Visit the Ballarat Tramway Museum
Explore the award-winning, interactive Ballarat Tramway Museum, featuring the new museum building with up to seven historic tramcars on display, along with a range of exhibitions and hands-on activities for all ages.
Your entry ticket includes all-day access to the Museum as well as unlimited tram rides, allowing visitors to fully experience the charm of travelling on heritage trams.
The collection showcases early Victorian trams built prior to 1920 that once operated in Ballarat, Melbourne, and Geelong. A highlight of the collection is Horse Tram No. 1, dating back to 1887, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of public transport in Victoria.
WHEN
Opening times
Standard Opening Hours
Weekends & Public Holidays
11am to 4pm
Last tram leaves the Museum at 4pm
Tuesdays
10am to 3pm
Last tram leaves the Museum at 3pm
Thursdays during the Victorian School Holidays
10am to 3pm
Last tram leaves the Museum at 3pm
From time to time, opening days or hours may change due to special events, maintenance, or operational requirements. Any updates will be displayed on this page. If you are planning a visit and would like to confirm our opening times, please feel free to contact us.
All trams commence their 3.2km return trip from the Museum.
Operating every day over the Begonia Festival from 10am to 5pm.
aDMISSION PRICES
ALL DAY Museum Entry + Tram Ride
Adults $15
Concession $13
Children $7
Family $40
Group booking prices available on request.
GROUP VISITS
Group bookings and tours may be arranged outside of standard opening hours by prior arrangement.
We offer a number of services and packages for group visits, including various spaces within the Museum and our function tram, Cuthberts939
Small groups of fewer than 15 people are encouraged to visit on Operating Days, when normal individual admission pricing applies.
If you are planning a group visit, school excursion, or special tour, please contact us to discuss available options and confirm details.
WHERE
Location
The Ballarat Tramway Museum is located within the Botanical Gardens on the western shore of Lake Wendouree, offering a scenic and easily accessible destination for visitors.
By Car from Melbourne
Take the Ballarat exit and continue through the city centre. Travel along Sturt Street, then turn right into Hamilton Avenue, approximately 3 kilometres from the city centre. Follow the signage for the Lake & Gardens Precinct – Tourist Tramway to reach the Museum.
By Car from Adelaide
Take the Ballarat exit from the Western Highway and continue along Remembrance Drive, passing the Arch of Victory. Turn left into Hamilton Avenue, approximately 300 metres past the traffic lights at Gillies Street. Follow the signage for the Lake & Gardens Precinct – Tourist Tramway.
By Train
Disembark at Wendouree Train Station. Cross Gillies Street toward the Hungry Jack’s food complex, then head south along Gillies Street through the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. The Gardens are approximately a 10-minute walk from the station, with the Ballarat Tramway Museum a further 15 to 20-minute walk through the beautiful Gardens. Continue along the path until you arrive at the Museum.
By Taxi
Taxi services are available from central Ballarat:
Phone 131 008 or (03) 5329 0000
By Bus from Central Ballarat
There are two public bus routes that provide access to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens and the Ballarat Tramway Museum.
- Route 10 – Ballarat Station to Alfredton via Wendouree
This service departs from the main Ballarat Railway Station and travels via the two major shopping centres. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes from the station.Alight at the Botanic Gardens / Aquatic Centre stop in Gillies Street, which is located immediately behind the Museum. The Ballarat Fish Hatchery will be visible on your left.It is also an option to board this route from the Wendouree Station.
- Route 26 – Ballarat Station to Alfredton
This service runs from the main Ballarat Railway Station, largely via Sturt Street. Alight at the Victoria Park / Sturt Street stop. Please advise the driver when boarding, as the bus must pull off the main road into a service lane to access this stop.After disembarking, cross Sturt Street and walk along Hamilton Avenue toward Lake Wendouree and the Botanical Gardens, passing the 1956 Olympic Games Monument. The tram stop is located at Carlton Street on Wendouree Parade, near the Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial. From the bus stop, allow approximately 10 minutes’ walking time.The bus journey on this route takes approximately 15 minutes.