Fireworks on New Years Eve in Melbourne

As in previous years, we ventured into the city to see the fireworks. I took my camera and filmed the complete New Years Eve 2012 fireworks show from the Docklands, Melbourne. Watch the show in High Definition on YouTube.

I managed to film the entire show. You can watch it below or in High Definition (HD) on YouTube.

Christmas Tree at Crown Casino in Melbourne

Butterfly on the ground in Melbourne

Now that brief moment is ending and the pavement is swiftly becoming their final resting place.

Detail of a butterfly on the ground

Having been moved on from City Square and the Treasury Gardens, the protesters have settled in Flagstaff Gardens. As part of their protest, chalk graffiti has appeared on the surrounding pavements and walls. I do not feel it is helping their cause.

Flagstaff Gardens with protesters

A small deployment of police are stationed nearby but they appear not to be stopping the chalk graffiti. I watched a man writing new slogans on the pavement as predestrians walked by, all within sight of the police without incident or harassment. Maybe a decision not to provoke the protesters?

Protest slogans with police nearby

Each time we pass the gardens the graffiti has changed or been removed; someone is taking responsibility for removing the chalk markings. I presume this is being done by those responsible for the gardens.

"You are the 99%" reads one protest slogan

Chalk left on the ground

Among the slogans of protest are fun counter comments.

Protest and counter slogans near Flagstaff Gardens

This is the last year we expect to see Christmas in the city, so my camera has been kept busy capturing memories.

Looking through pine trees in Federation Square at Flinders Street Station

Pine trees in Federation Square Melbourne

City Square, recently occupied by protesters, is now filled with trees, Nut Cracker inspired toy soldiers, and a nativity scene.

Toy soldier from the Nut Cracker in City Square, Melbourne

The Docklands has continued with its traditional nautical theme.

Constructing a decoration at Docklands, Melbourne

The department store, Myer, unveiled its series of Christmas windows. The windows draw large crowds and demand staff to help guide families along. Inside the newly renovated building a Santa themed train ride is operating.

Myer store Christmas window

Myer store Santa train ride

Over the Yarra River one of central footbridges has been turned into a perch for mistletoe.

Christmas ornament on Melbourne footbridge

Detail of the footbridge mistletoe ornament

We passed a line of fun decorated motorbikes parked near Southgate.

Decorated bikes at Southgate

Detail of a decorated bike

One of the iconic Melbourne City Circle trams has been repainted for the Christmas season.

Decorated free City Circle tram in Melbourne, Australia

At the Docklands, we found a series of Dragon Boat races taking place. Below are a few photos from the event and a short film. In the short time we watched it was difficult to determine what was happening and when, but those taking part looked like they were having fun.

Dragon boat racing at the Docklands, Melbourne

State Emergency Service (SES) looking after the boats

Dragon boats lined up to race

Dragon boats preparing to race

We could see the artwork inside through the low windows and suspected those milling around were members of the public. Our curiosity was rewarded when we were able to walk in off the street and enjoy the students’ work first hand.

A couple of pieces particularly stood out for me.

Skye Kelly’s “Creep (stain)” was fantastic. A large body of toffee slowly straining down onto the floor. Initially the piece looks static, but a little patience reveals the strands of toffee were still slowly extending and dripping.

Creep (stain) by Skye Kelly, RMIT student exhibition

Detail of Creep (stain) by Skye Kelly

A piece by Georgina Anderson, “Crystalline tears”, caught my imagination. A slew of domestic objects encrusted in salt crystals. The effect was fun and I would love to know how it was done; I imagine large baths of salt water big enough to submerge the bedstead were involved.

Crystalline tears by Georgina Anderson

Detail of Crystalline tears by Georgina Anderson

Close up of salt crystals on Crystalline tears by Georgina Anderson

Clearly salt was on someone’s mind, as the mens shower was also turned into a hidden exhibit.

Salt in the mens shower at RMIT Aporia exhibition

Melbourne skyline after light rain

Art House spire on St Kilda Road

During the last two weeks, lights have been fitted to the rows of trees outside of Melbourne’s casino.

Lights adorn the trees outside the casino

Foot bridge over Melbourne's River Yarra

Foot bridge and cycle way over the River Yarra

Detail of bridge over River Yarra

The Occupy Melbourne camp with the Town Hall behind

A mischievous monstrosity is surrounded by tents

The site of the camp is tightly constrained by the available space.

Tents fill Melbourne's City Square

The cafes surrounding the camp appear to be continuing to do a brisk trade and customers are sitting at the outside tables, seemingly oblivious to the camp next door.

A media crew film the Melbourne gathering

Two days later and City Square has been emptied and enclosed in fencing.

City Square emptied and enclosed by fencing