1. RGYC
The Royal Geelong Yacht Cub first ran their regatta back in 1859 and it has gone on to become the Festival Of Sails one of Geelong’s biggest and most exiting events which is held over the Australia Day weekend in January each year. The RGYC is also home to the Wooden Boat Festival in March and some amazing spectacles around the year on Corio Bay.
2. The Bouys
A group of former channel buoys on Steampacket Gardens have been turned into a very striking piece of artwork. There are 6 buoys in various states of repair from the freshly painted to the salt and windblown. These huge metal objects have become one of the best loved icons along our beautiful waterfront.
3. The Cargo Boxes
On the east side of the Customs House lawn beside the Edge Hotel are some interesting glass and brass boxes known as the Cargo Boxes. These were designed by Maggie Fookes and Bill Perrin and were installed in 2000. Each box contains some kind of historical iconic import to Geelong, representing what arrived on our docks. There are crockery, fruit and vegetables, wine and even rabbits which were released in the region and went onto infest Australia.
4. Eastern Beach
Eastern Beach has been the jewel in Geelong’s waterfront for over 80 years and it is as popular as ever. The precinct is one of the finest examples of Art Deco design in Geelong, beautiful buildings, Spanish staircase, lush parklands and huge boardwalk around the crescent shaped pool. Eastern Beach has become one of the city’s favourite playgrounds not only as a beach but all year round with a host of festivals, events and other special occasions being celebrated on the lawns. Read more…
5. The Carousel
The magnificently restored 1982 Armitage Herschell Carousel tells the tells the story of King Arthur and Camelot and features 36 beautiful horses and two chariots. People of all ages are overwhelmed by this beautiful fixture and it has become a very popular place for holding small events and even wededings. Read More…
6. Fireman bollard
There are over 100 of these wooden bollards created by Jan Mitchell and they have become an icon for Geelong recognised all over the world. The fireman is one of our favourites; he is positioned behind the fishing harbour next to Fisherman’s Pier restaurant.
Read More…
7. “North” by Mark Stoner
Located at the bay end bottom of Moorabool Street is one of Geelong’s most striking artworks. Entitled “North” this large seven part sculpture was designed by renowned sculpture Mark Stoner in 2000. North consists of seven sail or some people say shark fin like structures ranging from 2.2 to 3.5 metres high and built in rich greys, reds and earthy ochre coloured cement. The sculpture is amazing to walk around because of the clever positioning the profile and dimension of the surrounds so dramatically.
8. The Big Wheel
Over the warmer months the big ferris wheel comes to Geelong and is errected on the Hilite Park site which was Geelong’s seaside amusement park from 1956 until the late 1980’s. The wheel offers spectacular views over the city, the waterfront precinct and Corio Bay.
See the sights from our YouTube Video.
9. Barcode Stream
On the Custom’s House lawn beside the Sailor’s Rest is one of the more unusual water features in the city. This long shallow fountain or stream is capped with large stainless steel panels etched with barcodes. The barcodes are that of Noddy’s Softdrink which was a drink manufacturer located in Malop Street not far from Bellarine Street. It was a Geelong icon for generations of families. Sadly Noddy’s is no longer with us, disappearing from the city during the 1990’s.
10. Popykettle
These lovely bronze statues were created by by Robert Ingpen who is an award winning and renowned author, graphic designer and illustrator who was born in Geelong. The characters are based around his story of a group of Peruvians who set out from Peru to find Australia in the 16th century. The characters went on to appear in the 1980’s children’s book titled “The Voyage of the Poppykettle” which was also written by Ingpen. Interestingly the story links the story of the mysterious keys found near Limburner’s Point. Geelong’s school children celebrate their story with the annual Poppykettle Festival.
