The Geelong Waterfront has a brand new attraction - a
historic steam driven carousel.
The
carousel has taken years of restoration and is one of only a
few left running throughout the world. This carousel dates
back to 1892 when Armitage Herschell built these portable
steam driven wonders as waterfront attractions all over the
world.
It was originally driven by a
steam powered engine but now electric powered. A steam band
organ which are all housed inside a modern landmark
structure.
Photo: The Carousel is a popular place for weddings and
special receptions
The Carousel is open every day and
for a small fee visitors can ride on of the beautiful
horses or carriages.
The organ belts out Dixieland melodies and has carved wind
chests and is a beautiful work of art in its own right.
Much of the organ is made up of original parts with others
being carefully reproduced.
The carousel features 36 original horses, which have real
horse hair tails and manes, there is two chariots which have
been painstakingly restored.
Inside the carousel there are paintings telling the story of
King Arthur and Camelot. The painting forms branches which
hold the canopy like a giant tree.
The sail like contemporary glass and metal structure sets the
scene for Geelong's new harbor and is a must for visitors and
locals a like.