Brisbane Tramway Museum

The Brisbane Tramway Museum offers a hands-on way to explore Brisbane’s public transport history, with rides on preserved electric trams as well as displays about the city’s former tramway system. The collection includes six working trams, with examples built from 1901 through to 1963. Depending on the day, visitors may ride vehicles such as the Californian Combination tram, the centre-aisle Baby Dreadnought, a Drop Centre Combination or one of the FM trams.

Set in a bushland setting in Ferny Grove, the museum is more than a collection of vehicles. Its displays include depot stations, a signal cabin and historic photographs, giving visitors context for how Brisbane’s tram network operated. A museum shop sells changing selections of souvenirs and memorabilia, while picnic tables provide a place to pause during a visit. Admission includes unlimited tram rides on the day, making the experience easy to enjoy at your own pace.

The museum was founded in 1968 and opened to the public in 1980, growing from a community effort to preserve Brisbane’s tramway legacy. It remains a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers, with its work centred on education, preservation and public engagement. That community focus is evident in its ongoing invitation for new members, volunteers, motormen, conductors and tradespeople to get involved.

This is a suitable outing for families, tram and history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Brisbane’s past. The museum also caters for school groups, community groups, car clubs and special occasions, with group bookings available by arrangement. Public visits take place on Sunday afternoons from 12.30pm to 4pm, while the site can close in wet weather for operational reasons. Allowing around two hours gives time to explore the displays and take the tram rides. The museum is at 50 Tramway Street, Ferny Grove, next to the Bowls Club.