A lonely little boatshed? I don't think so

@JudyEv (342277)
Rockingham, Australia
July 8, 2019 8:06pm CST
Social media has a huge influence on the behaviour and opinions of much of the public. Now, an unlikely Perth icon has tens of thousands of Instagram posts, and Asian tourists in particular are queueing up to take selfies in front of a quaint, 90-year-old boatshed. The boatshed (hashtag #blueboathouse) has been included in advertising campaigns in Asia. Young couples are including the location in pre-wedding photo shoots. In 1944, the grandparents of the present owner paid five pounds for the structure. It has been rebuilt several times, including having the asbestos removed and the jetty replaced. It was then painted a bright blue and the rest, as they say, is history. One Asian-brand smartphone is even pre-loaded with the photo of the boatshed. Singapore Airlines and Qantas have also used the image in advertising campaigns. There is often a minor hiccup with such a sudden popularity and with the boatshed it is the lack of public toilets nearby. The nearest restaurant owner has complained about the numbers of people wanting to use his toilets. Now, the council responsible for the area is about to install public toilets nearer the boatshed. It seems it is a small price to pay for the increased tourist trade. Vince has fiddled with the photo a little (as regards colour) but it’s still the same boatshed.
29 people like this
26 responses
@youless (112591)
• Guangzhou, China
9 Jul 19
I didn't heard about this boatshed before. But lately I tried to check the airplane ticket price and I am surprised to find that the price is very nice from here to Perth. Since right now we are still waiting for my son's exam scores as it depends on which high school he will finally go to. After that, we can know the time schedule and spare some time for the high school. Since that, I dare not to buy the plane ticket as right now nothing is confirmed yet. The plane ticket price may increase soon later since it is the summer holiday. Besides, we shall also prepare for some time to get the visa. So probably we can't travel to Perth this time and hopefully we can do it in the future.
3 people like this
• Philippines
9 Jul 19
i figure it's cheaper to go to australia than america and canand since it's just below your country and in the same region. however, since it's in the southern hemisphere, you have to consider the climate/weather when you're planning your visit. when it's summer in china, it's winter in australia and new zealand.
2 people like this
@youless (112591)
• Guangzhou, China
9 Jul 19
@hereandthere In fact last time when we travelled to USA, the airplane ticket was cheaper and this is probably the most drive for us to have a travel there It was the same for our Russia travel. The planet ticket was very nice and better than flying to South Korea, how interesting
2 people like this
• Philippines
9 Jul 19
@youless maybe it depends if it's peak tourist season
2 people like this
@RubyHawk (99405)
• Atlanta, Georgia
9 Jul 19
It's a neat little shed but I can't see why it's such a big attraction.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Jul 19
I can't either. It just seems to have taken on a life of its own.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jul 19
@RubyHawk A boost for the whole city really. It is also quite close to Kings Park which is another drawcard for tourists.
1 person likes this
@RubyHawk (99405)
• Atlanta, Georgia
10 Jul 19
@JudyEv My brother and his wife are touring the East coast in their RV and they are enjoying it so much.
1 person likes this
@much2say (56141)
• Los Angeles, California
9 Jul 19
So much for being a hidden gem. Yah, I can only imagine the burden the nearest restaurant owner has (unless it has picked up his business at the same time). But a public toilet would be sensible.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Jul 19
The locals are all a bit bemused by it. None of them are bothering with photos but sometimes these things get a life of their own.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
9 Jul 19
I think that is a lovely picture but i don't understand why it's so popular.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54187)
• Louisville, Kentucky
11 Jul 19
@JudyEv that is really strange isn't it?
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Jul 19
@simone10 I guess someone raved about it, the next person shared it and the next and so it goes.
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jul 19
Nobody in Perth does either. Just someone shared the photo and suddenly dozens of outsiders want to see it - mostly from Asian countries.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Jul 19
i'm certain the owners 'f such've made a purty penny with so much interest'n such, 's well 's a boost to the local economy. ya jest ne'er know what'll be the 'next big thing', eh? lovely pic 'f such. what program 'd mr. vince be usin' to do all these alterations with his pics, hon? i've been thinkin' 'f takin' a leap 'n gettin' me one, jest more confused the more reviews 'n test drives i go'n, lol.
1 person likes this
• United States
11 Jul 19
@JudyEv hmm, i might look 'nto such. 'f course, need to get these eyes workin' proper 'gain. that'n my brain. seems i keep screwin' 'p my settin' thingies fer diff'rent pics?? i'm gonna run take a looksie 't all those gorgeous pics. brb oh wow! ya need to put that link'n yer profile thingy, hon. he's loads 'f pics there :) love the ones with the rainbow'n the background 'n that fella with his shirt pulled 'p, lol. i've bookmarked such so's i can go through the rest durin' daylight hours. 'tis 'fter 1am here currently 'n the pup'd sure be wishin' to go to bed.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 Jul 19
@crazyhorseladycx I'm really pleased you enjoyed them. I doubt they're of much interest to anyone who isn't interested in horses but I'll put the link up. I hadn't thought about it before.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
12 Jul 19
@crazyhorseladycx We've run out of wall space too. I checked out the one you like. Isn't it gorgeous? It was taken in the Northern Territory when we were in the Alice Springs area.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (117157)
• Anniston, Alabama
9 Jul 19
I want one of these photos, just like this one he fiddled with, how much for a 5x7 ? and his name not on top but the lower corner.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Jul 19
Are you dinkum? I'd be thrilled for you to have it but there wouldn't be a charge. I'll PM you re getting it to you.
1 person likes this
@rebelann (112995)
• El Paso, Texas
10 Jul 19
I does seem lonely but not so little. I'm surprised no one has built a restaurant nearer the boatshed to attract tourists to come in and dine ..... and relieve themselves
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jul 19
There is only a narrow strip of land on the side near the boatshed then a highway then houses. A few hundred metres down the road there is a restaurant.
1 person likes this
@PatZAnthony (14749)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
9 Jul 19
It is so nice that Vince has this photo and the talent to do whatever he did with color. These are things I should learn more about, but probably never will.
1 person likes this
@PatZAnthony (14749)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
17 Jul 19
@JudyEv I know. Life just goes by so fast and we can't do or learn everything, can we? Time to pick and choose.
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jul 19
For me, some things aren't worth the effort. Learning Lightroom would be one of them. :)
1 person likes this
@rakski (126177)
• Philippines
9 Jul 19
that is a nice place to go but yes it is better if there are public toilets tourists can use while visiting the area
1 person likes this
@rakski (126177)
• Philippines
9 Jul 19
@JudyEv you are right there
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Jul 19
There is always a need for toilets at any tourist attraction.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247184)
• United States
9 Jul 19
That is a beautiful little fix of the blue boathouse. The ones here in New England are a lot shabbier by comparison.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247184)
• United States
10 Jul 19
@JudyEv Glad they changed their minds.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jul 19
At one stage, the council was threatening to have it pulled down.
1 person likes this
@just4him (317315)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
11 Jul 19
Interesting history of this boatshed.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
11 Jul 19
It's amazing that it has suddenly turned into an iconic landmark and all the tourists are clamouring to be photographed in front of it.
1 person likes this
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
9 Jul 19
I wonder what filter your husband is using, he really has nice eye for photos.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Jul 19
I don't know that he used a filter. Probably just processed it with Lightroom software.
1 person likes this
@JustBhem (70555)
• Davao, Philippines
9 Jul 19
@JudyEv I see, I’m familiar with that. Thanks.
1 person likes this
@debjani1 (7202)
10 Jul 19
I like the boatshed as well as the colour. Wish I could get entered into it.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jul 19
It's very nice, isn't it? I like the colour too.
@sophie09 (34236)
• Indonesia
9 Jul 19
i like the photo!! the clouds are awesome
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Jul 19
There have been some spectacular clouds lately. And yes, those in the photo are pretty awesome.
1 person likes this
@sophie09 (34236)
• Indonesia
10 Jul 19
@JudyEv yes! i love looking at em
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (182357)
• United States
9 Jul 19
It's funny how little things like that catch on.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jul 19
It's amazing, isn't it? It nearly got pulled down at one stage.
1 person likes this
• Preston, England
9 Jul 19
looks a really nice boatshed
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jul 19
Yes, it is now. It looks great.
1 person likes this
@xFiacre (13174)
• Ireland
9 Jul 19
@judyev If it were me I would turn the boatshed into a toilet and charge. It would make such a pretty toilet.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
9 Jul 19
It would make a great toilet, that's for sure.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43418)
• Denver, Colorado
9 Jul 19
He should have Photoshopped a shark eating a bride for some added zing! But seriously, striking photo!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jul 19
They do some funny antics doing their selfies but I don't think anyone has imported a shark yet. But it's a good idea! lol
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
9 Jul 19
We never know what will go viral these days.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jul 19
The locals are all a bit befuddled by all the attention it's getting. It's been there for years and largely unnoticed.
• Belews Creek, North Carolina
9 Jul 19
It's funny what people decide they need to go visit! Beautiful photo!
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342277)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Jul 19
Thanks. The power of social media at its best - or worst! lol
1 person likes this