Keeping you informed
Stay up to date with everything happening at the Ballarat Tramway Museum. From restoration projects and special events to volunteer stories and behind-the-scenes insights, this is where we share the latest developments from our living heritage tramway.
Check back regularly to see what’s new and discover how we continue to preserve and celebrate Ballarat’s tramway history.
A US Marine visits
In March we were visited by Hershal Byrd, a colorful character from the US. Hershal had served in Vietnam as a marine in the 11th Battalion of the US Marines,...
Happy Birthday Hugo!
In March 2026 young Hugo celebrated his birthday at the Museum with his friends and family. The guests were able to enjoy the party in our upstairs room, with games...
2025 Night Tram
The illuminated Night Tram operated during the Ballarat Winter Festival in July, with over 850 people braving the cold and wet weather to take a ride. This year the tram...
Helping out
Our overhead crew made a trip over to the Tramway Heritage Centre at Bylands in May. The Centre has been the victim of a spate of vandalism and robberies which...
Our most modern tram
The Museum has taken ownership of former Melbourne tram No.116, this a a modern Z3 model. The Z-class are single-unit bogie trams that operated on the Melbourne tram network. Between...
Tram 34 goes to Bendigo
Tram 34 was moved in May to the Bendigo Tramway workshops where the restoration works have begun. The tram will then return to the BTM workshop where all the electrical...
Take care crossing the road
Be like our swans and use the pedestrian crossing to get across Wendouree Parade.
Moving trams
Currently all but two of the trams on display are operational. These operational trams do leave the Museum and run along the Wendouree Parade tracks at different times during the...
The 2024 Santa Tram
Tram No.1029 is the latest tram to become a Santa Tram. Decorated trams is a long tradition in Ballarat going back to the 1930s.
We have a new tram
In November 2024, the Museum took possession of a new tram, No. 829, an SW5 class, built in 1940. The tram was one of the Transporting Art trams, and features...
AWARD WINNERS!
VOLUNTEER-RUN PROJECT OF THE YEAR WINNER: Ballarat Tramway Museum, Creating a Contemporary and Accessible Tramway Museum Judges’ comments: This project skilfully used innovative technology to engage all age groups, transforming...
Lake Wendouree
The northern terminus of the Museum tramway at St. Aidan's Drive, provides stunning views across Lake Wendouree. The lake was once the Ballarat water supply during the gold rush of...
Golden Oldies
The Golden Oldies Vintage Car Club visited the Museum back in early September, with over 50 historic cars lining up in Wendouree Parade. The club had been touring across central...
Tram 14 restoration
Tram 14 has undergone a major restoration over the last 12 months. This has included a new floor, rewiring, motor and bearings rebuild, brakes, and wheel reprofiling. We hope to...
Wet weather over the summer
Several major wet weather events have caused disruptions to the tramway this summer. Our Xmas Day services were cancelled after a large section of the track in Wendouree Parade was...
Found a cat?
There are nine cats hidden around the Museum. Send the kids off on a cat hunt. Each cat has a story, pick up a brochure from the Ticket Office or...
CFA Safety Training
In November members of the Ballarat Country Fire Authority had safety training at the Museum. This means they will know how to deal with a tram car in the event...
Bridge Street redevelopment
There has been great excitement in Ballarat this week as parts of the old tram network has been rediscovered in Bridge Street. This narrow street was Ballarat's main shopping precinct...
Award winning volunteer
Peter Winspur, our current Secretary and Safety Manager, has won the Association of Tourist and Heritage Rail Australia's Excellence Award, 2023. He joined the Museum in...
Tram Shelter Rescue
An old tram shelter, once at the terminus of the Lydiard Street line as been rescued and stored for future preservation. The old building has been used as a storeroom...
The Neon Tram
The Neon Tram operated during Heritage Week and again over the King's Birthday Weekend. The event was a great success with visitors, even despite cold and wet weather. Thanks to...
New wheelchair ramp
With the assistance of the State Government we have received funding to build a ramp for wheelchair passengers. We are also closer to completing our wheelchair accessible tram, No. 1029,...
It’s National Volunteer Week
Talk to us today This museum has been run by volunteers since 1971. Our volunteers come from a wide variety of different backgrounds and experiences. If...
An Easter Possum
Several brush-tailed possums live in the tram depot. This one emerged on Easter Sunday, and climbed up onto the overhead wires. The local magpies were not impressed and made sure...
