The Bridge At San Remo

The Bridge At San Remo

           I have always been fascinated by bridges. For bridges symbolize man's ability to hurdle obstacles that come in the way in his journey through life.  That is, literally and figuratively speaking.  I marvel at short or long, steady bridges which are tangible proofs of man's amazing ingenuity.

            In the movie Bridges of Madison County, I fell in love with Roseman Bridge where housewife Francesca Johnson and photo journalist Robert Kincaid would meet clandestinely.  It is a covered bridge in Iowa that has withstood the test of time.  Roseman Bridge seems forever etched in one corner of my mind.  

             There is another bridge that I always remember.  And this is the Webb Bridge. I chanced upon this bridge while strolling alone along the banks of the Yarra River. It is actually a footbridge used by pedestrians and cyclists in crossing the river.  It has the shape of a Koori eel trap.  Webb Bridge is located near Docklands. 

            Now, there is one other bridge I seem not to forget.  This is the Bridge at San Remo. This bridge is a significant one as it connects the Gippsland area to the world famous Philip Island.  This one-kilometer road bridge serves millions of tourists as well as traders. What used to be a narrow suspension structure erected in 1940 is now a two-lane bridge which pedestrians are also able to cross at the same time. From the top, one can see the towns of San Remo, New Haven and other parts of Philip Island.

             The town of San Remo is a fishing village that is a major supplier of fresh fish to the mainland.  Tourism also is a thriving industry in San Remo.  Apart from viewing the jetty complex near the bridge, tourists flock to the nearby beach to watch Pelicans move swiftly from the shallow portion of the sea to the foreshore.  And a much awaited event is the feeding of these Pelicans which is done on a daily basis.  It is now a major tourist attraction.

               From San Remo, tourists can travel to and enjoy the sandy beaches of the towns of Rhyll, Cowes and New Haven.  There are also powerboats for hire or fishing trips being offered.  At Philip Island, A Maze N Things will really "ämaze" the tourists with optical illusions and puzzles. From there, it is only a short distance to the Nobbies Center where majestic view of the open sea can be appreciated from the boardwalk near the cliff. Seals and seabirds are often seen in the area.

                Now, the icing on the cake is the Penguin Parade which can be viewed at dusk. Why dusk?  After a long day at sea, these penguins return to their homes in the sand dunes early in the evening.  And they do it usually two at a time. Or in single file.  Hence, the tag "Penguin Parade".  The sad part here is that no picture taking is allowed.  Just the same, it never fails to thrill the visitors of Philip Island. And, as some Aussies would say, you haven't been to Australia if you haven't travelled to Philip Island.  I completely agree.  

- Konted

The Bridge at San Remo.  It connects the mainland to the world famous Philip Island.

Sunlight bounces off the waters as promenaders and a dog make their way  through the coastal track

My favorite bench with a good view of the jetty and the bridge

The Bridge at San Remo has a one-km. span and costing more than A$ 3 million

Seagulls huddled together as a boy wanders near the shore

The jetty near the bridge serves as a berthing area for big fishing vessels

The elevated ramp of the jetty complex of San Remo

The wooden part of the jetty where land vehicles can get near the fishing boats

Some fishing vessels are engaged in shark fishing

A trawl that sails to the high seas

Deep sea fishing is their main concern

A large fishing vessel named Sandgroper regularly sails to the open seas

Sandgroper's big bulbs used for night fishing

Seniors spend some time fishing near the bridge

Blue-green water under the jetty.

Special trips on any day anywhere within Philip Island can be arranged

A light but sturdy boat docked at the San Remo Jetty

One reason why Australia is clean

This is strictly enforced

Pelicans rush to the foreshore

Assembling at a particular area and seemingly waiting for something

Maximus playing in the sand

Close up shot of Pelicans

Lady assigned to feed the Pelicans

Feeding time begins

A whole fish goes directly into the mouth of a pelican

Feeding is done on a daily basis

Crowd watches feeding.  It has become a tourist attraction of San Remo

Youngsters jockey for position as feeder holds fish in her hand

A view of a part of Philip Island from the jetty

A threatening look from a Rottweiler

San Remo Hotel located at the town center which is near the bridge

For your fishing needs

Business is good in San Remo

A chocolate factory in New Haven.  New Haven is the 1st town within Philip Island.

There is a retail store that gives free samples

Brand name is Pannys

Pannys offers 190 varieties of chocolates

More chocolates at retail prices

Nicely wrapped chocolates in basket ready for take out

A giant chocolate

Never fails to attract visitors of Philip Island

Coastline of the town of Rhyll at Philip Island

Rhyll's jetty

Ramp for boat passengers

You can wine and dine at The Foreshore resto

Vintage anchor as prop of Tides of Rhyll

View from the resto

For your other needs

A sport fishing boat with two powerful engines

A sleek powerful speed boat

Good for salt water

Boats for hire in Rhylll

A sport fishing boat about to test the waters of Rhylll

Worthwhile government project

To the next town of Cowes

A Maze N Things located in the town of Cowes in Philip Island

An opened faucet seemingly floats in mid air as water flows down to the house and then out through the window

Closer view

Taken from another angle

The biggest backward clock can be seen at A Maze N Things

Many games for the kids to play

To while away the time

A Maze N Things attracts both young and old alike

Area where you play and solve puzzles

Some puzzles are mind-twisting

Child-friendly environment

Maximus leading the way

Just like Forrest Gump sitting on a bench.  Hi, Forrest !!

Way to the Caravan/Cabin park

Safety warning sign

Cabin for rent

Good for one family

Wide, clean and peaceful surroundings

Foreshore of the town of Cowes in Philip Island

The Pier in Cowes

Hotel near the foreshore

4 T-shirts for $ 20

Attractive items at a souvenir shop

Cowes is the principal town of Philip Island

Sports and beach wear for sale

Nice bicycles for sale

Very much in demand at Philip Island

Saying a prayer before meals

There are many restos and bazaars in Cowes

The principal road which is near the foreshore

Anglican Church

Know more about Cowes and the rest of Philip Island at the Museum

A windy day at the foreshore of Cowes

To the Nobbies

Stunning view from the Nobbies Center

Boardwalk that takes you down near the rocky part of the sea

Waiting for seals to appear

The long and winding boardwalk of Nobbies

For a closer view

The Nobbies Center is located at the rocky tip of Philip Island

View from the boardwalk

The Visitors' Center at Nobbies

Welcome to the Penguin Parade

This is strictly enforced

Entrance to the Penguin Parade which starts at dusk

No more camera or video after this point

Painting of Penguins of Philip Island

Webb Bridge is a footbridge for pedestrians and cyclists

It connects the eastern and western portions of the Yarra River

Webb Bridge is shaped like a Koori eel trap

View from the bridge

Really unique

Near Docklands

Irked for the long wait ?

The Roseman Bridge in Iowa (from movie file)

Francesca Johnson tags along as photographer Robert Kincaid takes photos of Roseman Bridge( from movie file)

Built in 1883, Roseman Bridge is one of the covered bridges of Madison County