chugging down the river

 On 22 March we took a trip down the Yarra from Docklands to the mouth of the Yarra organised by the Port of Melbourne.  It was a bit of a tricky place to get to using Google Maps as parking was pricey and Maps got very confused about trams, only showing the Collins St routes not Flinders St.  Whatever: we made it and despite the long queue got on board.

I was a tad grumpy due to the navigational issues and this was not improved by the early chats about safety and a promo for the Williamstown Swimming Club!  But once the main speaker got into his stride I became happier - and cutting to the chase, my overall view was extremely favourable!  

The port area (ie the area controlled by the Port of Melbourne) begins at the Bolte  Bridge and ends at the mouth of the Yarra.  

The next  image is the confluence of the Yarra and Marybyrnong Rivers.

I think this is a 'dry bulk' wharf.

Gantries for pumping oil into storage tanks.

The next few images are of the West Gate Bridge.

This is a Victorian era sewage pumping station.  Our guide commented that in those days the buildings were well nad looked it, even for the most basic purposes.

These pipes are transferring surplus oil to storage in the decommissioned Altona Refinery.

A roll-on roll-off vessel with an escort of tugs.

Container gantry.

The citizens of Williamstown objected to plans for colourful container gantries.  They wanted them grey, so not so intrusive.  They fit in with the grey skyline of the CBD as seen from Williamstown.

A vehicle transporter.

Note the nudge point for tugs as well as the multiple marks for loading levels, superseding the Plimsoll Line from earlier times.

The only sculpture I noticed, by the communications tower.

A cement dock.