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. 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 which 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 bollards picture.

Geelong Bollard Trail Walk

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.

• The trail starts from Rippleside Park and ends at Limeburners Point and the Botanic Gardens.
• 48 Sites: Estimated Walking Time: two hours one way.

Artist

The colourful bollards are the work of artist Jan Mitchell. Jan was commissioned by the City of Greater Geelong to transform old timbers and piles from a city pier, demolished in the 1980s, into remarkable works of art that stop young and old in their tracks.

Book

A book on the Baywalk Bollards is available for sale from the Carousel at the Waterfront.