Waking up in Geelong

Another instalment in my photos from ten years ago series – this time it is August 2011.

Trains

This month ten years ago I went for a trip around the Melbourne suburbs in a restored Diesel Electric Rail Motor operated by DERMPAV

We headed out to Upfield, Alamein and Belgrave, with a lunch stop at the VRI bar on the platform at Lilydale station.

Lilydale station is currently being rebuilt as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project, but the heritage station building is being retained.

In August 2011 electrification of the railway between Watergardens and Sunbury had started.

Along with the upgrade of Diggers Rest station.

Allowing the first electric train to Sunbury running in November 2012.

The South Morang Rail Extension Project was also underway, extending the railway 3.5 kilometres from Epping to South Morang.

Along with duplicating 5 kilometres of existing single track railway between Keon Park and Epping.

Opened in April 2021.

Planes

I paid a visit to the viewing area at Melbourne Airport, and Qantas was still flying 747s.

Virgin Australia was still called Virgin Blue, with red painted planes.

Except for the one 737 that was actually painted blue.

Virgin Blue is now Virgin Australia, with the Coronavirus pandemic seeing them go into voluntary administration, while Qantas retired their 747 fleet.

And on the water

I also headed down the bay to see the Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry.

I’d found out that the older ferry Peninsula Princess had been brought back into service.

So I wanted to go for a ride.

Along the way I found the Port Phillip Sea Pilots headed out the heads.

And a cargo ship following them out.

New roads

Big money was being spent on extending the Geelong Ring Road west from Waurn Ponds.

The new freeway passing the cement works.

To meet the two lane Princes Highway towards Winchelsea.

Opening to motorists in February 2013.

The flood prone Breakwater Bridge over the Barwon River was also being replaced.

A new high level bridge being built over both the river and the railway at a cost of $63 million.

Requiring the demolition of nine houses.

The new bridge opening to traffic in May 2012.

And scenes that are gone

Down at Frankston I found the abandoned Peninsula Centre.

It’s since been redeveloped into an apartment complex.

And the Ambassador Hotel – home of Melbourne’s cheapest apartment.

It was eventually demolished.

Over in Hawthorn I found the Motel California

Since demolished, and about to become apartments.

The Ford casting plant down at Geelong

Demolished following the end of local production by Ford Australia.

And this dirt track off Barwon Heads Road at Connewarre, south of Geelong.

Now part of the massive Warralily Estate at Armstrong Creek.

Footnote

Here you can find the rest of my ‘photos from ten years ago‘ series.

Liked it? Take a second to support Marcus Wong on Patreon!