Geelong's most-photographed people don't play football for the local Australian Football League team. In fact, they don't do much at all, except stand stoically along the city's foreshore. These are the famous Geelong Baywalk Bollards. These lifeguards are just one set of many, and the whole set of them have become iconic symbols of the Geelong area specifically and part of the greater Melbourne artscape.
Without uttering a single word, each is able to clearly tell a story to all and sundry who pass by.
There are more than 100 of these huge painted icons guiding visitors along the foreshore walking/cycling track from Rippleside Park, through Waterfront Geelong to Limeburners Point and the Botanic Gardens. They represent a fascinating and fun chronicle of the city's past, focusing on some of the unique characters who played a part.
Among the 104 sculptures are a Koori family, English explorer Matthew Flinders and a Portuguese explorer who stand overlooking Corio Bay near Limeburners Point. At Eastern Beach, you can see bathing beauties from the 1930s and Ian McDonald, the city surveyor who drew the plans for the landmark sea baths.
When you visit, don't forget your camera, you'll definitely want to put yourself into the bollard's picture. Following the Bollard Trail, you will meet some of the unique characters who played a part in Geelong's history, from the original Indigenous inhabitants to more contemporary characters.
Find a Geelong holiday rental property on Search and Stay and enjoy a waterfront holiday home as a base to take in this lovely part of regional Victoria.
More information: Visit Victoria
Source: City of Greater Geelong