Brisbane history Archives

Tram Rides and Contest Mark Anniversary

On Sunday, 28 September, the Brisbane Tramway Museum will commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Paddington Tram Depot fire with a special event from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 50 Tramway Street, Ferny Grove.

Visitors will have access to unlimited rides on up to seven restored trams, with vehicles dating between 1901 and 1964. The program will also feature a tram pulling contest, where local gym teams will compete to move a horse tram along a 50-metre track against the clock.

Preserving Brisbane’s Tram History

The Brisbane Tramway Museum Society, established in 1968, opened the Ferny Grove site in 1980. The museum holds more than 20 trams that once operated on Brisbane’s tram network, along with two single-deck trolley-buses. Other exhibits include depot buildings from Ipswich Road, a substation with equipment from former Brisbane substations, a signal cabin, historic tickets, uniforms, and photographs.

The museum also operates demonstration tram rides each Sunday afternoon, weather permitting, with carriages still equipped with original bells and period advertising.

Brisbane families can swap screens for tram bells this week, with the Brisbane Tramway Museum in Ferny Grove inviting locals to hop aboard its historic fleet. Visitors get the rare chance to ride historic trams and taste a bit of nostalgia all in one day.

A Community Ride Through Time

On Thursday, 10 July, the museum is hosting a special school holiday Open Day from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., giving visitors unlimited rides on trams that once travelled Brisbane’s streets decades ago. Tickets cost $10 for children and $20 for adults, with family deals available. Cold drinks and ice cream will be on hand for families wanting to cool off between rides.

The Brisbane Tramway Museum Society, formed in 1968, stepped in to save these trams after the city’s network closed in 1969. By 1980, the Ferny Grove site was ready for the public to enjoy, thanks to local volunteers who built tracks, restored trams and collected everything from old tickets to uniforms.

Today, the museum cares for 25 heritage trams, including Brisbane’s oldest, from 1901, and the last built in 1964. Some visitors might spot vintage ads above the seats, while others will hear the original bells ring as they hop on board. The site also has depot buildings recovered from the old Ipswich Road tram depot, an elevated signal cabin and thousands of photos and technical drawings showing Brisbane’s tram network in its heyday.

A Local Day Out with History and Ice Cream

The museum’s volunteers say the event is all about letting the community share a slice of history in an outdoor setting where kids can learn and play. It’s a chance for families to picnic under the trees, chat with tram enthusiasts and see how public transport shaped the city.

For only $10 per child and $20 per adult (or $50 per family of four), visitors can enjoy unlimited rides on any of the trams in service, built between 1901 and 1964. Whether you grew up riding Brisbane’s trams or want to give your kids a ride into the past, the museum’s school holiday event promises an affordable local adventure for everyone.

Practical Info

The Brisbane Tramway Museum is at 20 Tramway Street, Ferny Grove. The Open Day runs Thursday, 10 July, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets cost $10 per child, $20 per adult, $15 concession or $50 for a family of four.

Published 10-July-2025

Tag: Brisbane history

Tram Pulling Contest Returns to Ferny Grove

Tram Rides and Contest Mark Anniversary

Preserving Brisbane’s Tram History

Food and Facilities for Families

Ticket Information

Looking Forward

Brisbane Tramway Museum in Ferny Grove Keeps Tram History Rolling for Families

A Community Ride Through Time

A Local Day Out with History and Ice Cream

Practical Info