Bendigo Tramways has officially launched the Depot Discovery Tour, giving visitors behind-the-scenes access to Australia’s oldest operating tram depot and the world-renowned Bendigo Tramways Workshop.
Operating every Saturday and Sunday, visitors will discover that lost trades are still in use today and come to appreciate the artistry of the skilled craftsmen who have meticulously built and restored each tram within Bendigo Tramways’ iconic fleet.
You’ll be left captivated by the major restoration projects that are completed in Bendigo and see firsthand about 50 historic and modern day trams housed in Bendigo Tramways Depot. From overhauling Melbourne’s iconic fleet of City Circle trams, to repurposing trams into classrooms, cafes, accommodation, and more recently, picnic shelters for Parks Victoria.
“We’re extremely proud of the work we do within the Bendigo Tramways Workshop, and we encourage visitors to come and see the unique work that is happening firsthand,” said James Reade, CEO, Bendigo Heritage.
The Depot Discovery Tour will also expand visitors’ understanding of the cultural importance of Bendigo Tramways, dive into historical anecdotes and uncover community legends as the guides share captivating tales about the significant role Bendigo Tramways has played in shaping our community.
“From trams that operated as public transport, to trams that carried royalty and survived two world wars, you’ll become immersed in the rich history of our fleet,” James said.
Depot tour guide Darcy Baird joined Bendigo Heritage back in 2022 and has held a variety of key roles within the organisation over the years. From initially guiding visitors through the underground tunnels of the group’s Central Deborah Gold Mine – a beaming light in the history of Victoria’s rich goldrush history – Darcy has worked across many facets of the business. He’s a walking, talking history guide to everything from the central Victorian goldrush days to the rich and vibrant history of Bendigo’s trams.
When the opportunity arose to move across to the Bendigo Tramways – another arm of the Bendigo Heritage group – he jumped at the chance. The historic trams are an iconic part of Bendigo’s rich history, and Darcy is proud to play a key role in their continued operation.
Darcy helps showcase a remarkable fleet of heritage trams that still run as they did during the gold rush era, carrying stories of the past into the present and is now the group’s official Depot Tour Guide.
Depot Discovery Tours operate every Saturday and Sunday at 10.30am and 12.30pm.
Pre-booking is recommended via bendigotramways.com
