Janet Walker
My thoughts of the Yarra are many: what it was like before Melbourne was settled, then shortly afterwards when my own family arrived in Melbourne in 1836(?) They moved up the Saltwater Creek (later the Marybyrnong River) and settled round Sunbury.
My own images of the Yarra are mostly round the Willsmere Billabong where I walk often, and always take overseas visitors to see what a billabong really looks like.
I enjoy drives along the Boulevard around Kew and also the Alexandera Avenue stretches of the River.
My Father used to take us swimming in the river between Chipperfields Boatsheds and Burke Rd. Bridge which was always enjoyed by the family. I can remember severe floods round the Chipperfields area of Willsmere Road; water was across the road.
I still enjoy the occasional lunch over looking the river at the Studley Park Boatsheds Cafe, always very peaceful, watching the swans, ducks and families picnicking and rowing on the river, and of course a walk across Kanes Bridge.
Another favourite area is Dights Falls, walks there with boyfriends in the past, sitting on the rock over the Falls, no longer possible due to a fence being erected. I've seen Dights Falls in full flood when there was no sign of the falls and also in extreme drought when one could walk across the falls without any trouble. One year during the drought the falls were rebuilt in concrete; previously they were wooden.
Having always lived in Kew, the Yarra has always been very much a part of my everyday life, and a peaceful area to visit and rest in a busy city like Melbourne.
Please go to the January 2006 summary to see a bigger version of this picture and links to other pieces in this set.
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