Yarra River, Melbourne, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

The Yarra River, originally Berrern, Birr-arrung, Bay-ray-rung, Birarang and Birrarung, is a river in east-central Victoria, Australia. The lower stretches of the river is where the city of Melbourne was established in 1835 and today Greater Melbourne dominates and influences the landscape of its lower reaches. From its source in the Yarra Ranges, it flows 242 km west through the Yarra Valley which opens out into plains as it winds its way through Greater Melbourne before emptying into Hobsons Bay in northernmost Port Phillip.

The river was a major food source and meeting place for indigenous Australians from prehistoric times. Shortly after the arrival of European settlers land clearing forced the remaining Wurundjeri to neighbouring territories and away from the river. Originally called Birrarung by the Wurundjeri, the current name was mistranslated from another Wurundjeri term; Yarra Yarra.

The river was utilised primarily for agriculture by early European settlers. The landscape of the river has changed dramatically since 1835. The course has been progressively disrupted and the river widened in places. The first of many Crossings of the Yarra River to facilitate transport was built in Princes Bridge. Beginning with the Victorian gold rush it was extensively mined, creating the Pound Bend Tunnel in Warrandyte, and the Big and Little Peninsula Tunnels above Warburton . Widening and dams, like the Upper Yarra Reservoir have helped protect Melbourne from major flooding, The catchment's upper reaches are also affected by logging. Industrialisation ultimately led to the destruction of the marshlands at the confluence of the Yarra and Maribyrnong Rivers in the area around Coode Island in West Melbourne.

Today, the mouth and including Swanston and Appleton Docks are used for container shipping by the Port of Melbourne, the busiest on the continent. The city reach which is inaccessible to larger watercraft, has seen increased use for both transport and recreational boating (including kayaking, canoeing, rowing and swimming). In recent years however recreational use of the river is threatened by high levels of pollution in its lower stretches. The upper reaches remain relatively healthy.

The annual Moomba festival celebrates the Yarra River's increasing cultural significance to Melbourne.

Yarra River

The Yarra River

Although Melbourne is situated on the shores of one of the largest bays on the Australian coast, the city's main water feature is the Yarra River. That's because the city grew from the banks of the Yarra and even today the focus for the city is still very much on a one-kilometre section of the river.

Within that one kilometre are some of the great sights and attractions of Melbourne:

Southgate Arts and Leisure Complex
Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Crown Entertainment Complex
Arts Centre
Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre
Melbourne Aquarium
Federation Square
Melbourne Park sports venue
Olympic Park Sports Venue
Birrarung Marr
St Johns Southgate

The nicest feature of the Yarra River is its picturesque walks. Once you get away from the concrete of Southgate and walk east down through King's Domain, you can walk for kilometres along the banks of the river without any sense of being in a great city. That's because the city planners have allowed for parklands either side of the roads that skirt around the river, including the Royal Botanic Gardens.

A great web resource for information on the Yarra River is Victoria Parks

Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Tasmania, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

Walls of Jerusalem National Park
The Walls of Jerusalem National Park will mesmerise you with its contrasts - the drama of its Jurassic peaks, the rich textures of its conifer forests, the delicacy of its cushion plants and the stillness of its tarns and lakes.

You must be a bushwalker to enjoy this park, as a four-hour walk is the only way in. During summer, when the days are long, you may be able to walk in and out on the same day, provided the weather is good, but it would be a shame not to stay longer and bask in the splendour.
Key Attractions of Walls of Jerusalem National Park

The names of the park's natural features say it all: Herods Gate, Lake Salome, Solomons Jewels, Damascus Gate, the Pool of Bathesda…Beside them, Dixons Kingdom - the name of a ramshackle hut built by a grazier and his son in the 1950s - seems both a quaint anomaly and a homage.

The most impressive feature is the huge chamber created by the West Wall, Mount Ophel, Zion Hill and the Temple. Dixon's Kingdom, just beyond, is near a pencil pine forest dotted with glades that are popular with campers. If you walk from here to the summit of Mt Jerusalem you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of a section of Tasmania's Central Plateau called the Land of Three Thousand Lakes, a collage of glittering lakes and tarns.

The 51,000-hectare (126,024-acre) park abuts Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park and forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Bushwalkers often set up camp for a couple of days and take day walks or go cross-country skiing. The weather is unpredictable at any time of year and you must be fully prepared for extremes at all times.
Walk in Walls of Jerusalem National Park

Walls of Jerusalem (eight hours)

Walls of Jerusalem National Park Accommodation

Although the number of visitors to the park is low by the standards of other Tasmanian national parks, the fragile ecology of the area is constantly under threat. There are no defined campgrounds or facilities, and you must carry out all your waste. Fire is a constant hazard due to the vulnerability of the flora, and as a result, only fuel stoves are permitted.
What is Near Walls of Jerusalem National Park

There is little close by of real interest. Even the drive to the car park at the start of the walk is unimpressive. However, on your way to the Lake Rowallan turnoff, you do travel through Mole Creek Karst National Park, which has a number of impressive caves that are open for inspection.
How to Get to Walls of Jerusalem National Park

To get to the car park, take the C138 from Mole Creek Kast National Park and the Mersey Forest Road (C171) past Lake Rowallan to the sign-posted turn-off to the Walls. The car park is a half-hour walk from the park boundary and a two-hour walk from Herods Gate, which is the entrance to the scenic plateau.
Related Links

National parks and reserves
Preparing to walk in the outdoors
Park entry fees

Parks and Wildlife Information

Phone: (03) 6363 5133
Fax: (03) 6363 5122

Walls of Jerusalem Icon

The Walls of Jerusalem National Park forms a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. As the park is remote and not accessible via road, the Walls retains its wilderness character. There are no facilities for casual visitors, while bushwalkers are required to be well-equipped and experienced in the often harsh Tasmanian conditions. As with all natural areas, it is important that bushwalkers follow "Leave no Trace" guidelines. See "Before you Walk - Tasmania's Essential Bushwalking Guide and Trip Planner".

The region is an alpine wilderness dominated by dolerite peaks, highland tarns and lakes and alpine vegetation. The Walls of Jerusalem National Park is very exposed to the extremes of Tasmania's changeable weather

The Walls of Jerusalem National Park is an alpine wilderness dominated by dolerite peaks, tarns, lakes and alpine vegetation. It forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and is exposed to the extremes of Tasmania’s changeable weather. This remote park is not accessible by road, and there are no facilities for shortstop visitors. Bushwalkers should be experienced and well equipped for alpine conditions.
Highlights

Stands of pure pencil pine forest and alpine vegetation are set high on a plateau of dolerite peaks and glacial moraines, tarns and lakes.
Getting there

The boundary of the Walls of Jerusalem National Park is 1km from the road end carpark. Bushwalkers must walk into the park from this carpark located off the gravel Mersey Forest Road near Lake Rowallan. The carpark is reached from Deloraine by following the B12 through Mole Creek and taking Mersey Forest Road (C138 then C171) to Lake Rowallan. A gravel road on the left just after the Fish River leads to the car park. There is no public transport to this area.

The park boundary is reached after 30 minutes walking following the track uphill through forest. The track can be wet underfoot.

Drive carefully between sunset and sunrise as you will be sharing the road with wildlife.
National Parks fees apply. National Park Passes can be purchased from Visitor Centres in the larger national parks and Service Tasmania Shops. For the full range of passes including Annual and Two Yearly visit any Service Tasmanian Shop (the closest are Sheffield or Deloraine) or a National Park Visitor Centre.
Walks

This park offers many opportunities for experienced bushwalkers and cross-country skiers to explore.

The walking track from the carpark at Lake Rowallan climbs through tall open sclerophyll forest before entering the alpine region of the park at Herods Gate, just beyond the camping area at Wild Dog Creek. The boardwalk and hardened track continues to Dixons Kingdom and Mt Jerusalem (1459 m). Beyond Mt Jerusalem walkers need to be confident in navigation as tracks and pads soon become indistinct.

The wild weather characteristic of the ‘Walls’ is as much part of experiencing the region as the landscape. As visibility can be reduced to zero, it is important that all walking parties carry a map and compass and be able to

Walls of Jerusalem

NATIONAL PARK

VISITINGWild Dog Ck camping areaFranklin-GordonWild RiversNational ParkHobartLauncestonTASMANIAMole Creek Karst National ParkLakeRowallanLakeSt ClairFishRiverWalls of JerusalemNational ParkCradle Mountain-Lake St ClairNational ParkMt JersalemN010kilometresDeloraineRowallanMoleCreek3738/05B12A5C171C138

Walks
Time
Lake Rowallan car park to Trappers Hut
1.5 to 2 hrs
Trappers Hut to Wild Dog Creek camping area
1 to 2 hrs
Wild Dog Creek camping area to Solomons Throne
3 hrs return
Wild Dog Creek camping area to Dixons Kingdom
3.5 hrs return
Dixons Kingdom to Mt Jerusalem
2 to 2.5 hrs return

Above times do not include rest stops. The track climbs steeply until just beyond Trappers Hut and estimated times may vary depending on fitness of party members.
Department of Environment, Parks, Heritage and the Arts
Internet: www.parks.tas.gov.au

April 2009 © State of Tasmania
use them Walkers should note that magnetic mineral deposits in the region may affect compass readings.

Extended walks should only be attempted by those with extensive bushwalking experience and a high degree of fitness.

Facilities
There are no facilities within the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. All persons entering the park must be self-sufficient. Bushwalkers will need to carry a tent. There are camping platforms and a toilet at Wild Dog Creek near Herod’s Gate. This is an ideal location to camp and from which to venture out on day walks. Huts within the park are in poor condition and have historical significance and are suitable for emergency shelter only. This park is a fuel stove only area.

What to bring
Walkers should not venture into the park without careful preparation and suitable equipment. Tents, warm sleeping bags, sturdy boots, gaiters, and a good map and compass are essential. Warm and waterproof clothing must be carried in all seasons. In summer, wear a hat and use sunscreen.

Before You Walk - Tasmania’s Essential Bushwalking Guide & Trip Planner will provide information on the equipment that walkers should take when contemplating an overnight walk in the park. Let someone know your plans before setting off and register at the start of the track.

Caring for the park

This region is extremely sensitive to fire - much of the vegetation type found in this area has been destroyed by fire in other parts of Tasmania - use fuel stoves only. Open fires are prohibited and fines can be imposed for lighting them.
The plant root disease Phytophthora sp. is a danger to the vegetation in the park. All boots, tent pegs and other equipment should be thoroughly cleaned of soil before entering this region.

The alpine environment is very fragile and therefore it is important that bushwalkers follow minimal impact guidelines.

The weather in this alpine park is very changeable. Check weather conditions before leaving on a walk, and always be prepared for the possibility of rain, snow and cold temperatures at any time of year. Up to date weather forecasts are available from the Bureau of Meteorology on 1300 659 216 or on the internet at www.bom.gov.au.

View from Kings Park, Perth, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

Kings Park Perth
Kings Park Perth Botanic Gardens

Kings Park overlooking the Perth CBD and Swan River is one of Perth's popular tourist and local visitor destinations. Kings Park plants are mostly native Western Australian bush land and trees. The main entrance from Kings Park Road has great cultivated botanic gardens. I think of my ancestors who died in the defence of Australia when I see there are many war memorials in Kings Park, the largest where the ANZAC dawn service is held on the edge of Kings Park overlooking Perth.

Through September, the spring, Kings Park Wildflower Festival is a must see for green plants, and some of the best Western Australian wildflower tours.

The Perth ANZAC Day dawn service is held at the main war memorial in Kings Park.

The view from Kings Park of Perth traffic jams give me a great feeling of peace and escape for relaxation at one of Perth's best and largest parks, thanks to the vision of 1800's Perth city planners.

I'd rather wait in Kings Park than be in a Perth traffic jam.

View of South Perth from Kings Park

As a young boy I walked daily through Kings Park from Subiaco Primary School to Mount Street Perth where we lived. Now in the middle of Kings Park is a tall viewing tower with great views of the Perth CBD / Swan River to the east and a great recreational park with lakes and child play areas to the west.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR KINGS PARK

Search for accommodation near Kings Park and book online.

Cycling is a good way to see Kings Park. Don't forget your camera for great photos of Kings Park and Perth views below.

Photo from Kings Park viewing tower. Just left are gardens with a waterfall, fountains and stream
Kings Park Night

The night views of the lights of the city of Perth reflected from the Swan River is worth a special visit. As like nearby the Western Australian Parliament building, trees in Kings Park are lit to show off their unique Australian trunk, branch and leaf features.

Victoria's Shipwreck Coast, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

The Shipwreck Coast of Victoria, Australia stretches from Moonlight Head to Cape Otway, a distance of approximately 130km. This coastline is accessible via the Great Ocean Road, and is home to the limestone formations called The Twelve Apostles.

Explorer Matthew Flinders said of the Shipwreck Coast, "I have seldom seen a more fearful section of coastline."

During the 19th century Bass Strait was a major shipping channel for supply ships and those carrying convicts or immigrants to the colonies of Victoria and New South Wales. Unfortunately this rugged and inhospitable coast, with its thick fogs, rough seas, and lack of lighthouses, made it difficult and dangerous to traverse, and claimed a great many ships. The most famous of these was the Loch Ard, for which the Loch Ard Gorge is named.

There are approximately 638 known shipwrecks along Victoria’s coast,although only around 240 of them have been discovered. The Historic Shipwreck Trail along the Shipwreck Coast and the Discovery Coast shows some of the sites where gales, human error and, in some cases, foul play caused these vessels to be wrecked

Victoria's Most Spectacular Coast!

Spectacular coastal scenery, superb dining and accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, plus a wealth of natural and man-made attractions. Victoria's Shipwreck Coast is the perfect destination for a holiday, weekend getaway or day trip.

The Coast regularly proves its ever-changing nature -- on July 3rd, tourists at the world-famous 12 Apostles watched in amazement as one of the huge offshore rock stacks collapsed into the sea. Surprises are many on the Shipwreck coast!

Learn about the often tragic history of past seafaring days, find a bargain or antique treasure in the markets and shops, enjoy a game of golf, bowls or tennis, match wits with the local fish, or just relax and unwind with a stroll along a beautiful beach or through nearby bushland.

Visit during one of the world-class events or festivals for fantastic fun and entertainment, or marvel as newborn whales frolic just offshore at one of the most accessible whale nurseries in the world.

Browse this site for a glimpse of some of the Coast's favourite attractions and events, and plan to visit Victoria's most spectacular coastline for your next holiday or weekend away!

the beautiful coastline along south-western Victoria often appears as a slice of heaven on Earth, but when things turn rough that same area can turn nasty and for mariners - hellish.

There are 700 ships believed to have been wrecked along the Victorian coast, but fewer than a third of them have been discovered.

Tourists travelling down the Great Ocean Road towards Port Campbell can follow the Historic Shipwreck Trail that signposts 25 of the best-known wrecks.

Perhaps the most famous is that of the Loch Ard, an iron-hulled clipper ship that was lost in 1878 while sailing from England to Melbourne.

Voyaging along the southern Australian coast the Loch Ard was caught in continuous fogs that left her captain mistakenly thinking he was some 50 miles out from the treacherous rocks and cliffs.

Instead the Loch Ard was dangerously close to land and on 1 June struck Mutton Bird Island to the east of Port Campbell. Frantic efforts to save the 1700-tonne ship failed and she was dashed on to rocks.

Only two people from the 54 passengers and crew survived. A cabin boy called Tom Pearce helped save a young woman Eva Carmichael, who had been washed on wreckage into the cove now known as Loch Ard Gorge. After they spent the night in a cave Pearce climbed the gorge's cliffs and eventually found help.

Loch Ard Gorge is one of the places to visit in the Port Campbell area and in summertime you absolutely have to pack a picnic basket and spend the day there. It really is one of those sensational spots where you can relax, have a swim or muck about on the beach.

To the east of the gorge are the famous limestone towers of The Twelve Apostles that stand up to 45 metres from the pounding waves of the Great Southern Ocean.

These magnificent structures are formed over thousands of years as the churning seas undermine the soft limestone around them and when that collapses leaves the formation standing out from the cliffs.
Loch Ard Gorge and Shipwreck Coast

The 12 Apostles
(image: TikiTouring.co.nz)

The Twelve Apostles are must-sees and it doesn't really matter if you are traveling in summer or winter, you'll be in for a treat.

Blustery, wintry conditions means rugging up warmly and seeing the power of the Great Southern Ocean as it crashes into Australia. The lighting is terrific in the colder months as the often storm-black skies form the perfect backdrop for a setting sun on the landscape.

In warm weather you can sit for hours and just marvel at nature's beauty and the fabulous colours of the seas and the rocks themselves.

In the 20+ years that I've been travelling down to the area there has been a lot of tourist development and not always for the better.

Once you'd park your car near the cliffs and be one of only a handful of visitors enjoying the view. Now you park across the road near a tourist centre and then trudge with hundreds of others through a tunnel under the Great Ocean Road to the wooden walkways and viewing platforms.

It has to be said the platforms are good - and do save the area from being trampled - but the masses of people are not such fun. And to me the feeling of enjoying something wild and beautiful has been diminished by conservation and so-called progress.

Now if you want to get down on to the shoreline near The Apostles then head for Gibson Steps, which are to the east and signposted from the road. Gibson Steps are fairly steep and can be a bit slippery, but once you are down on the sands then you get a real appreciation of how two of The Apostles look close up and in heavy weather the crashing waves are spectacular.

If you've been driving for a while and the kids are a bit cranky then half an hour by the waves will do them - and you - the world of good. Watch out for the tide though as you wouldn't want to be caught down there.

As mentioned Port Campbell is in the centre of National Park area and is a good place to base yourself.

It isn't cheap though and you do need to watch where you are staying. Budget motel accommodation will still knock you back around $140 - and that is for a grotty two-room place with no heating and a missing smoke detector. I should know - I forked out for it.
Loch Ard Gorge and Shipwreck Coast

London Bridge
(image: TikiTouring.co.nz)

Mind you, no matter the price of a bed, there is always excellent value to be had at the Port Campbell pub. The counter meals are big and are very good value. The open fire and friendly attitude of the staff make this a top spot for couples to have a wonderful night out.

West of Port Campbell is the Bay of Islands National Park and Peterborough, another potential base for zipping around the area.

There are some wonderful sights in this part of the coast, including The Arch, London Bridge (sometimes called London Arch), The Grotto and the Bay of Islands.

All are worth looking at although London Bridge, for mine, is always stunning. It got its name from looking very much like the famous span in Britain's capital, but in 1990 one of the arches gave way and sent thousands of tonnes of rock crashing into the seas.

Having walked out on to the end of London Bridge many times in the 1980s I can imagine the terror of the two tourists who were stranded by the collapse. I would not fancy hearing the fall of rock and then watching from the middle of the remaining arch as water - higher than the height of the rock you are on - rushed away.

I think the Port Campbell National Park and its surrounds has to be my favourite part of Victoria and the scenery, together with an excellent meal at the Port Campbell pub, are highlights of weekends down in the south-west of the state.

And don't forget that an easy drive down the road from the Port Campbell area will get you to Warrnambool and the chance to watch some whales. You shouldn't visit Victoria and not take a tour or drive down to this spectacular part of Australia - it will almost certainly be one of the highlights of your journey.

Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is the location of a world-renowned sandstone monolith, which stands 348 meters in height and bears various inscriptions made by ancestral indigenous peoples, located in Northern Territory of Australia. It is located 1431 kilometres south of Darwin by road and 440 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs along the Stuart and Lasseter Highways. The park covers 2010 square kilometres and includes the features it is named after - Uluru / Ayers Rock and, 40 kilometres to its west, Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga and is serviced by flights from most Australian capital cities. The location is listed with UNESCO World Heritage cites.

Kata Tjuta, sometimes written Tjuṯa (Kata Joota), and also known as Mount Olga (or colloquially as The Olgas), are a group of large domed rock formations or bornhardts located about 365 km (227 mi) southwest of Alice Springs, in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. Uluru, 25 km (16 mi) to the east, and Kata Tjuta form the two major landmarks within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

The 36 domes that make up Kata Tjuta cover an area of 21.68 km2 (8.37 sq mi), are composed of conglomerate, a sedimentary rock consisting of cobbles and boulders of varying rock types including granite and basalt, cemented by a matrix of sandstone.

The highest point, Mount Olga, is 1,066 m (3,497 ft) above sea level, or approximately 546 m (1,791 ft) above the surrounding plain (198 m (650 ft) higher than Uluru).[1] Kata Tjuta is located at the eastern end of the Docker River Road.

This land was created by our creation ancestors. In their travels they left marks in the land and made laws for us to keep and live by. Generations of Anangu have actively managed this ancient land using traditional practices and knowledge passed down through Tjukurpa - the foundation of all Anangu knowledge. This land continues to hold powerful religious and cultural connections today.

Our land is now world famous for its exceptional natural beauty. The spectacular rock formations and surrounding sand plains provide rare habitats for an incredible variety of plants and animals.

This is a place of remarkable beauty and unique cultural value which has led to the park being recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

We invite you to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with your hearts and minds open to learn more about our land, beliefs and culture.

The immense rock formation of Uluru and rock domes of Kata Tjuta are remarkable geological and landform features set on a sand plain. They have special significance to the Anangu people as their Tjurkurpa (traditional law).

Uluru is a huge, rounded, red sandstone monolith 9.4 kilometres in circumference rising to over 340 metres above the plain. Rock art in the caves around its base are further evidence of the enduring cultural traditions of Anangu.

About 32 kilometres to the west of Uluru lie the 36 steep-sided domes of Kata Tjuta. The domes cover an area of 3500 hectares with Mount Olga, the highest feature, rising to a height of 500 metres. This area is sacred under Anangu men's law and, as such, detailed knowledge of it is restricted.

The first European to sight Uluru was the explorer William Gosse in 1873 who named it Ayers Rock. The year before, Ernest Giles had named Kata Tjuta the Olgas, after Queen Olga of Wertemberg.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was inscribed on the World Heritage List in two stages, initially for its outstanding universal natural values in 1987 and then for its outstanding universal cultural values in 1994.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was one of 15 World Heritage places included in the National Heritage List on 21 May 2007.

The Kangaroo Hop, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

A kangaroo (/ˌkæŋɡəˈruː/) is a marsupial from the family Macropodidae (macropods, meaning 'large foot'). In common use the term is used to describe the largest species from this family, especially those of the genus Macropus, red kangaroo, antilopine kangaroo, eastern grey kangaroo and western grey kangaroo. Kangaroos are endemic to the country of Australia. The smaller macropods are found in Australia and New Guinea.

Kangaroos have large, powerful hind legs, large feet adapted for leaping, a long muscular tail for balance, and a small head. Like most marsupials, female kangaroos have a pouch called a marsupium in which joeys complete postnatal development.

Larger kangaroos have adapted much better to changes brought to the Australian landscape by humans and though many of their smaller cousins are endangered, they are plentiful. They are not farmed to any extent, but wild kangaroos are shot for meat, leather hides, sport, and to protect grazing land for sheep and cattle. Although there is some controversy, harvesting kangaroo meat has many environmental and health benefits over traditional meats.

The kangaroo is a national symbol of Australia: its emblem is used on the Australian coat of arms,on some of its currency,as well as by some of Australia's well known organisations, including Qantas. The kangaroo is important to both Australian culture and the national image and consequently there are numerous popular culture references.

Taking Joey Home, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

eorge Eugene Palmer (1859-1910) cricketer, was born on 13 February 1859 at Mulwala, New South Wales, eldest child of David Bernard Palmer, poundkeeper, and his wife Mary, née Barry. Educated at Macgregor's school in Emerald Hill, Melbourne, he joined the 'Young Victoria' cricket club and through his bowling skill was invited to play with the South Melbourne club.

In December 1878 Palmer played for the Victorian 15 against the Australian 11 and against Lord Harris's English 11, taking 4 wickets for 72. In the same season when the Victorian 11 played Harris's team he took 6 for 64 off 34 overs and 3 for 30 off 20 overs. His reputation made, he toured England with the 1880 Australian side and in eleven-a-side games he took 80 wickets at an average of 11, second only to Spofforth. In the 1882 tour he took 138 averaging 12, 132 at 16 in 1884 and 106 at 22 in 1886. In first-class cricket he took 591 wickets at 17, including 78 in Test matches at 21, with best performances 7 for 68 at Sydney in 1882 and 7 for 65 at Melbourne in 1883. With a smooth action he bowled medium-paced off and leg cutters. Later his batting improved and in the 1886 tour he scored over 1000 runs. For Victoria he took 103 wickets at 17, and scored 558 runs averaging 21 with a top score of 77. He was one of the best Australian cricketers of the 1880s.

Popular with his team-mates and known as 'Joey', Palmer had a keen sense of humour and was well known for his practical jokes. He called W. G. Grace 'Fantail'. A knee injury in 1887 cut his active career short and he went to Launceston as coach and ground caretaker. On the death of his wife Lucinda, a sister of J. M. Blackham, he returned to Victoria where he died of pneumonia at Benalla on 22 August 1910.

Sydney Reflections, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

The Sydney Opera House, Sydney

The Sydney Opera House has become, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney's best-known landmark and international symbol.

The base for the building was started in 1959 - years before the designs were finished. It took four years to design by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and by 1962 the designs were finalized and construction began. In total it took 14 years to build and was officially opened on the 20th of October 1973 by Queen Elizabeth II.

Utzon's radical 'sails' design stretched engineering knowledge to the limit and imposed some unfortunate limitations on its functions, largely because the government insisted it house four halls, not two as he had planned originally. It cannot, for instance, house a grand opera because its opera stage is too small.

The Sydney Opera House is nonetheless a fascinating building and heart of the city's cultural scene. It opened with a concert hall, an opera theatre, a drama theatre and a recital hall, as well as restaurants and bars. A fifth theatre was added within the structure in 1998.

Nearby Accommodation - There are a few hotels which have unequalled views of the Sydney Opera House. Hotels like the Park Hyatt, which is situated right on the harbour's edge. Others include the Quay Grand Suites Sydney, Shangri-La Hotel Sydney and The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.

The Sydney Opera House cost some $160 million to build and was paid for by the public who bought $10 tickets in a series of lotteries with a first prize of $1 million. Utzon became involved in a massive political row with the government and left before the building was finished.

In the year to June 1998 it attracted more than 1.4 million patrons. The Sydney Opera House conducts regular tours of the building daily, and walking paths lead back towards the city centre through the Botanic Gardens.

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Plan Your Visit
Sydney Opera House
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SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

The Sydney Opera House is located at Bennelong Point, Sydney 2000.
Theatres

Opera Australia regularly performs in two venues at the Sydney Opera House

Opera performances are presented in the Opera Theatre. View seating map

Concerts are presented in the Concert Hall. View seating map


Getting There

The Sydney Opera House has great public transport options: take the bus, train or ferry to Circular Quay and it's just a 5 minute walk. Visit the Transport Infoline for timetable and fare information. If you do want to drive, Wilson's Sydney Opera House Car Park is located at the northern end of Macquarie Street with vehicular access adjacent to the Forecourt. Opera Australia subscribers are offered a discounted parking rate. Being a public car park, spaces may not always be available, and please note that the car park closes at 1am.
Restaurants and bars

There are loads of high quality venues around Circular Quay and at the Opera House. For views of the Sydney Opera House itself, the nearby Aria restaurant is a great choice, offering a sophisticated and relaxed setting to start your evening. Opera Australia Subscribers enjoy special offers at Aria, as well as at the iconic Sir Stamford, Circular Quay, in Macquarie Street.

If you really want to make a night of it, book a table at Sydney Opera House's flagship restaurant, Guillaume at Bennelong, run by Sydney chef Guillaume Brahimi.

Opera Kitchen brings together some of Sydney's best known names in a casual al fresco setting - sushi and sashimi at Kenji, Vietnamese at Misschu, Cloudy Bay Fish Co., Charlie & Co. Burgers and Bécasse Bakery. Or visit the famous Opera Bar for a drink and some delicious Australian cuisine: there's a pre-theatre menu served from 5pm.

Inside the Box Office foyer there's Bistro Mozart (also run by Guillaume Brahimi) which serves superb meals prior to performances. Plus the Theatre Bars, located in the Northern and Southern foyers of the Sydney Opera House, showcase unrivalled views of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Farm Cove as well as the harbour. Pre-order your drinks on arrival for the interval so you can avoid the queues. Both Theatre Bars offer spacious indoor and outdoor areas.

Sydney Opera House, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

Sydney Opera House in NSW

General

Status Complete

Type                    Arts complex
Architectural style Expressionist
Location               Bennelong Point, Sydney
Country                Australia
Elevation              4 m (13 ft)

Current tenants

Opera Australia
The Australian Ballet
Sydney Theatre Company
Sydney Symphony Orchestra
(+ others)

Construction started 2 March 1959
Completed 1973
Opening 20 October 1973; 38 years ago
Cost A$102 million, equivalent to ~A$922 million in 2011
Height 65 m (213 ft)

Technical details

Structural system Concrete frame & precast concrete ribbed roof
Other dimensions length 183 m (600 ft)
width 120 m (394 ft)
area 1.8 ha (4.4 acres)

Design and construction

Client NSW Government
Owner NSW Government
Architect Jørn Utzon
Structural engineer Ove Arup & Partners
Main contractor Civil & Civic (level 1), M.R. Hornibrook (level 2 and 3 and interior)

Other information


Seating capacity

Concert Hall 2,679
Opera Theatre 1,507
Drama Theatre 544
Playhouse 398
The Studio 400
Utzon Room 210
Total 5,738



The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was conceived and largely built by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, opening in 1973 after a long gestation that had begun with his competition-winning design in 1957.

Utzon received the Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honour, in 2003.The Pritzker Prize citation stated:

There is no doubt that the Sydney Opera House is his masterpiece. It is one of the great iconic buildings of the 20th century, an image of great beauty that has become known throughout the world – a symbol for not only a city, but a whole country and continent.

The Sydney Opera House was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 28 June 2007. It is one of the 20th century's most distinctive buildings and one of the most famous performing arts centres in the world.

The Sydney Opera House is on Bennelong Point in Sydney Harbour, close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It sits at the northeastern tip of the Sydney central business district (the CBD), surrounded on three sides by the harbour (Sydney Cove and Farm Cove) and inland by the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Contrary to its name, the building houses multiple performance venues. The Sydney Opera House is among the busiest performing arts centres in the world, hosting over 1,500 performances each year attended by some 1.2 million people. It provides a venue for many performing-arts companies, including the four key resident companies Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, the Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and presents a wide range of productions on its own account. It is also one of the most popular visitor attractions in Australia, with more than seven million people visiting the site each year, 300,000 of whom take a guided tour.

The Sydney Opera House is administered by the Sydney Opera House Trust, under the New South Wales Ministry of the Arts.

Sydney Harbor at Dusk, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

Sydney, the most populous city in Australia is located on Australia's south-east coast to the Tasman Sea, a south-western part of the South Pacific Ocean. Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales, it has a metropolitan area population of about 4.2 million inhabitants. According to GaWC, Sydney is ranked as an Alpha World City +, and it is #8 in National Geographic's 2010 Top 10 List of Beach Cities.

Just zoom in (+) to see the Sydney Opera House (located at Sydney Harbor), one of the world's most distinctive buildings of the 20th century and Sydney's most famous landmark. The Opera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 28 June 2007.

The Map shows a city map of Sydney with expressways, main roads and streets; zoom out to find the location of Sydney Airport (IATA Code: SYD) located in the suburb of Mascot south of the city.

White sandy beaches, turquoise waters and the crashing waves sounds like an idyllic vacation to most people. But for me it sounds like a day of boredom that will surely result in a sunburn. Call me negative, but beaches just never live up to their expectations, the lifeguards are never as attractive as Baywatch, the drinks never cheap or cold, and the water is salty. But Australia changed all of that, I have a new respect for beaches and I’m convinced that the Aussie beach culture could turn anyone into a beach bum.

Disclaimer: I didn’t actually spend time sunning myself in the sand, drinking a cold drink with a little umbrella and oggling at the backpackers flocking to Aussie’s claim to fame: Bondi Beach. But I did make my way from Bondi to Coogee on the Coastal Walk and it was gorgeous!

The activity surrounding the beaches in Sydney is enough to keep even the most high energy person you know on their toes. There’s shopping to be done, restaurant menus to sample, surfers to keep an eye on and some of the best people watching anywhere in the world. Bondi is particularly popular with the backpacker set, but don’t stop there, make this your starting point for the Coastal Walk.

Just past Bondi beach you will find the much quieter Tamarama Beach. The noise level comes down a few notches, much of the commercial traffic falls off at this point and the setting within a small cove makes for great scenery, but not great swimming. Reportedly this is one of Sydney’s most dangerous beaches for it’s rips. This is a great place for a picnic or to continue your people watching, but don’t stop here…


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Sun Kissed Sydney
Published: Monday April 9th, 2012
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White sandy beaches, turquoise waters and the crashing waves sounds like an idyllic vacation to most people. But for me it sounds like a day of boredom that will surely result in a sunburn. Call me negative, but beaches just never live up to their expectations, the lifeguards are never as attractive as Baywatch, the drinks never cheap or cold, and the water is salty. But Australia changed all of that, I have a new respect for beaches and I’m convinced that the Aussie beach culture could turn anyone into a beach bum.

Bondi Beach in Sydney, it's crowded for a reason!

Disclaimer: I didn’t actually spend time sunning myself in the sand, drinking a cold drink with a little umbrella and oggling at the backpackers flocking to Aussie’s claim to fame: Bondi Beach. But I did make my way from Bondi to Coogee on the Coastal Walk and it was gorgeous!

The activity surrounding the beaches in Sydney is enough to keep even the most high energy person you know on their toes. There’s shopping to be done, restaurant menus to sample, surfers to keep an eye on and some of the best people watching anywhere in the world. Bondi is particularly popular with the backpacker set, but don’t stop there, make this your starting point for the Coastal Walk.

Tamarama Beach along the coastal walk.

Just past Bondi beach you will find the much quieter Tamarama Beach. The noise level comes down a few notches, much of the commercial traffic falls off at this point and the setting within a small cove makes for great scenery, but not great swimming. Reportedly this is one of Sydney’s most dangerous beaches for it’s rips. This is a great place for a picnic or to continue your people watching, but don’t stop here…

The views between the beaches are arguably better than the beaches, says the non-beach person. But, how can you argue with this view? The rugged coastline of Australia’s eastern seaboard is stunning and rivaled only by similar views in Big Sur, California for me. The rocky clifftop allows the perfect vantage point for miles around, but don’t stop here. Make you way on to Bronte Beach and Clovelly Beach…

The rock formations along the way just add to the coastal views and urge you further down the path. Along the way you will pass Bronte Beach, which is a popular beach on Nelson Bay in the Sydney ‘burbs. The beach is high on surfers’ lists despite the rough surf and popular with swimmers due to the rock pool at the southern end of the beach, which is one of the best known in Sydney.

Just after Bronte Beach you will find yourself in Clovelly, another small beach-side suburb. Clovelly Beach is favored among locals for swimming and is home to one of the first life-saving clubs in the world founded in 1906, so you can swim knowing you’re in good hands.

You have almost finished your beach bum conversion, just a short, but slow and slightly steep walk up a hill you reach the headland of Coogee Beach and the end of the Coastal walk. Coogee is the next biggest and busiest beach after Bondi, but it’s a bit more chill with less people competing for towel space. Enjoy the sun and take a dip in the cool waters, you deserve it after your trek.

By the time you have finished your mini-version of the coastal walk you will have taken in nearly 8 kilometers of Australia’s extraordinary coastline. You will have also likely gotten quite a bit of sun and hopefully converted to a beach lover, not hater. So, reward yourself with a cold beverage to end the day at Coogee Beach Hotel. It’s as easy as that, if you follow the coastal walk it will be hard not to become a beach bum convert like me!

WHEN YOU GO:

Make a day of it! Plan to start early, pack a picnic (to save money!) or plan on grabbing a bite to eat at one of the great, but overpriced, cafes along the way.
Wear sunscreen. I know you want to come home with a nice tan to show off to your friends, but wear at least SPF 30 if you don’t want to look like a lobster.
Avoid weekends and holidays. If possible try to avoid the busiest beach times by not coming during the weekend or holidays. We were there just after New Year’s and it was a circus!

To see more pictures of the gorgeous Sydney just click here and if you’re planning a trip Down Under anytime soon be sure to check out our Australia travel guide

Sun-Kissed Sydney, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

SUN-KISSED. Australia Day Party. Cruise Bar Sydney Harbour

We had so much fun at the second annual sold out Get Together on NYD at Cruise Bar that we’re throwing an intimate, private party this Australia Day, taking over the top level of Cruise.

This is an exclusive event in the sunshine on the Australia Day public holiday on the Cruise Bar rooftop. It’s called Sun-kissed, and will kick off at 1pm taking you through to sunset, and the early hours of the eve, overlooking Sydney Harbour for the best view in the country of all the Australia Day action.

Perched on our exclusive sun deck, 3 levels above the water staring directly at the Opera House, the rooftop of Cruise Bar is the only place to celebrate the most patriotic day of the year.

Join Fag Tag and Bitch in this private party for 250 of your new best friends as we celebrate everything we love about Australia – sunshine, Sydney, public holidays and rocking tunes.


DJs Kate Monroe, Chip, and Darren Mason will be pulling out some of their Summer favourite tunes, and live act La Fiesta Sound System with the 4 piece LIVE P.A, featuring vocalists, percussion, sax, and Dj, will be making this the most memorable Australia Day you’ve had in years.

Get Together on NYD was a blast ! - check out photos here: http://bit.ly/GTpix12 - that the only way to say thanks is to get the crew back together to celebrate Australia Day in true style at Sunkissed.

Due to the limited number of tickets for friends and members only, we expect this private event to sell out quickly. So hurry to Moshtix to reserve your spot at the best position in the country this Australia Day. Tickets are just $25 First Release, $30 second release.. and available here now:

Scarlet Night, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

Sydney Opera House
Photograph of the Sydney Opera House from Sydney Harbour.

Sydney Opera House from the harbour. Photograph courtesy of Andrew Watt.

Sydney Opera House must be one of the most recognisable images of the modern world - up there with the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building - and one of the most photographed.

Not only is it recognisable, it has come to represent 'Australia'.

Although only having been open since 1973, it is as representative of Australia as the pyramids are of Egypt and the Colosseum of Rome.

The Opera House is situated on Bennelong Point, which reaches out into the harbour. The skyline of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the blue water of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House, viewed from a ferry or from the air, is dramatic and unforgettable.

Ironic, perhaps, that this Australian icon - the Opera House with a roof evocative of a ship at full sail - was designed by renowned Danish architect - Jorn Utzon (1918–2008).

In the late 1950s the New South Wales (NSW) Government established an appeal fund to finance the construction of the Sydney Opera House, and conducted a competition for its design.

Utzon's design was chosen. The irony was that his design was, arguably, beyond the capabilities of engineering of the time. Utzon spent a couple of years reworking the design and it was 1961 before he had solved the problem of how to build the distinguishing feature - the 'sails' of the roof.

The venture experienced cost blow-outs and there were occasions when the NSW Government was tempted to call a halt. In 1966 the situation - with arguments about cost and the interior design, and the Government withholding progress payments - reached crisis point and Jorn Utzon resigned from the project. The building was eventually completed by others in 1973. After more than 30 years, the Sydney Opera House has its first interior designed by Utzon. The Utzon Room, a transformed reception hall that brings to life Jorn Utzon's original vision for his masterpiece, was officially opened on September 16 2004.

The Sydney Opera House was included in the National Heritage List in 2005, and inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2007.
Sydney Opera House facts and figures

The Sydney Opera house:

Was designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon
Was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 20 October 1973
Presented, as its first performance, The Australian Opera's production of War and Peace by Prokofiev
Cost $AU 102,000,000 to build
Conducts 3000 events each year
Provides guided tours to 200,000 people each year
Has an annual audience of 2 million for its performances
Includes 1000 rooms
Is 185 metres long and 120 metres wide
Has 2194 pre-cast concrete sections as its roof
Has roof sections weighing up to 15 tons
Has roof sections held together by 350 km of tensioned steel cable
Has over 1 million tiles on the roof
Uses 6225 square metres of glass and 645 kilometres of electric cable

Red Kangaroo, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

RED KANGAROO

The red kangaroo is Australia's largest kangaroo of the nearly 60 species in the kangaroo family It is the Kangaroo which dwells in our "Red Center" the arid portion of Australia. They normally move in groups ranging from a few dozen to several hundred individuals. and are known as Mobs . The makeup of the red kangaroo Mob varies but usually consists of a dominant male, a number of adult females, and juveniles of both sexes.


*) Not all Red Kangaroos are RED !!!
There are distinct regional differences in the colouring of the red kangaroo In the eastern part of its range males are usually red (pale red to brick red)and females a bluish grey, elsewhere, both sexes may be reddish/brown

*) The weight of a red kangaroo ranges from 18kg up to 90 kilograms. Males are larger than females usually 65 kg Females rarely exceed 30 kg

*) Height ranges from 74-140cm two metres The tail of a red kangaroo (used for jumping) ranges in length from 64cm to 1 meter Lifespan in the wild is thought to be around 15 years

*) The Red Kangaroo has a naked muzzle (as does the Wallaroo).
They have a black and white mark on the sides of the muzzle and a broad white stripe from the corner of mouth to base of ear

*) The body posture of Red Kangaroos is upright except when feeding.

*) Their fur is velvety to the touch.

*) The front limbs of a red kangaroo are small and short with heavily-clawed digits. The hind feet are lengthened (see the picture to the Left)and powerful enabling
the Red Kangaroo to travel at speeds as fast as 65kph (40mph).

LOCATION -HABITAT

Red kangaroos are distributed throughout inland Australia and occupy mixed habitats of open shrub lands, grasslands, mallee scrubs, mulga country, and desert.


Red Kangaroo Females are sexually mature at about eighteen months, males at about two years. There is a single young (Joey), though a mother can nurse more than one Joey at a time. Red Kangaroo Joeys remain in the pouch for 5-6 months. They emerge looking just like their parents just smaller.

Over a period of 2-3 months they gradually spend more time away from the pouch, returning to its safety when they feel threatened.

Joeys are usually weaned around 1 year of age, but will normally remain close to the mother for another 6 months or so

DESERT SURVIVAL
Red Kangaroos are able to survive temperatures in excess of 40�C by using shade and avoiding activity during the day. Red Kangaroos also concentrate their urine to conserve water and thus can tolerate severe dehydration. They regulate their body temperature largely by panting and licking their forearms.

Spinafex FEEDING

The red kangaroo grazes during the night on a wide variety of grasses and low herbaceous plants, though sometimes this grazing period starts late evening and ends early morning When water is available it will drink but, if it obtains sufficient green food, it does not need to do so. .

COMMUNICATION

Red Kangaroos will thump the ground with their feet to warn other members of the mob of impending danger, such as a dingo attack.

"BOXING"
When male kangaroos fight, they may appear to be 'boxing'. They usually stand up on their hind limbs and attempt to push their opponent off balance by jabbing him or locking forearms. If the fight escalates, they will begin to kick each other. Using their tail to support their weight, they deliver kicks with their powerful hind legs.

Rainbow Valley, Northern Territory, Australia walls images photographs tourismplacesinworld.blogspot.in

Rainbow Valley, Northern Territory, Australia

Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve

Free entry

Marvel at an ancient landscape as you explore the spectacular Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve. The main feature of the Rainbow Valley area is the scenic sandstone bluffs and cliffs.

These free standing cliffs form part of the James Range, and are particularly attractive in the early morning and late afternoon when the rainbow-like rock bands are highlighted. The coloured rock bands in the sandstone cliffs were caused by water when in earlier, wetter times, the red iron of the sandstone layers dissolved, and was drawn to the surface during the dry season.

The red minerals formed a dark iron rich surface layer with the leached white layers below. This dark red capping is hard, and weathers slowly, whereas the softer white sandstone below weathers quickly into loose sand. Weathering and erosion are also responsible for the valley shape, where sandstone blocks have been eroded into rock faces and squared towers.

Access is for four-wheel drive vehicles only, due to sandy nature of the track.

A camping area with toilets, gas barbecues, fire pits and a picnic area is provided. Camping fees apply (cash only, no change available), firewood be collected before entering the Reserve.


To catch a sunset or sunrise at Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve is one of the great outback experiences – the coloured bands of sandstone in the free-standing cliffs radiate light that spills over the desert floor which, after rain, can be covered in wildflowers. Weathering and erosion have shaped the valley, and sandstone blocks have been sculpted into angular rock faces and squared towers. The coloured rock bands in the sandstone cliffs were created when the environment was wetter than today – iron was dissolved and drawn to the surface to form a dark surface layer, leaving leached white layers below.The reserve is rich in Aboriginal culture, with ancient petroglyphs and rock art.

Stone implements, and various artefacts dating back to the early pioneering days, are scattered about, particularly among the rocky ridges and rock shelters. Claypans around the cliffs often retain water after rain and these are great times to take photographs because of the vibrant reflections. There is a marked walking trail (4-km circuit) from the camping ground to Mushroom Rock.Rainbow Valley is a very pleasant destination during the cooler months (April to September), with blue skies, brisk, clear nights and reasonable daytime temperatures. At other times of the year the claypans and entry road may be flooded and temperatures soar.

When walking, visitors should carry plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing and head gear. Camping is permitted in the reserve in the designated area. Facilities include gas and wood barbecues, picnic tables and a pit toilet. Generators are not allowed and visitors are advised to collect firewood before entering the reserve.


Rainbow Valley Location and access

97 km south-west of Alice Springs via Stuart Hwy then unsealed road with sandy patches; 4WD recommended

Park information

PWCNT (08) 8999 5511
PWCNT Alice Springs (08) 8951 8211

Size

2483 ha

Australia

Rainbow Valley, Northern Territory, Australia 
Red Kangaroo, Australia
Scarlet Night, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia
Sun-Kissed Sydney, Australia
Sydney Harbor at Dusk, Australia
Sydney Opera House, Australia walls
Sydney Reflections, Australia
Taking Joey Home, Australia
The Kangaroo Hop, Australia
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
Victoria's Shipwreck Coast, Australia 
View from Kings Park, Perth, Australia
Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Tasmania, Australia
Yarra River, Melbourne, Australia

Shah Mosque Esfahan beautyfull places images photographs wall photos

Shah Mosque Esfahan beautyfull places images photographs wall photos

shah mosque black print plans

Shah Mosque pages- 1,2,3

Shah Mosque - Isfahan - Iran | مسجد شاه - اصفهان

The Imam Khomeini Mosque (Persian: مسجد امام , Masjed-e Shah) is a mosque in Isfahan (Esfahān), Iran standing in south side of Naghsh-i Jahan Square.

Built during the Safavids period, it is an excellent example of Islamic architecture of Iran, and regarded as the masterpiece of Persian Architecture. The Shah Mosque of Esfahan is one of the everlasting masterpieces of architecture in Iran and all over the world. It is registered along with the Naghsh-i Jahan Square as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction began in 1611, and its splendor is mainly due to the beauty of its seven-color mosaic tiles and calligraphic inscriptions.

The mosque is depicted on the reverse of the Iranian 20,000 rials banknote.

Shah Mosque Esfahan iran beautyfull places and turist sparts images photographs wall photos

Measurements

The port of the mosque measures 27 m (89 ft) high, crowned with two minarets 42 m (138 ft) tall. The Mosque is surrounded with four iwans and arcades. All the walls are ornarnented with seven-color mosaic tile. The most magnificent iwan of the mosque is the one facing the Qibla measuring 33 m (108 ft) high. Behind this iwan is a space which is roofed with the largest dome in the city at 52 m (171 ft) height. The dome is double layered.

The acoustic properties and reflections at the central point under the dome is an amusing interest for many visitors. There are two seminaries at the southwest and southeast sections of the mosque...more

shah mosque esfahan iran beautyfull places and turist sparts images photographs wall still photos

مسجد شاه که به مسجد جامع عباسی نیز شهرت دارد یکی از مساجد میدان نقش جهان اصفهان است که در طی دوران صفوی ساخته شد و از بناهای مهم معماری اسلامی ایران به‌شمارمی‌رود. این بنا شاهکاری جاویدان از معماری، کاشی‌کاری و نجاری در قرن یازدهم هجری است.

این مسجد که در ضلع جنوبی میدان امام قرار دارد در سال ۱۰۲۰ هجری به فرمان شاه‏ عباس اول در بیست و چهارمین سال سلطنت وی شروع شده و تزئینات و الحاقات آن در دوره جانشینان او به اتمام رسیده است.

معمار مهندس آن استاد علی‏اکبر اصفهانی و ناظر ساختمان محب‏علی بیک الله بوده‌اند. و خوشنویسانی چون علیرضا عباسی، عبدالباقی تبریزی، محمد رضا امامی، محمد صالح امامی در آن کتیبه‌نگاری کرده‌اند.

* موقعیت: ضلع جنوبی میدان نقش‌ جهان
* سال تأسیس: ۱۰۲۰ (قمری) (دوره شاه عباس اول)
* معمار: استاد علی اکبر اصفهانی و ناظر ساختمان محب علی بیک الله

* خطاطان: علیرضا عباسی، عبدالباقی تبریزی، محمد رضا امامی، محمد صالح امامی...بیشتر

shah mosque back side small lake

Shah Mosque pages- 1,2,3 

Georg Gertster Shah Mosque esfahan 1978 shah mosque in iran sky view photographs

Georg Gertster Shah Mosque esfahan 1978 shah mosque in iran sky view photographs

Shah Mosque pages- 1,2,3

The "Kabuli Mosque" derived its name from the wife of "Babur" who was called by the name of "Kabuli Begum". Babur was so thrilled over his victory in the historic battle of Panipat that he constructed this giant architectural marvel to celebrate his triumph that virtually altered the destiny of our country. The Mosque reflects the rich artistic skills and creative imagination of the people of the by gone golden era.

Built in a "Mughal" architectural style, the "Kabuli Mosque" is very attractive and colorful. The interior of the Mosque is decorated with many beautiful paintings that adds to the beauty of the sacred sanctorium. The walls of the "Kabuli Mosque" are exquisitely designed which reflects the development of the "Mughal" Art and Architecture of the golden past.

The luxuriant gardens, the splendid architectural structure and the serene environment fills the devotees with an intense sense of pleasure and satisfaction. Many devotees flock to the Mosque to seek divine blessings and eternal happiness. The calm and pleasant surrounding of the "Kabuli Mosque" offers an aesthetic appeal to the visitors.

Apart from the religious and historic significance of the "Kabuli Mosque", the attractive color combination and the marvelous architectural building attracts many tourist from far and wide who are absolutely overwhelmed with its beauty and grandeur.

MasjidiShah full green morbiles iran beautyfull places and turist sparts images photographs wall still photos

Shah Mosque (built 1611 onward)

The Shah Mosque, now known as the Imam Mosque, is the exquistitely rendered creation of Shah Abbas. It is located at the northeast end of the great maidan, or square, commissioned by the Shah, which extends 500 meters in length and 150 meters in breadth. The design of the mosque proved somewhat challenging, since the orientation of the qibla (the prayer wall facing Mecca) was not in line with the axis of the square. The architects solved this problem by orienting the mosque in the proper direction and linking it to the square via a bent passageway. The solution is not entirely elegant since it is evident from most of the square that the mosque is off its axis, but this does not detract from the mosque's beauty.

The port of the mosque measures 27 meters high. There are two minarets 42 meters tall on top of it. The Mosque it is surrounded with four iwans and arcades. All the walls are ornamented with seven-color mosaic tile. The most magnificent iwan of the mosque is the one facing the Qibla. It is 33 meters high. Behind it is a space which is roofed with the largest dome in the city at 52 meters height. The dome is double layered.

The acoustic properties and reflections at the central point under the dome is an amusing interest for many visitors. There are two seminaries at the southwest and southeast sections of the mosque.

The "Kabuli Shah Mosque" bears resemblance to the glorious historic past of our country. Located in the district of Panipat in the state of Haryana, the "Kabuli Shah Mosque" was built by the mighty ruler of the Mughal dynasty, "Babur" to celebrate his majestic victory over the able and valiant "Ibrahim Lodhi" in the "First Battle of Panipat" in 1526.

iran beautyfull places and turist sparts images photographs wall still photos

 Islam is a God-centred worldview, therefore, to remember God, to praise and glorify Him; and to worship Him regularly, forms the core of the Muslim life individually and collectively. A Muslim begins and ends his/her day by offering prayers and by thanking Almighty Allah, acknowledging His Oneness and Uniqueness, His Majesty and His Kindness, Love and His justice. He/she beseeches Him for His Mercy and Forgiveness, and commits himself/herself to endeavour to follow the straight path and to avoid doing wrong. The Muslim community does the same in congregation. Therefore, the mosque or Masjid as it is called in Arabic, being a place for prostration to the Lord is the most important core of the Muslim living. In reality, for the Muslim, the entire world is a Masjid as there is no place where God is not present. The Kaaba in Makkah, towards which a Muslim faces while praying and to which all mosques also face, symbolizes the unity of the Islamic faith united round the first House of God built to worship One Supreme God, and signifies the centrality and direction of all Muslims’ devotion. It forms the Qibla or direction to which Muslims must turn their faces while praying wherever they may happen to be.

iranian desions shah mosque iran beautyfull places and turist sparts images photographs wall still photos

 All Muslim cities and towns and Muslim institutions have Masjids located at their centre. All Muslim Universities, throughout history, have had mosques at the centre so that the entire University community offer their prayers together and commit themselves in learning, teaching and other activities to God. Therefore, the IIUM Mosque or Masjid Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, as it is known, forms the locus or the spiritual core of the IIUM community. Five times a day, the University community, officers, academics, students, administrative staff and workers flock to the mosque to offer their prayers, and to refresh their Ìmān and to open heir hearts to the Kind and Merciful Lord and ask for His Mercy.

 

isfahan imam shah mosque inside shah mosque

Variant Names

• Shah Mosque, 
• Masjid-e Shah,
• Masjid-e Imam,
• Royal Mosque,
• Mehedi Mosque,
• Masjid-i Shah,
• Imam Mosque

Location                   Isfahan, Iran

Client                        Shah Abbas I, Shah Safi

Date                         1611-38/1019-47 AH

Style/Period              Safavid

Century                     17

Building Types         educational, religious

Building Usage         madrasa, mosque

Shah Mosque pages- 1,2,3 

ShahAlamMosque in side iran beautyfull places and turist sparts images photographs wall still photos

ShahAlamMosque in side iran beautyfull places and turist sparts images photographs wall still photos

Shah Mosque pages- 1,2,3

The Shah mosque was built on the south side of Isfahan's maydan, the royal square of Isfahan built under Shah 'Abbas and completed in 1602. Shah 'Abbas moved the capital of the Safavid dynasty to Isfahan in 1597 with the goal of centering political, religious, economic, and cultural activities, in the process shifting Isfahan's center away from the area surrounding the old Friday mosque in the north and relocating it closer to the Zayandeh river. The Shah mosque was Shah 'Abbas's largest architectural monument. The mosque's monumental portal iwan is located exactly opposite the portal iwan on the northern arcade of the maydan, which connects the maydan to the old bazaar to the north. Construction of the Shah mosque began in 1611 under Shah 'Abbas, and was completed around 1630 during the rule of Shah Safi, 'Abbas's successor, who ruled from 1629 to 1642. Later, in 1638, marble dadoes were added to the structure. Much is known about the people who were involved in the mosque's construction from the inscriptions installed on the building, which identify Badi' al-Zaman Tuni as responsible for the building plans and site arrangement, 'Ali Akbar Isfahani as the engineer, and Muhibb 'Ali Beg as the general contractor.

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque,iran, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia shah mosque shah mosque

From the center of the southern wall of the maydan, one enters the mosque through a recessed vestibule where the main portal to the mosque is located on the vestibule's southern wall. This area connects on its two other sides (east and west) to the maydan's corridor, which runs behind its mercantile facilities. Only the vestibule follows the maydan's orientation (north-south). The rest of the mosque, rectangular in shape (100 by 130 meters), is rotated 45 degrees to orient it toward Mecca, according to which the qibla wall is installed. To achieve this orientation toward Mecca the main portal is connected to a triangular vestibule, which connects it to the mosque's courtyard via the space behind the northeast iwan.

Following the Iranian traditional mosque plan, the Shah mosque has a court (50 by 67 meters) surrounded by a two-story arcade on four sides with four iwans, one at the center of each side, and a domed sanctuary behind the southwest iwan, oriented towards Mecca. However, the mosque's plan presents an interesting variation: behind each lateral iwan (on the northwest and southeast) is a domed chamber. The domed sanctuary behind the southwest iwan is flanked by rectangular rooms (36 meters by 18 meters each) functioning as winter prayer halls that are entered from the domed sanctuary aligned on the northeast-southwest axis. These halls are covered by eight domes and connect to two rectangular arcaded courts serving as madrasas (22 by 44 meters each) also aligned on the northeast-southwest axis and are only accessed from the domed chambers behind the southeast and northwest iwans, respectively. Both the main portal iwan, overlooking the maydan, and the sanctuary iwan are flanked by a pair of soaring cylindrical minarets 34 meters in height. These minarets are decorated with tile mosaics of epigraphic elements ("no God but God"). On top of its upper zone runs an inscription band in white on a blue background, marking the beginning of three tiers of muqanas units, each unit outlined with yellow lines and inscribing a floral arabesque mainly in blue. These muqarnas appear to hold the minaret's roofed balcony, which wraps around a cylindrical core narrower than the lower shaft of the minaret.

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The prelude to the mosque, the main portal iwan located on the south arcade of the maydan, was finished in 1616, prior to the rest of the building, so that it could complete the southern facade of the maydan. The portal was covered with tile mosaic above a continuous marble dado, and achieved an extraordinary monumentality through its immense scale, as its arch rises almost twenty-eight meters. It is framed by an inscription band of white thuluth script with a dark blue background. The arch is ornamented with a turquoise triple-cable frame springing from a vase-like marble base (pedestal). The main portal iwan is surmounted by tiers of muqarnas forming a semi-dome. Two large tiled panels, resembling a prayer carpet, flank the main door, above which an inscription band, also in white script on a dark blue background, identifies Ali Reza as the calligrapher, 1616 as the year of the execution, and the name of the patron Shah 'Abbas in the center in light blue.

In the court, the iwan preceding the domed sanctuary is larger than the other three iwans at the centers of the two-story arcades. The dome of the sanctuary is vast in scale (25 meters across by 52 meters high), and, like most Timurid prototypes, comprises two shells, the bulbous dome being fourteen meters higher than the interior dome. On the exterior, the bulbous dome is covered with a spiraling beige arabesque on a light blue background. The dome rises on a high drum and a sixteen-sided transitional zone. The interior of the dome is ornamented with a sunburst at the apex from which descend tiers of arabesque. The eight domes in each of the prayer halls adjacent to the domed sanctuary are decorated with mosaic tilework of concentric medallions in floral motifs. The arches on which these domes rest ascend from undecorated octagonal columns that divide the space of these halls into eight bays.

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The mosque's interior and exterior walls are fully covered with a polychrome, mostly dark blue, glazed tile revetment above a continuous marble dado. Throughout the whole mosque, with the exception of the sanctuary dome and portal iwan, Shah 'Abbas was keen to minimize labor costs and time by introducing a novel technique called "haft-rangi" (seven colors). Instead of the Timurid and early Safavid tile mosaic, in which each tile piece was cut in a different shape to fit its designated place, the haft-rangi is usually a square tile that incorporates various colors in one firing. This technique, aesthetically less complex than mosaic tile technique, economical, and fast, was juxtaposed to the mosaic tile technique. It glitters in the sun to magnificent effect, but is ill-suited to dark spaces, such as the sanctuary. Most of the tilework was replaced in the 1930s based on the revetment that remained in situ. Water is an important element in the design; both the main court and the courts of the madrasas have pools at their center reflecting the architectural splendor of the Shah mosque.

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Sources:

Blair, Sheila S. and Jonathan M. Bloom. 1994. The Art and Architecture of Islam. New Haven: Yale University Press, 188-190.

Blunt, Wilfrid. 1966. Isfahan, Pearl of Persia. New York, Stein and Day, 77-84.

Michell, George. 1978. Architecture of the Islamic World. London: Thames and Hudson. 253-4.

Pourjavady, N. (ed.), E. Booth-Clibbor (originator). 2001. The Splendour of Iran. London: Booth-Clibborn Editions, 100-101, 147.

Shah Mosque pages- 1,2,3