WhatToKnow Geelong - TEN things you should know about the Geelong Water Front

1. What’s the history of the waterfront?
Well briefly put early last century Geelong’s waterfront was really busy, with ships and cargo sailing across the bay. Geelong was one of the busiest ports, transporting wool and other commodities to markets near and far.
There were sailing ships and steam powered vessels bustling for a berth at one of the many piers along our waterfront.
When the larger ports were established on the northern shores of the bay the shipping on Geelong’s waterfront slowly declined.
The Moorabool Street Pier was demolished in the 1950’s, and need for Yarra Street Pier and later Cunningham Pier was virtually nothing by the early 1980s, as was much of the land around the waterfront precinct.
In 1981 the concept “City by the Bay” was launched, turning Geelong’s waterfront and outdated city area into the modern tourist and shopping driven city that we now know and love.

2. Do the Buoys have an special significance??
Not that we know of, other than they are a group of former channel buoys. And they look pretty awesome sitting on Steampacket Gardens.
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, they’re always getting their photos taken.

3. What are the boxes near customs house lawn?
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. How old is the carousel?
The Carousel is 124 years old!!
The magnificently restored 1892 Armitage Herschell Carousel tells the tells the story of King Arthur and Camelot and features 36 beautiful horses and two chariots. It’s one of the only left in the world and its regarded as the best still in use.
This carousel has a particularly fascinating history and has had quite a journey before finding its home on Geelong’s waterfront. It was built by the Armitage Herschell Company of New York; and it was in-fact used in New York before being shipped to Australia around 1920. It spent a large portion of its life on the Mornington Peninsula at the other side of Port Phillip Bay in the seaside town of Mordialloc. The carousel is also believed to have been part of a traveling carnival for a period before ending up in a paddock near the Murray River township of Echuca where it was left to slowly deteriorate. Years later it was put in an auction lot and moved to Castlemaine in the heart of Victoria’s Golden Triangle. The City of Greater Geelong with the help of the State Government purchased the historic ruins and commissioned its enormous restoration process.
People of all ages are overwhelmed by this beautiful fixture and it has become a very popular place for holding small events and even weddings.
http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/carousel/default.aspx

5. How many Bollards are there?
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 bollards chronicle characters from the city’s past and present. From young ladies dressed in neck to knee bathing suits, 1930’s life savers, a Geelong footballer and sailors.
If you haven’t followed the bollard trail yet you should! It starts at Limeburners point and finished at Rippleside Park. Check out the guide to the walk here
http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/bollards/article/item/8d250a1f01e3425.aspx

6. So are they shark fins or sails on Moorabool Street?
We are going with Sails…
This artwork entitled “North” this large seven part sculpture was designed by renowned sculpture Mark Stoner in 2000 is located at the bay end bottom of Moorabool Street. 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.
You can regularly see wedding parties or families taking photos in the middle of the art work.

7. What’s the water feature near Sailors Rest all about?
It’s a barcode from a Noddys bottle…
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. It was a Geelong icon for generations appearing at most parties and gathering!
Sadly Noddy’s is no longer with us disappearing from the city during the 1990’s.

8. Who are the little people on the rocks?
They are little Peruvians who travelled here in a Pottlekettle…
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.
If you haven’t read the book yet check it out.
Geelong’s school children celebrate their story with the annual Poppykettle Festival.

http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/childrensweek/article/item/8d26b36086d60ff.aspx

9. Have you seen the things in the pavement along the waterfront? What are they?
Their officially called ‘Paving splats’
You might have over looked this one but next time you are down at central Geelong Waterfront keep your eyes open for some stainless steel inlays in the pavement showing the imported and locally made objects. There are paving splats are ‘splattered’ around the Geelong Waterfront. Keeps your eyes peeled!

10. When did they stop using the tram lines on the pier?
The rail lines on the pier Cunningham pier were used up until the late 1970’s.
The iconic Cunningham Pier on Geelong’s waterfront was originally a vital part of Geelong’s port from the mid 1850’s, with rail being used to load and unload cargo up until the late 1970’s.

Cunningham Pier sat dormant for many years until the mid 1990’s when the pier was sold. The original goods shed was removed to make way for the current structure as a function centre and restaurant.

Today Cunningham Pier is a Geelong icon with its spectacular views over the picturesque harbor.

Next time you’re looking for What to do in Geelong head down at the Waterfront, you might look around a little differently.