There’s something unbeatable about catching the right light. I headed out for a stroll along Mornington Pier one morning in May — camera in hand, no real plan other than to see what caught my eye. And lucky me, the weather delivered. Morning light bathed the pier in warmth, and giving everything that soft, early glow that makes colours pop.
Mornington Pier is one of those places that does a little bit of everything. It’s perched on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria and stretches out into Port Phillip Bay. It’s a solid destination whether you’re into fishing, diving, taking in the view, or just out for a slow wander like I was.
Built in the 1850s, it’s seen its share of upgrades over the years. These days, it’s not just a scenic walk — it’s a proper hub: fishing charter boats bobbing at their berths, and with the centre of Mornington only a few hundred meters away, with shops and cafes, it’s normally a very busy area. However, I lucked out on this morning as it was a little quiet.
There’s always someone out fishing though, rods lined up, buckets ready, seagulls eyeing off every move like they’re part of the operation. I snapped a few shots of some fishermen working the edge of the pier. The atmosphere was quiet but active.
Down by the marina, yachts drifted gently on the tide. Their sails furled neatly. I grabbed a few photos from across the water, against the backdrop of the Mornington Foreshore Reserve, and the mix of clean, modern hulls against the textures of the wharf.
One side of the wharf is open, the other side has a more modern concrete edging, that reminds me of the brutal architecture style that I love.
There were also a few boats in the nearby yard — some on stands, others freshly painted or waiting for a rinse, but I couldn't really get into the yard to capture some of that stuff, which I would have liked to. Maybe next time.
I caught one of the charter boats mid-prep, hosing down the deck — likely getting ready for a fishing trip. It’s always interesting watching the behind-the-scenes moments: the stuff most people walk past without really noticing.
I can’t help myself. If I see an old car, I need to take a photo of it.
The local sea birds were out, too. Mostly gulls, but a few cormorants and petrels dotted the edges, clearly used to hanging around the fishermen. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve memorized the cleaning routines of the charter boats by now — waiting patiently for scraps like seasoned pros. They added some nice movement to the frame and made the whole place feel alive.
Over all, it wasn't a bad way to spend an hour or so — especially when the light plays along. Between the fishing crew, the gentle sway of yachts, and the curve of the bay disappearing into the distance, the pier has all the right ingredients for a short photo walk. And sometimes, that’s all you need: good light, a bit of sea air, and a scene that unfolds slowly in front of your lens.
