Docklands is one of the newest area in Melbourne and the city architects opted to go for high density, which means high rise building.

In saying that, do not think that it is an ugly area.

On the contrary, many special landmarks and attractive design building have been erected, making Docklands an unusual side of the city.

It’s still a young area but it is growing in popularity.

This article is focusing on 7 sites to visit and the time when you can have a nice photo, considering sunset and sunrise time.

Enjoy !!

# 7  View of the New Quay Promenade

I like the view of the New Quay, however, unless you have access to any of the high rise building on Bourke Street this is a difficult photo to take. I was lucky enough that I knew a person that could guarantee access to one building. One hour after sunset is the best time to start shooting. You can still see the clouds in the sky and the Dockland lights are all on. Go for a full moon night for the best result.

# 6  The shifting Channel 9 building

I was impressed by this unique architecture. Each floor shifting by one meter to look like a kid construction, a sort of Lego. This is definitely one of my favorite building in Melbourne. It is indeed one the most beautiful design you can find in this area. Visit it during the day with the sunlight, or at sunrise for the best reflection. The sun rises on the right of this picture.

# 5  The Southern Star Observation Wheel

The wheel is a great subject itself for few cool photos. For the best panoramic view walk on top of the garage in the Waterfront Way. Beside the view to the Wheel you can do a great panoramic of the city from here.

# 4  Seafarers Bridge connecting the Convention Center to Docklands

This is a new pedestrian bridge named after the Mission to Seafarers, an international organization which cares for the practical and spiritual welfare of seafarers. The design is quite impressive and having the Convention Center on the background helps to have great pictures. The night is a perfect time so that you can use the yellowish in the background against the concrete color of the bridge. Alternatively try a black and white photo from the side, see this post to have an idea.

# 3  Parachuting a cow in docklands

What it makes this one a great subject is the lovely location on a typical Melbourne sunset. Do not bother coming here during the day, the cow will come out washed out. The Bolte Bridge in background add that final touch.

Do you want to know more about the Cow up a tree, have a read here. Did you know that this sculpture is actually one of the three in the edition! :o

# 2 West Gate Freeway view from the South Wharf DFO parking area

This is a real interesting spot. Clearly you need to come in the night otherwise the parking area is full and you would loose the interesting view of the arterial roads of the freeway. I rode my bicycle here to have an easy and quick access, however you can also park your car in Munro Street and walk few hundreds meters. Another possibility is to walk through the DFO from the Yarra river.

# 1  The Webb Bridge

As you see there are many interesting places to visit in Docklands for a photo. The one I like most is the Webb Bridge. I went there already three, if not four, times to look for a different corner, different view, unusual site. The internet has a considerable amount of photo of this subject and I believe it well deserves it. Come here on sunset as the sun comes down straight at the end of the Yarra river (in summer).

Full Map of the top 7 sites to take a photo in Docklands

View Top 7 sites in Docklands to make a photo in a larger and interactive Google map

In the previous weeks I talked about the top spots to take a photo in Melbourne. Today I want to focus on a single area, St.Kilda.

It is one of my favourite area for sunset photography. The light can change from an intense red to a mild orange, based on season and clouds. I feel like in winter I can always get the best colours, but it may be just a personal feeling.

Beside landscapes head to Fitzroy street for some documentary or street photography.

St.Kilda was well known for drug and prostitution although, in the last decade, the area has been improved and gentrified. Few of the best events are the Pride March and the St.Kilda Festival, both usually in February.

There is a place for some action sports photography with both kitesurf and windsurf, on the west side of the beach. You will not get bored.

Enjoy

#6  East side of St.Kilda beach

You need to plan this photo, it will work only with low tide, and coming from high tide.

The BOM website is my main source for the best timing.

A multitude of small little creeks take shape and it’s easy to play and use the water as a mirror.

Beside the tide the clouds help a lot as well, just think above picture with a clear blue sky.

The photo would not be quite the same.

Complicated planning but the end result can be awesome.

Winter is the best time in this place as in most of the summer the wind can be quite strong and, when not windy, there are many tourists and visitors around.

Check the full post here

#5  The St.Kilda Luna Park

It’s free to enter therefore do not hesitate to step in and take some shots.

Unfortunately, there is one big restriction, you cannot use a tripod.

I was kindly asked to disassemble it just after my first photo, above.

There are some lovely colours in the dark and it is just a real pity to miss a stable base to use.

Whatever, let’s try to do our best with the available tools always having fun of course.

A classic photo is the clown face at the main gate, I still need to find an unusual corner myself :D

Check the full post here and a view from outside.

#4  The little pier on the main beach

The best time for this place is spring when the sun is setting just at the end of the pier.

It can be very busy here in the summer and, unless you want to include people in the photo, you will not be able to have a clear shot.

This pier has now been demolished

#3  St.Kilda Pavilion

It was not too long ago that the landmark of St Kilda burnt down. It was 2003.

I found this old photo on a forum with an interesting reading.

It has been rebuilt with many people liking the new pavilion and others not happy for the new layout.

Besides all the comments, this place is great for a photo.

Come here on the sunrise for the best colours.

Another awesome result can be achieved in foggy day when the pier is almost hidden, giving a lovely nostalgic effect.

#2  A walk to the sun

Walk to the west side of the beach, where the new West Beach Pavilion is.

There is a bush with a walking path and a bench.

The sun is setting just at the end of it, but only in the summer.

Hard to miss it. The composition can be a winner here.

Check the full post here.

#1 The pier on a cloudy and stormy day

It can be quite wavy in St.Kilda on a stormy day, 1 or 2 metres swell are not unheard of.

A long exposure of 30 seconds can give a smooth and milky foreground in these cases.

A real nostalgic effect.

The biggest problem is the rain that may come at any time.

I was able to take below photo between rainstorms, checking carefully the weather radar on my mobile, a great help for modern photography :)

View Top 6 sites to take a photo in St.Kilda in a larger and interactive map

How to come to St.Kilda?

In Melbourne take either tram 16, 96 or 12.

From Chapel Street there is tram 79, but only at the weekend.

A taxi can cost you between $20 and $30 from the CBD