Ballarat Tramway Museum
Ballarat Tramway Museum
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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. The Museum is now open every weekend, Tuesdays, selected days during school holidays and public holidays from 11:00am until 4:00pm on weekends and 10:00am to 3:00pm on weekdays. Tram rides through the beautiful Botanic Gardens alongside Lake Wendouree are available from the Museum. Entry is $10 Adults, $8 concession, $5 children and $30 for families. Riding the tram is included in the entry fee. The Museum welcomes groups and can cater for a variety of special occasions. Visit the Museum's web page for further information.
Duration: < 1 hour
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4.5
202 reviews
Excellent
130
Very good
62
Average
5
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Bug a
1 contribution
Sep. 2023 • Friends
Great place to learn about old trams. Amazing sight seeing experience in the tram ride and nice customer service.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
On behalf of the volunteers at the Ballarat Tramway Museum thnak you for your great review
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Owen C
1 contribution
Oct. 2023 • Couples
The museum isn't big, but it is definitely worth the price. With the admission ticket, you can have the chance to ride in a well-maintained classic tram and take a trip for around 20 minutes or so. The tram is operated by volunteers, which demonstrates the passion these people have for preserving and educating others about this heritage. Apart from the ride, there are also several static trams on display, some of which you can climb on for a closer look and photo opportunities. Staff there are also very very friendly too. This museum really adds a nice touch to this cute city.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IThank you Owen. It is wonderful when we read that the work of our diverse group of volunteers is being so appreciated
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
joan
2 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Great place to visit and good look back in time at some of the old and restored trams. Included short tram ride as well. Very interesting and well worth the trip
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Joan. Our volunteers are so proud of what they have achieved and that you enjoyed your time with them.
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve
Neu-Isenburg, Germany2 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
What a great, not so hidden gem. We popped in and looked at the beautifully restored trams. Entry price includes a tram ride and while we waited, Chris (one of the staff) took us on a tour of the workshop; absolute highlight. Greg the tram conductor was great for a chat at the halfway mark of the ride.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you. Our volunteers Chris and Greg will be chuffed thta you enjoyed your time with them
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Acacia C
2 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Very enjoyable visit. The experience was made even more memorable by the ability to climb in the trams on display and to be involved in the running of the tram when on the tram ride.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Acaciac for tking the time to post a review. Our volunteers work hard to ensure all visitors enjoy their visit and ride on our unique trams
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kevin W
Wandong, Victoria, Australia3 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
Great place , well presented. Had lunch on the Cuthbert Tram , fantastic experience. Well worth a visit and a tram ride.
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Kevin. COVID-19 kept 'Cuthberts939' off the tracks for too long and it is great to be able to offer the 'restaurant tram' experience again. We are so gladyou enjoyed it.
Written 13 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
victraveller2017
Ballarat, Australia33 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Great addition to Lake Wendouree. A nice modern space. Not the old sheds you might expect for a tram collection. The volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable but let you wonder and ask questions only if you want.
The parent area with activities for young kids is a really thoughtful addition.
The tram ride included with the entry ticket was fun and informative.
The parent area with activities for young kids is a really thoughtful addition.
The tram ride included with the entry ticket was fun and informative.
Written 3 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Victraveller2017 for your kind review. A small group of volunteers have worked so hard over the last three years to establish the new facility and they are pleased you enjoyed your time with us.
Written 17 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul P
Melbourne, Australia232 contributions
Apr. 2023
The clang of a tram bell is so memory evoking. Modern tams are soulless. Old trams open to the air, leather straps and the clang of the bell take me back to my childhood and later. Ballarat is one of many towns that used to have trams but alas now only a couple have working rideable trams. The good thing about this museum is that it includes the fare for a tram ride, and you get a real tram ticket. The museum display is not vast but it holds beautifully restored trams. My favourite is the double decker horse tram #1. Not only do they have Ballarat trams but a Victorian Railways tram and a Geelong Tram, yes sleepy hollow once had trams. It will not take long to visit and it is cheap and as I said you get a tram ride. "Move inside the tram you school kids."
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Paul for your great review
Written 14 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
phebianMelbourne
Eaglemont, Australia856 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Couples
Was pleasantly surprised to find the trams operating Good Friday. This is NOT a criticism as we had visited Ballarat late last year and the tramway was closed due to COVID. The tramway is operated by volunteers, so it is an inexpensive outing, and the tramfare includes visiting the tramway museum. I can recommend both the tram trip and visiting the museum
Written 7 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Phebian for your review. Yes, we do open all of Easter and when volunteers are available we even run the tram on Christmas afternoon. We know how much visitors to the Gardens appreciate our attraction being open at times that many others are nable to do so.
Written 14 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia15,743 contributions
Mar. 2023
My wife and I visited this place during our visit to the Ballarat Begonia Festival at the Botanic Gardens.
The Ballarat Tramway Museum was formed to preserve the tramway experience that existed on the streets of Ballarat from 1887 to 1971. Trams are operated along an original section of the Wendouree Parade track using authentic methods of operation.
At the south end of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is the tram depot, which houses the tramcar collection, a museum display with photographs, videos, tramway memorabilia, stories, souvenirs and book shop.
Included in the museum display is Ballarat Horse Drawn Tram No. 1. This was the first tram to operate in Ballarat in 1887. Also, under restoration is one of the first electric trams to be operated in 1905 by the original Electric Supply Company of Victoria fleet.
The Ballarat Tramway Museum was formed to preserve the tramway experience that existed on the streets of Ballarat from 1887 to 1971. Trams are operated along an original section of the Wendouree Parade track using authentic methods of operation.
At the south end of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens is the tram depot, which houses the tramcar collection, a museum display with photographs, videos, tramway memorabilia, stories, souvenirs and book shop.
Included in the museum display is Ballarat Horse Drawn Tram No. 1. This was the first tram to operate in Ballarat in 1887. Also, under restoration is one of the first electric trams to be operated in 1905 by the original Electric Supply Company of Victoria fleet.
Written 23 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you World Traveller for your review. Our small and enthusiastic group of vonunteers work very hard to present the story of Ballarat's tramway history.
Written 24 March 2023
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, Australia521 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)
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ballarat Tramway Museum
- Ballarat Tramway Museum is open:
- Tue - Tue 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
- Sat - Sun 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
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