Robert Ingpen's design for the original Poppykettle Fountain was based on his book Voyage of the Poppykettle, a Geelong-based fable about sea-faring Hairy Peruvians who landed at Limeburners Point.

Remnants of the fountain, a gift to the city from Dorothy McAllister, were relocated to its current position from Fairnie Park in 1996.

The bronze Peruvians were designed by Jenda Bucek with assistance from Robert Ingpen, and produced by Bucek Industries (Moolap).