Tag Archives: australian history

Documentary: Australia in the year 2020 (as envisaged in 1990)

This documentary from the late 80’s/early 90’s Australia offers fascinating insights into what the pre-internet world thought the new century i.e. right now would be like. As a child I remember watching this TV show and pondering about what 202o would be like. It felt like a pipedream to me, as inconceivable as driving a moon rocketContinue reading “Documentary: Australia in the year 2020 (as envisaged in 1990)”

Every Picture Tells A Story: An Elephant in the Tea Room (1939)

At Robur Tea Room in Sydney in 1939, an elephant made a visit and majestically trumpeted in front of photographer Sam Hood and his friends. Thanks to the State Library of New South Wales. Found here.

Every Picture Tells A Story: Cracking Open a Keg on Cockatoo Island, 1925.

Here’s the auspicious launching of the HMAS Warrego II a Cockatoo Island Dockyard in Sydney Harbour circa 1925. Trainspotters here will remember that I did a post a few years ago about the creepy and now largely abandoned Cockatoo Island and it’s industrial relics. Read it here. Well this photo recalls when Cockatoo Island was inContinue reading “Every Picture Tells A Story: Cracking Open a Keg on Cockatoo Island, 1925.”

Every Picture Tells A Story: Nest Of The Lemon-Breasted Flycatcher

Shot by Archibald James Campbell(1853-1929) now a treasure of the National Library of Australia. Beautiful, delicate, a treasure frozen in history that I found here.

What’s Your Favourite Smell? Mine Is Petrichor

So basically, the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) in Australia have invented a truckload of good things. Insect repellent was one – out of necessity in  Australia no doubt. Polymer banknotes was another, and so was WiFi. But probably their most esoteric and weird invention was a word to describe a smell. Petrichor.Continue reading “What’s Your Favourite Smell? Mine Is Petrichor”

Treasures to Love and Adore: Smith Journal

In the magazine publishing world nowadays, it takes a good deal of creativity and originality to be able to stand out and make revenue.  This Australian magazine is built upon solid foundations of authenticity. From cover to cover it’s high quality. What makes it so great is there is a subtle harmony of beautiful designContinue reading “Treasures to Love and Adore: Smith Journal”

Impossibly Beautiful Marine Life in Sydney Harbour – Part 4

So far I have lovingly described a lot of Sydney natives who live under the sea. In our final of the series I look at the Gloomy Octopus and Eastern Blue Devil Fish, two of the most reclusive, mysterious and strangely beautiful residents of Sydney Harbour. I hope that you’ve enjoyed this series on ImpossiblyContinue reading “Impossibly Beautiful Marine Life in Sydney Harbour – Part 4”

Impossibly Beautiful Marine Life in Sydney Harbour – Part 3

As promised, here are more amazing creatures both big and small who call Sydney Harbour home. Although if you are planning on a snorkelling or diving expedition, be aware that most of these creatures will be elusive, shy and unwilling to interact with you. Seahorse Seahorses are gorgeous, mystical and delicate creatures. They have captivatedContinue reading “Impossibly Beautiful Marine Life in Sydney Harbour – Part 3”

The Purgatory of Good and Bad Choices: Vintage Criminal Portraits

These photos of Australian female criminals come from a series taken between 1910 and 1930 by the NSW police. For the benefit of the modern-day reader, a surprising amount of detail remains of the subjects’ stories. Unlike a typical mug shot, these women were allowed or perhaps even encouraged, to compose themselves or position themselves inContinue reading “The Purgatory of Good and Bad Choices: Vintage Criminal Portraits”