Описание

Welcome aboard the Bendigo Talking Tram Tour, where you'll journey through time on beautifully restored vintage trams. As you step aboard, you'll be captivated by the exquisite craftsmanship poured into each vehicle, showcasing why Bendigo's trams are integral to the city's identity.

Ticket Prices and Terms

To experience the wonders of Bendigo through the Vintage Talking Tram Tour, we offer one-day tickets with the following prices:

• Adult: $12.50
• Child (3-15 years*): $7.50
• Infant (0-2 years*): Free

*Visitors aged 15 years and below must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or above. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions before booking.

Discovering Bendigo's History and Landmarks

Whether you find yourself in Bendigo for a few days or have just an hour to spare, the Vintage Talking Tram Tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history, witness its key landmarks, and delve into its captivating stories. As you embark on this journey, you'll better understand Bendigo's heritage.

Exploring Bendigo at Your Own Pace

You can explore Bendigo at your leisure with your Vintage Talking Tram ticket. Hop on and off the tram at various stops to discover the numerous parks, attractions, shopping centres, and dining facilities within walking distance of each tram stop. Take time to soak in the sights and make the most of your day.

Tram Stops and Round Trip Duration

If you choose to stay on board the tram and complete an entire round trip, the tour will take approximately 45 minutes. You can catch a Vintage Talking Tram from four different locations: Central Deborah Gold Mine, Alexandra Fountain, Lake Weeroona, or the Bendigo Joss House Temple.

Catching a Vintage Talking Tram

Vintage Talking Trams are your gateway to exploring Bendigo's hidden gems and iconic landmarks. The trams are easily accessible from multiple locations throughout the city. For example, catch a tram from Central Deborah Gold Mine, Alexandra Fountain, Lake Weeroona, or the Bendigo Joss House Temple.

Interactive Map and Attractions

To make your exploration even more convenient, we provide an interactive map that showcases the various parks, attractions, shopping centres, and dining facilities accessible by tram. The tram route and its stops are highlighted in red on the map. Feel free to move the map around and click on the icons for more information.

Alternatively, you can refer to our list of attractions and dining options at each tram stop for a comprehensive guide.

Доступность и парковка

While not all of our trams are wheelchair-friendly, we encourage visitors requiring wheelchair accessibility to contact us in advance at (03) 5442 2821. This will ensure that an appropriate tram is available on the day of your visit, allowing you to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Extended vehicle parking is available at Tram Stop No. 1, Central Deborah Gold Mine, for those travelling with caravans or campervans. Simply enter 76 Violet Street, Bendigo, into your maps for easy navigation.

The Evolution of Bendigo Tramways

The story of Bendigo Tramways dates back to June 1890, when the Sandhurst and Electric Tramway Company introduced battery trams to Bendigo. However, due to the hilly terrain, the batteries proved inadequate, leading to their replacement with steam trams in February 1892. Steam trams served Bendigo for ten years until the recession of 1899 forced the Bendigo Tramways Company to sell to the Electric Supply Company of Victoria (ESCo), which continued operating steam trams until 1902.

In April 1903, electric trams were introduced, marking a new era for Bendigo's transportation. The electric trams were an instant hit, with passengers crowding them during peak hours and even using them to deliver parcels, newspapers, and mailbags.

Saving Bendigo's Trams

The closure of the Bendigo Tramways in 1972 led to a passionate community effort to preserve the city's iconic trams. The Bendigo Trust proposed a two-year trial for a tourist tramway, which the Victorian Cabinet approved in September 1972. However, several organizations and individuals had attempted to acquire Bendigo's trams for their collections before this, leading to a controversy over ownership rights.

To ensure that the trams remained in Bendigo, a blockade was organized at the depot yard, preventing the removal of one of the trams. Eventually, the entire fleet was sold to The Bendigo Trust for a nominal fee of $1, securing the future of Bendigo's trams.

Bendigo Tramways: 1972 – Present

Since the re-establishment of Bendigo Tramways as a tourist service, it has grown to become Australasia's largest tourist tramway. Over 40,000 visitors embark on the Vintage Talking Tram Tour each year, marvelling at the city's history and heritage. The Bendigo Tramways Depot, where the trams are housed, is the oldest operating tram depot in Australia and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

The Oldest Operating Tram Depot

The Bendigo Tramways Depot is a testament to the city's dedication to preserving its heritage. It serves as a window into the past, providing a glimpse of Bendigo's development as a city and the significant role played by the tramways throughout history. Visiting the depot and experiencing the guided Depot and Workshop tour allows you to immerse yourself in the rich tramway heritage of Bendigo.

Archiving Bendigo's Tramway Heritage

Preserving Bendigo's tramway heritage is of utmost importance, and the Bendigo Tramways boasts an on-site Archiving Department dedicated to this mission. Thousands of tramway documents, photos, mechanical plans, and artifacts are meticulously preserved and catalogued. This ensures that the historical information conveyed to visitors is accurate and that the heritage is safeguarded for future generations.

Unforgettable Experiences with Bendigo Tramways

The success of Bendigo Tramways is deeply rooted in the dedication and passion of its staff. Visitors often praise the friendly and knowledgeable tram conductors and staff members who go above and beyond to provide an exceptional experience. From sharing intriguing stories to answering questions, our team is committed to making your visit to Bendigo Tramways unforgettable.

Часто задаваемые вопросы (часто задаваемые вопросы)

1. How long does the Vintage Talking Tram Tour take?

The Vintage Talking Tram Tour takes approximately 45 minutes if you stay on board for one round trip. However, your ticket is valid for the entire day, allowing you to hop on and off the tram at various stops to explore Bendigo at your own pace.

2. Are the trams wheelchair-friendly?

While not all of our trams are wheelchair-friendly, we encourage visitors requiring wheelchair accessibility to contact us in advance at (03) 5442 2821. We will ensure that an appropriate tram is available on the day of your visit, enabling you to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

3. Where can I park my caravan or campervan?

Extended vehicle parking is available at Tram Stop No. 1, Central Deborah Gold Mine. Simply enter 76 Violet Street, Bendigo, into your maps for easy navigation.

4. How many trams are there in the Bendigo Tramways fleet?

Currently, we have 45 trams in our fleet, with 13 of them operating as part of the Vintage Talking Tram service.

5. Can I visit the Bendigo Tramways Depot?

Yes, the Bendigo Tramways Depot is open for guided Depot and Workshop tours, allowing you to explore the fascinating history of Bendigo's tramways and experience the working depot firsthand.