What do you do with a pile of old wharf timbers? If you’re a commissioner in the Australian city of Geelong on the Corio Bay, you enlist the help of a local artist to turn them into whimsical portrayals of dozens of unique characters that illustrate the history and culture of the city.
More than 100 of these playful figures now greet visitors along the two-mile Bollard Trail on the Geelong waterfront. Each was hand carved and painted by the well-known artist Jan Mitchell. (Keen observers will note the abundance of decorative bunnies festooning the bollards, as well as some of the sly and scandalous humor that Mitchell wove into her creations.)
Bollards Explore Geelongs Iconic Bollards Through The City Map />
There are 104 figures in total, depicting all sorts of different characters from the region’s earliest history up until modern day. There is a Koori family, celebrating the nation’s aboriginal culture; the Geelong-born musical comedy star Carrie Moore; lady swimmers sporting beachwear from the 1880s to the 1950s; the Sisters of Mercy; Ian MacDonald, the city surveyor behind the Eastern Beach complex; “Nancy Natty Knickers” riding her velocipede; and many others.
Portuguese Explorer Bollard
Mitchell produced the now-iconic bollards between 1994 and 1999. She passed away in 2008, and to honor her a bollard portrait was made of her, which accompanied a special commemorative exhibit of her work.
The bollards can be found along the Geelong waterfront bay walk, stretching from Limeburner’s Point to Rippleside Park. The Bollard Trail is about a 2-hour walk one way, and passes 48 attractions along the way, with bollards at each stop.
Geelong, Australia Stanbury Jacko A stuffed, prize-winning ram is all that remains of a world-renowned stud line, and a reminder of its owner's gruesome end.
Geelong Waterfront Bollards. #1
Point Lonsdale, Australia Buckley's Cave William Buckley escaped from prison and is said to have spent years hiding in this seaside cave.
Queenscliff, Australia HMVS Victoria Swivel Link All that remains of the first colonial naval ship in Australia is located in a park in Queenscliff.
Copenhagen, Denmark ZinkGlobal This contemplative sculpture made out of old machine parts is meant to be the first in a series of sculptures around the world.
Redcoat Bollards Geelong
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We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the world’s hidden wonders. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month.
No purchase necessary. Winner will be selected at random on 08/01/2023. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Offer subject to change without notice. See contest rules for full details.