Geelong (pronounced ji-LONG) is a pretty city, but it is a bit bigger than I was expecting. It's about an hour west of Melbourne, so there are a fair number of commuters. However, Australia has designated it as a Regional Area which means that people who move here get incentives like low cost loans or help with home purchases and business establishment. Our guide said since that designation, the population is growing fast. There are lots of Victorian homes around and there used to be several wool warehouses and a mill. Ford used to be based here, but shut down that factory a few years ago and GM pulled out as well. This was a tender port, but the ride was only about 10 minues.
Some of the beautiful houses:
First stop was the Geelong Gaol Museum. The Gaol was built in 1853 and closed in 1991. Over the years it had some improvements made, like electricity, but never had heat or air conditioning or real beds or toilets in the cells. The tour was conducted by an "inmate" and a female "warden". It was very entertaining as well as informative.
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| the prisoner's uniform |
Next was the National Wool Museum. The most interesting thing was the 100+ year old weaving machine for making rugs. It worked with a series of punch cards for the design, sort of like a player piano. It still works as you can see.
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| the punch cards at the top move along and determine the pattern |
After the tour we had a light lunch at The Edge along the waterfront. Deep fried cauliflower and salt and pepper calamari that was the best we've ever had. Along the waterfront are a series of Bollards - painted characters of the city's past made from old pier pilings.
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| Lifeguards |
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| Waterfront park |
Dinner tonight at Chartreuse and an early evening back in the cabin.
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