“Artists bring meaning to forgotten elements.” – Jim Buckley, artist
The Geelong Waterfront is one of Australia’s most incredible waterfronts. Next to Melbourne, Geelong is the second largest city in Victoria, Australia.
Geelong is a vibrant area that is thriving with activity … restaurants, cafes, gardens, night time and day time attractions and public art.
For Photographing Public Art Challenge
First stop is a selfie station that says “Welcome to Geelong” which has a 3D effect .
Near the waterfront are random sculptures in the Poppy Kettle Playground.
But my favourites are the colourful Bollards by artist Jan Mitchell who was was commissioned by the City of Geelong to transform old wharf timbers into whimsical works of art. Hundreds of these can be seen along the Bollard Trail around the Geelong waterfront.
Here are some bollards representing the Aussie’s love for sports… Swimming, Rowing, Football.
Bathing Beauties
The beachfront was the venue for beauty competitions from the 1930’s.
Sailor and Woman
A 2nd World War couple.
Yacht Club Lady
Geelong’s Yacht Club was formed in 1859. The lady is holding the trophy won by “The Paddy” after racing in the first Geelong Regatta.
Morris Jacobs of Jacobs Stores (from 1852-1952, now Myers. He kept an aviary at his residence on The Esplanade, Drumacondra.
Tram Conductress
This is a 1940’s tram conductress. Trams in Geelong ran from 1912 to 1956.
Scallop Fishermen and Woman
From the early 1800’s, fish and crustaceans from Geelong were marketed and sold locally, as well as in Melbourne.
Sail Captain
A captain bringing live birds to stock the nearby Botanic Gardens aviaries.
Steam Captain
Captain of the steamship S.S. Edina, in operation from 1888 to 1938.
Pierrrot
The Joy Ark became a hall popular for dance and roller skating in 1914 with fancy dress often featured.
Volunteer Rifle Band
Playing “The Geelong Polka”, this group represents players in Geelong’s first band concerts which were held in the Botanic Gardens in 1861.
Wow, what a fun place to go and explore Teresa! …and photograph!
Surely is. Wonder when I can go back. I just found out that there were some that I missed by looking at Google.
Well then, you have to go back soon! I hope you can 😊
In my dreams at the moment 🙄
Keep the dreams alive Teresa!!
Wonderful artwork, so close to the beach 🙂 It will attract a lot of people.
Have a lovely weekend.
Oh yes, it does… when there’s no lockdown haha
Wonderful post for this week. Thanks Teresa. 😀 😀
Always a pleasure, Cee ❤️
The Bollards are so much fun! And I love that they are made from old wharf timber – upcycled art!
Glad that you liked it Ju-Lyn!
Teresa, these are so much fun! I wish I had gone there when I visited Australia, but if I had, I would surely have snapped these beautiful statues. They each tell such a story, but it helps that you told a bit about each one, also. LOVE this! 🙂
Thanks Marsha, I love knowing the story behind things.
Me too, Teresa!
I enjoyed visiting Geelong & the National Wool Museum during one of my trips to Australia.
It is always fun to visit this town! I really haven’t been to the Wool Museum, is it worth the visit?
I found the museum to be interesting.
Oh maybe next time. I can go see it. Thanks 🙏🏻
What amazing wood carvings on the beach, I just love it. I never knew that Geelong was so worth a visit. Should I be lucky enough to visit Australia any time in the future it will be top of my list of places to visit. My friends in Melbourne never mentioned. Maybe they were jealous!
Haha maybe you should the next time you come. Well Geelong is starting to be popular now in the art scene and it is about an hour away from Melbourne.
These are just awesome Teresa, such fun
Thanks Ali! ❤️