Three Pairs in Tocumwal, a photo from New South Wales, East

Photographer's Note

Here's a very traditional Australian hotel, or pub, in sleepy Tocumwal, a border town located just on the New South Wales side of our largest river, the Murray. Right behind me when I took the photo was the Tocumwal Railway Station, which explains why the pub is called the Terminus. Or perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Tocumwal was the meeting point of the two state railway systems - of Victoria and New South Wales - very stupidly built on different gauged tracks which could not share rolling stock or locomotives!

I noticed a couple of fellows enjoying the afternoon Autumn sunshine and a glass of beer, and their matching 'utes' or utility vehicles parked out front, typical transport throughout the countryside, and they inspired me to take the shot. It was only when I viewed the photo enlarged on the computer screen that I also noticed the 'coat of arms' near the top of the photo. If you look closely you'll see the kangaroo (left) and the emu (right) each side of the central pyramid shape above the roof line. There are some illustrations of the coat of arms itself in Wikipedia.

So, there's a kind of 'symmetry' about these three pairs of Australians.

Tocumwal itself is a pleasant and pretty town of about 2000 people, and even though the railway station is now merely a museum, the town is the southern starting point of the Newell Highway, which runs north about 1000 km through towns like Narrandera, Coonabarabran and Goondiwindi into the state of Queensland. Most Victorians would pass through Tocumwal when they drive to Queensland, bypassing the heavier traffic of highways nearer the coast.

I've placed the red marker directly on the Terminus hotel itself, for those who like looking at maps. And if you zoom in you'll see the long station platform too.

snunney, jlbrthnn, tyro, daddo, mkamionka, Angshu, gervaso has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

chrisvek (7003) 2012-08-28 5:37

Hello Andrew

Very nice colors and lightning management.Perfect framing and POV.Very well done!TFS

Have a nice day
Chris

holmertz (101980) 2012-08-28 6:58

Hello Andrew,
This looks like a very pleasant place for a beer or two. Is having a few beers and then driving back home alright according to Australian laws? I am amazed by the sharpness and superb contrasts of this perfectly exposed picture. It is very well taken and well composed with one "ute" in each corner forming a triangle with the roof triangle.
Kind regards,
Gert

Royaldevon (85606) 2012-08-28 14:18

Hello Andrew,

The pub is right out of the history books ... American western lookalikes. I, too, noticed the symmetry and until I read your notes, thought that the two sculptures were symmetrical images.
You have a fine sharp exposure with good guide lines and a pleasing sense of perspective.
The bright sunshine and good light are features we are ususally dreaming about in Northern England in a summer which has been, for the most part, a perpetual shower!

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

ifege (46923) 2012-08-28 23:49

A good classic Aussie country pub photo Andrew with interesting text.
Cheers
Ian

snunney (130967) 2012-08-29 4:54

Hello Andrew,
A fine capture of this attractive turn of the century building. I was a little irked by the presence of the two vehicles, but having read your note can see why you included them. Very good detail in the architecture.

jlbrthnn (76043) 2012-08-30 8:21

Hello Andrew,
I envy these two friends alone in the sun. The architecture is fine and elegant. The light, colors and sharpness are excellent. Bravo.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Jo螔

tyro (30513) 2012-08-30 14:22

Hello Andrew,

A very interesting note about this place and now I see how you came by your title! And a very fine picture by way of illustration. However, I think your Wikipedia link might be broken (I usually find that happens if I miss out inverted commas somewhere) - I guess that you were referring to this article.

Foolishly, I expected that Australia would have used the standard British 4 ft 8� in railway gauge, but it sounds as though some people were equally foolish in not employing a single gauge across all states of Australia. Has that problem now been resolved?

A fine photograph in wonderful bright sunlight which enhances and enriches the lovely colours of the interesting fa蓷de of this building. Excellent composition and stunning details and sharpness.

Excellent!

Kind Regards,

John.

rbellemare (2109) 2012-08-31 20:26

Hello Andrew,

Very nice picture of this hotel that look like a saloon of the far west. Nice light and sharpness. Great composition.

Thanks for sharing.

R嶴ean

fabbs99 (17179) 2012-08-31 21:21

Hello Andrew

Very nice image with good colors and contrast.The architecture of the building is also excellent.Well done.

Regds
Farhat

daddo (28748) 2012-09-03 2:51

Hi Andrew. Black frame...je n'sais pas.The picture is a vivid one thanks to the architectural details, warm colours and dramatic shadows. Perfect sky too. two fellows in the middle between two white cars- talk about stage management! Regards. Klaudio.

mkamionka (73344) 2012-09-09 14:21

Hi Andrew,
very interesting architecture, I know it only from movies. The balconies are so interestingly decorated and have a unique charm. Very well presented here in a great light and colors.
Thanks for sharing,
M

Angshu (56760) 2012-09-18 21:17

Hello Andrew
Interesting architecture with the hanging balconies. Looks similar to the buildings in the American wild west as epitomized in those films. You got good light which kind of illuminates the building & creates fine contrast against the clear blue sky, especially emphasizing the balconies. After reading your note, noticed the 'coats of arms'...I believe your cricketers sport it on their blazers?
Fine work with a lovely note!
Best Regards
Angshu

gervaso (28177) 2012-10-17 6:15

Hello, Andrew!

The framing and the perspective are perfect to show this beautiful hotel, with a very interesting architecture! Colors and sharpness are also great! Wonderful job!

cornejo (61504) 2012-10-28 11:43

Hi Andrew, very nice picture of this interesting building hotel use. Interesting picture nicely framed, with sharpness, nice color and interesting light. Very good and nice job excellently done, so congratulations my friend. Tfs.

Good morning and happy start to the week.
Best regards and best wishes.
Angel.

divail (8334) 2012-10-29 19:27

Bonsoir Andrew,
Belles couleurs et belle lumi鋨e pour cet h矌el � l'architecture int廨essante. Il y a une ressemblance frappante avec l'architecture de l'ouest am廨icain.

Diane

jmdias (114262) 2015-10-31 6:02

andrew

precious the victorian (I guess) architecture here. I liked these details and the environment around.nice note.

hugs

jorge