THERE are few better ways to see the sights of Bendigo than aboard a beautifully refurbished Vintage Talking Tram.
Passengers can sit back and relax to stories of the city’s colourful gold rush past while marvelling at the artistry of the vehicle – the carefully crafted seats, stained-glass features and intricate details are all indicative of the skilled craftsmen who meticulously built and restored each tram by hand.
As the recorded narrative tells entertaining stories, passengers pass sights including monuments such as the Alexandra Fountain, Sacred Heart Cathedral and the stately promenade Pall Mall.
This hop-on, hop-off tour stops throughout the city, allowing visitors to explore many of the parks, attractions, shopping and dining facilities.
Tickets are valid for two days so there’s plenty of time to join or depart at any one of the designated tram stops
At stop No. 1 passengers can descend 61 metres below the surface at Central Deborah Gold Mine, a real gold mine
that operated during the gold rush boom of the 1900s.
Guided through the honeycomb of tunnels, visitors discover what conditions were really like for miners at the time.
The Bendigo Joss House Temple is at stop No. 6. This Chinese place of worship was constructed in the 1860s and is one of the few remaining temples of its type in Australia.
Your guide will regale you with fascinating stories about the lives of Chinese migrants on the goldfields and explain some of the rituals practised at the temple.
Another option is to board Tram No. 45, the Anzac Centenary Tram, and hear stories of bravery, resilience and courage in the face of adversity, and the impact of WWI on the Bendigo community.
This tram leaves daily at 10am.
The other trams leave throughout the day. The run from first stop to last stop takes just under an hour.
Tickets: $17.50/$16/$11; family $51; children under five free – (03) 5443-8255, www.bendigotramways.com, (Not all trams are wheelchair friendly. Phone (03) 5442-2821 or email bookings@bendigoheritage.com.au in advance to ensure an appropriate tram is in service that day.)
Easter made easy
If you’re planning on visiting over the Easter weekend, a Bendigo tram is the easiest way to get to all the activities.
Park at Central Deborah Gold Mine or the Joss House Temple. Step aboard a talking tram and make your way to the Easter festivities in style thanks to these two special offers:
- All Vintage Talking Tram tickets will be valid from Good Friday to Easter Monday.
- A shuttle service is available on Easter Sunday for the Bendigo Advertiser gala parade. Park your car at either end of the tram tracks and catch the tram to and from the parade from 9.20am-1.30pm.
