AUSTRALIA ~ The Antipodes

AUSTRALIA ~ The Antipodes
I love a sunburnt country / A land of sweeping plains / Of ragged mountain ranges / Of droughts and flooding rains / I love her far horizons / I love her jewel-sea / Her beauty and her terror / The wide brown land for me / ~ Dorothea Mackellar (1885-1968)

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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Cemetery With a View


Dromana cemetery is on the mountainside of Arthurs Seat, Mornington Peninsula.
It overlooks Port Phillip Bay with Mount Martha in the distance.
Because of the steepness of the slope, there are several entrances at different levels.
As an alternative, there are steps and winding walkways.
On a historical note, the cemetery was first gazetted in 1863 and the northern slopes were added in 1942.
No new grave sites are available but a plaque may be created on a memorial wall.
Some people choose to buy seats along the walkway overlooking Dromana beach and create memorial plaques on them.
Others choose to have plaques on benches at Seawinds, a garden at the top of Arthurs Seat with views of the bay coastline.
This photo is taken at the main, middle level of the cemetery (entered from Arthurs Seat Road) where there are many children's graves.
I always feel especially sad here and find myself looking out to the view, far, far away!

Diaries of stone
To leave life before living
Young souls always young


P.S. In answer to Julie's question, the blue car on the left is actually a grave with children's toys and flowers inside the car.
There is also one grave that looks like a cot.


Taphophile Tragics is hosted by Julie

7 comments:

Julie said...

That is such a wonderful view, Gemma. Reminds me a little of the view from our Waverley Cemetery here in Sydney. I suppose it was land that the council could afford to use at the time the cemetery was gazetted. Otherwise, I am sure that visitors do not thank the council for the steepness of the slope.

I agree that a number of children's sites all together can be overwhelming. There are sections of Gore Hill cemetery where I was the other day, which are dedicated to infant deaths. I much prefer it when children are buried with their parents.

Out of interest, what is the blue car on the left hand side? Is it there for transport or is it a grave decoration?

Thank you for your contribution to 'Taphophile Tragics'. I value your support very much.

Joan Elizabeth said...

Gemma, this cemetery certainly has a wonderful view. I have never seen anything like the car grave ... the one looks like a cot would be far far too sad I think.

Sylvia K said...

What an incredibly beautiful view, Gemma! Terrific capture! The only cemeteries I've visited here in the states are the ones in New Orleans and Savannah, Georgia. The are beautiful and very historical and that is what is most interesting to me. The boat and the cot are both sad in their own way -- different, but sad! Enjoy your week and wishing you a very Happy New Year!

Sylvia

Ann said...

What a beautiful view.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

The view from here is fabulous. The car took me by surprise.

diane b said...

This cemetery has a beautiful view. As Julie says a little like the one near Bondi in Sydney. It is so sad to see children's graves anywhere.

biebkriebels said...

It has a beautiful view indeed and children graves specialy are heartbreaking to watch.

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