Who We Are
The Ballarat Tramway Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Ballarat’s street tramways.
Through the operation of historic tramcars, carefully maintained displays, and authentic heritage experiences, we bring the city’s transport history to life for visitors of all ages.
As a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organisation, we are committed to protecting this unique part of Ballarat’s story and ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations.
GOALS
OUR OBJECTIVES
Our Mission
To continue developing a working museum that preserves the character and experience of Ballarat’s former street tramways for the public benefit, operating safely and authentically for current and future generations.
Our Purpose
The Ballarat Tramway Museum was established to preserve and share the tramway experience that operated on the streets of Ballarat from 1887 to 1971. Our aim is not simply to display historic trams, but to bring the era to life.
Today, visitors can ride along an original section of track on a public road, experiencing traditional tramway practices including conductors, paper tickets, period uniforms, historic tram stops, and authentic operational procedures.
The Museum and Depot
Located at the southern end of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the Museum and depot display a selection of tramcars alongside photographic presentations, historical videos, tramway memorabilia, personal stories from former “trammies”, souvenirs, and a well-stocked bookshop.
The Museum is open from 11am on operating days. Visitors may enjoy a self-guided tour, or when volunteers are available, participate in a formal guided tour.
Group tours are available by prior arrangement and include both a tram ride and a guided visit to the Museum.
Our Tram Collection
Our collection features a range of historically significant tramcars, including:
Ballarat Horse Tram No. 1 (1887)
A 1905 Electric Supply Company of Victoria tramcar (currently under reconstruction)
Our operating fleet includes several tramcars originally built for Melbourne around the time of the First World War, later transferred to Ballarat in the 1930s and 1950s. Since 1975, the Museum has also acquired additional historic trams directly from Melbourne, further strengthening our collection.
Sustainability and Solar Power
The Museum is proud to operate with a strong commitment to sustainability. With 173 solar panels installed on the depot roof, generating approximately 67kW of power, the Ballarat Tramway Museum became the first tramway in Australia to utilise solar power (December 2014).
Over a 12-month period, the Museum is a net contributor of power to the grid, feeding excess energy back after meeting its own operational needs.
Governance and Accreditation
The Ballarat Tramway Museum (ABN 99 802 586 755) is a not-for-profit association and a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. The Museum holds Deductible Gift Recipient status, meaning donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Donations play a vital role in supporting ongoing maintenance and future projects.
The Museum is:
- An Accredited Museum under the Museum Accreditation Program managed by Australian Museums and Galleries Association (Victoria)
- An Accredited Rail Safety Operator with the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator
- Registered under the Victorian Tourist and Heritage Railways Act 2010
All support and contributions are gratefully received and directly assist in preserving Ballarat’s tramway heritage.
We are proud to be members of several important organisations.
AWARDS
OUR AWARDS
The Ballarat Tramway Museum is proud to be recognised at both state and national level for excellence in heritage preservation, restoration, accessibility and community engagement. These awards reflect the dedication of our volunteers, supporters and members who work tirelessly to protect and share Ballarat’s tramway history.
Below is a summary of recent awards received by the Museum and its members.
2025
Council of Tramways Museums of Australasia
Accessible Tram 1029
Association of Tourist & Heritage Railways Australia
Engagement Award – New building and interpretative displays
Passenger Vehicle Restoration Award – Tram 14
Excellence Award – Paul Mong
2024
Victorian Museums & Galleries Awards
Creating a Contemporary and Accessible Tramway Museum
2023
Council of Tramways Museums of Australasia
Bill Kingsley Achievement Award – New Interpretative Museum
Association of Tourist & Heritage Railways Australia
Excellence Award – Peter Winspur
2022
Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) Victoria
Lifetime Achievement Award – Warren Doubleday
2021
Council of Tramways Museums of Australasia
Achievement Award – Track Reconstruction
President’s Award – Warrington Cameron for Geelong No. 2
POLICIES
Documents & Policies
We welcome you to view and use these documents for education / training purposes and as sources of information. It would be appreciated if you credited the Ballarat Tramway Museum in your document as a source.
* full document available upon request from the Secretary - secretary@btm.org.au