promenade
Eureka Tower
Mario playing his guitar along Yarra Promenade
I passed another bridge named as Queens Bridge, it is similar to Spencer Street with tram track and both busy with vehicles and trams. I saw historical Sandridge Railway Bridge, an old railway bridge from Flinders Street to Port Melbourne in late 19th century. I never walked anymore in the bridge at that time because I passed it few times. Along the bridge are arts display and I got to know that sculptures are called “The Travellers” which depicts different types of immigrants arrived by train from the pier station. Aside from the sculptures, I saw the list of countries of immigrants of Australia and found my country Philippines on the list.
Queens Bridge
Crown Entertainment Complex
After passing Queensbridge Street, I saw this nearby
(my walk was during Melbourne Food & Wine Festival)
Queens Bridge and Melbourne CBD
Sandridge Bridge after passing Queens Bridge
Sandrdige Bridge from Southbank Promenade
After passing Sandridge Railway Bridge, I continued my walk at Southbank Promenade until I saw Southbank Pedestrian Bridge. Here, I stroll along the bridge itself to be able to take pictures with another angle of the city skyline of Melbourne with Yarra River. The bridge has a bar and restaurant underneath called Ponyfish Island Cafe and from the same bridge I got a couple of photos of Flinders Street Railway Station, Southbank Promenade, Southgate (shopping centre), Hamer Hall and Princess Bridge where St Kilda and Swanston Street end meets.
Flinders Street Station (with clock) and Melbourne CBD
Flinders Street Station, Melbourne CBD and Southbank Pedestrian Bridge
Flinders Street Station from Southbank Promenade
Southbank Pedestrian Bridge and Ponyfish
Melbourne CBD skyline with Yarra River
Princes Bridge
Crossing Southbank Pedestrian Bridge
Flinders Walk
Southbank Promenade
Eureka Tower from Southbank Pedestrian Bridge
Southbank Promenade with Southgate Mall
Lastly, I walked at Flinders Walk where the famous Flinders Street station located. And from this location I was able to capture Eureka Tower near at Southbank Promenade.
Princes Bridge, Hamer Hall and Southgate Mall in Southbank Promenade
Southbank Promenade and nearby areas captured from Flinders Walk
Princes Bridge and Hamer Hall
Hamer Hall (left)
It was Monday, June 16, 2008. I went to the office at Burnaby for a day of work and training. Then I met new people whom a friend of my colleague in my team. Without any careful plan that night I went out together with new friends that I met after inviting me to a walk in Stanley Park. I can’t be in a tour on that day because I’m still officially in business trip. These new friends invited us in a walk as they were aware that I just arrived few days ago and they knew that myself and my colleague were flying back to Manila the next day.
I remembered that our walk in Stanley Park took us few hours as the park is huge. Most of stroll that we did was walking around the edges of the park.
At the entrance of Stanley Park Aquarium
There were many things and scenic views that we saw while walking in the park. We started our journey from Stanley Park Aquarium which is the largest aquarium in Canada. We never went inside as we planned was to walk around the park and not inside the aquarium. We just took photos at the entrance of the aquarium as a memories in the place. Then we moved forward towards the walking trail facing Coal Harbour where Vancouver Downtown was visible. When I saw the area, I loved it. I got excited in the walk with a thought that the walk we were doing that time leads to some more discovery in the park.
After enjoying sometime of panoramic views of Vancouver Downtown with Coal Harbor, we passed the 9 O’clock Gun and approach it shortly to had a glimpse of it since it was housed with rocks and metals which transparent to be visible outside for people who wanted to see what it looks like. We also stopped at Brockton Point Lighthouse where we spent some time to appreciate the place and played around the area.
Next, we found the Totem-pole display in the park. Staying for a while in Canada made me learn that even though most population in Canada come from Europe countries, in their history, they respect the local people before European discoverer came along. They call these first local people as First Nation and totem pole is one of the symbol of showing allegiance of the whole country to their culture.
The walk continues and we had a beautiful sceneries of Vancouver Harbour and North Vancouver area. At this side of the park, I got a chance to see from a far one of the historic bridge in Vancouver which is the Lions Gate Bridge.
At the walking trail at the Seawall in Stanley Park, we found Water Playground, which is a great place for fun not just for kids but for adults as well.
We kept on walking at the edges or seawall of the park until we reached the bottom of Lions Gate Bridge. In this walk I had a chance to have up close and personal to the bridge. And I can say that the bridge is one of the magnificent bridge existing in the world today. The stroll continues until we witness the sunset at Burrard Inlet. After passing the bridge, we were facing West Vancouver and Vancouver Downtown.
With Lions Gate Bridge Sceneries
After passing the Lions Gate Bridge, we got a chance to witness the sunset while walking the park. Along the way, we saw Siwash Rock and then we reached the Third Beach where we found many displays of stacked rocks nearby.
Sunset from Stanley Park, looking towards West Vancouver
Entrance
Friendly TrailWhile inside the park I found Totems and the area is called as “Spirit Stage”. Based on Canada history, Totems are important to the First Nation people in Canada.
Next to Spirit Stage is the popular suspension bridge (although this is not the original suspension bridge built before). It was renovated for the safety of the travelers like me. My favorite part , jumping while crossing the suspension bridge, the feelings were mixed like jittery, breathless yet exciting. Before I forget to mention, the river under the bridge is the Capilano River.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
During my visit I discovered that there are plenty of small and narrow suspension bridges inside the forest, these bridges are connected to one another using trees, they called it “Treetops Adventure”. I enjoyed walking in the Cliffhanger Boardwalk and I liked looking at the flowing river – the view was extraordinary. I also found some small swamps inside the park, these swamps made me remember that I am inside the forest. Not to mention also, I did not miss the Canyon Lookout to glanced the Capilano River in a different angle. Visiting this place was really worth for me since I love forest.
Treetops Adventure
Cliffhanger Boardwalk
swamp inside the forestI like buying souvenir stuff that was why I enjoyed the shopping stores located inside the park and I bought post cards. There are also coffee shops and restaurants inside the park, they kept myself glutted.
I highly recommend to visit the park to anyone who loves nature.
Notes:
1. Plan to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park ? Check more details here.
Address :
3735 Capilano Road
North Vancouver, BC
Canada V7R 4J1Tours : There are lots of tours available that offers the visit in the park and it can be combination with other tourist spot too.
Not on tours? : The park offers free shuttle bus coming from Vancouver Downtown. For more details, please check here.
2. Directions
Using Bus
From Downtown, take bus #246 and get off at Stop#54391 – NORTHBOUND (NB) CAPILANO RD AT WOODS DR. Then take, bus#236 and get off at Stop#54304 – NORTHBOUND (NB) CAPILANO RD AT 3600 BLOCK.
Using Seabus
Take the Seabus from Waterfront Station, to Lonsdale Quay Station. Then take, bus#236 and get off at Stop#54304 – NORTHBOUND (NB) CAPILANO RD AT 3600 BLOCK.
For more details visit, Translink.
Snapshots of surrounding area 
Flinders Street Station Clock
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