Ballarat Tramway Museum: Hours, Address, Ballarat Tramway Museum Reviews: 4.5/5
Ballarat Tramway Museum
Ballarat Tramway Museum
4.5
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Ballarat Tramway Museum is staffed by volunteer members who are dedicated to preserving and operating a part of the former Ballarat street tramways. Trams are currently not running while we relay our tracks in Wendouree Parade. The new Display Hall is now open every weekend and public holiday from 11:00am until 4:00pm. Entry is $10 Adults, $8 concession and $5 children. Visit the Museum's web page for up to date information.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Popular mentions
4.5
188 reviews
Excellent
119
Very good
59
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Shane
1 contribution
Apr. 2021
Watching my son excited on the tram is an experience I will never forget. Great way for kids to learn about the machines and engineering legacy.
Written 18 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
OldJill
Melbourne, Australia18 contributions
Mar. 2021
Traveling on the tram is excellent value at $5. A fun way to spend 30 minutes and see a part of Ballarat's history. The tram runs along the lake so there is lots to see while traveling. The museum is free. A few restored trams to view.
Written 23 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you Jill for your review. COVID restrictions have required all our visitors to join the tram at the Museum instead of along Wendouree Parade and it has been very rewarding that so many have been coming to the Museum, having a look at our displays and then chosing to take a ride on the tram.
Written 4 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Strinjun
Burleigh Heads, Australia64 contributions
Nov. 2020 • Family
This tramway museum is a real labour of love for the dedicated volunteers & well worth the visit. There is quite a collection of trams & information about the tram’s history is thoughtfully displayed. This tramway is well worth the visit if you are visiting Ballarat on a Sunday
Written 25 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MrDavetheSarks
Melbourne, Australia20,220 contributions
Feb. 2020
Not an extensive museum, but they do run trams along the lake. Good value, and good information as well. Nice to look around other trams too.
Written 28 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Hi Dave. Your review came in during lockdown. The good news is that as of 22 November 2020 we are up and running again. Thanks for your support.
Written 30 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Carolyn J
1 contribution
Mar. 2020 • Family
Very friendly knowledgeable volunteers.Wonderful piece of Ballarat history. Well worth a visit and a ride on a Tram.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you Carolyn
Written 28 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrew Harvey
Mount Gambier, Australia519 contributions
Feb. 2020 • Business
The museum is wonderful with fine examples of the old trams that used to ply the streets of this attractive city until 1971. They are beautifully maintained by a group of passionate and dedicated volunteers. An added bonus is to tide on one, Saturday or Sunday, public holidays and Victorian school holidays.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you Drew
Written 28 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Beryl J
Gold Coast, Australia3 contributions
Feb. 2020 • Couples
What a fantastic way to see parts of Ballarat.
Our tram driver was extremely knowledgeable and we thoroughly enjoyed our ride and visit.
Our tram driver was extremely knowledgeable and we thoroughly enjoyed our ride and visit.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you Beryl for your support
Written 28 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Donna C
1 contribution
Dec. 2019 • Family
What a fantastic piece of history! The museum has over 15 vintage teams including the oldest horse drawn one. Took a ride up and down the lake ($5 A, $2 children) which is well worth the views and the facts about trams were extremely interesting for all of us (especially the children). It’s all run by volunteers and donations so please visit to keep this piece of history alive. A little gem!
Written 24 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you Donna for your great review. It is most appreciated.
Written 3 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Epico
Somerset, Australia114 contributions
Dec. 2019
A trip to see the Prime Ministers Avenue in the Botanical Gardens revealed a pleasant surprise in the form of the Tram Museum.
Entry is free but they do appreciate a donation.
The Museum runs tram rides on the original trams for $2 children and $5 adult. We didn't do it as I didn't take any money but it looked like quite a good long interesting trip - well worth it for the kiddies.
All the trams are accessible and you can get in the drivers cab. There is a 5 min video of their history. The volunteer on duty (Norm - I think) was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the trams and happily showed us all the workings and the restorations they are involved with.
One of my fav things were all the old photos of Ballarat with the trams. I had just done the Heritage Walks around the CBD so to see the pics of what the building were like back in the very early "tram" days was so interesting.
I would highly recommend the Tram Museum and take a few dollars for a ride.
Entry is free but they do appreciate a donation.
The Museum runs tram rides on the original trams for $2 children and $5 adult. We didn't do it as I didn't take any money but it looked like quite a good long interesting trip - well worth it for the kiddies.
All the trams are accessible and you can get in the drivers cab. There is a 5 min video of their history. The volunteer on duty (Norm - I think) was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the trams and happily showed us all the workings and the restorations they are involved with.
One of my fav things were all the old photos of Ballarat with the trams. I had just done the Heritage Walks around the CBD so to see the pics of what the building were like back in the very early "tram" days was so interesting.
I would highly recommend the Tram Museum and take a few dollars for a ride.
Written 14 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you Vicki for your enthusiastic review. We often say that any old photo of a tram in the street will tell us so much about Ballarat's history as there always something in the background.
We have just extended our Eftpos facility to the trams so next time you can pay by card when you have a ride.
Written 3 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
roy v
Traralgon, Australia4,082 contributions
Dec. 2019
While at the botanical gardens we visited the tramway museum.
We were lucky they were open and were preparing the Christmas Tram that will be running on the short amount of track still left up to Christmas, there must be lots of kids around who will love that .
It was great to go into the sheds and be able to get into an old tram and view quite a lot more . They even have a old horse drawn one there .
Plenty of great photos and history to view .
The volunteers are great to talk to, they are doing a great job , keep it up , well done , we enjoyed our visit. It is free entry which is great .
We were lucky they were open and were preparing the Christmas Tram that will be running on the short amount of track still left up to Christmas, there must be lots of kids around who will love that .
It was great to go into the sheds and be able to get into an old tram and view quite a lot more . They even have a old horse drawn one there .
Plenty of great photos and history to view .
The volunteers are great to talk to, they are doing a great job , keep it up , well done , we enjoyed our visit. It is free entry which is great .
Written 8 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thank you Roy. We ran four very successful Santa Trams this year. Santa was pretty tired by the last one!
On the regular trams some of our most enthusiastic visitors are small boys under four. We can only hope some of them keep up their passion and become the volunteers of the future.
Written 3 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Begud
Hong Kong, China2 contributions
Hi, We have been on a road trip to Melbourne and then the Great Ocean Rd, stopping overnight at Warrnambool. We will be driving to Ballarat tomorrow and plan to visit the tram museum. My kids are really
Looking forward to riding on the tram. Just checking to see if they will be running tomorrow (Wednesday) and do I buy tickets on the tram?
Thanks
Ro09
Ballarat, Australia
Hi Begud,
The Tramway Museum Doesn’t Operate On Weekdays But It Does On Weekends And Public Holidays
And You Can Pay either at the Depot Or On The Tram
icareaboutmyfamily
Ballarat, Australia
Does it go right around the lake and down to the shops? Also, is there a place to sit prams safely?
Leo R
Melbourne, Australia505 contributions
Yes they do and there are conductors to help.
Heather T
Warracknabeal, Australia
Does the tram operate on Tuesday's please-I'm bring some clients to ballarat for an outing and I thought they may like this adventure
Peter856
Melbourne, Australia34 contributions
Hi Heather. The tram normally only operates on weekends, Victorian school and public holidays but if you would like to contact me via info@ our web address with further information about your proposed visit and the planned date we may be able to accommodate you. Peter Winspur (Operations Manager, Ballarat Tramway Museum)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ballarat Tramway Museum
- Ballarat Tramway Museum is open:
- Sat - Sun 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Hotels near Ballarat Tramway Museum:
- (2.91 km) Ballarat Premier Apartments
- (2.08 km) Lake Wendouree Luxury Apartments
- (1.81 km) Lake Inn Ballarat
- (3.36 km) The Provincial Ballarat
- (2.97 km) Quest Ballarat
- Restaurants near Ballarat Tramway Museum:
- (0.51 km) Pipers by the Lake
- (0.53 km) Park Hotel Bistro
- (0.55 km) Subway
- (0.54 km) Arch Fish Shop
- (0.72 km) Arch View Cafe