Bendigo is bringing the groove to their historic tramway.
If there’s one thing I’ve always said, it’s that trams should be 70 per cent groovier. Thankfully, Bendigo has taken me seriously and will be sending off a Groove Tram over twice a month.
The small Victorian town of Bendigo, just two hours by train from Melbourne, has already made a name for itself by combining its historic beauty (the town was established in 1851) with modern gastronomic delights, thanks to an incredible restaurant scene and delicious wineries to boot. But nothing exemplifies the old and new more than Bendigo’s historic tramway.
Stretching the full length of the town, the trams first started operating in 1890, in an on-again, off-again fashion. That old-world charm is maintained even today, thanks to Bendigo being the only place in Australia that left track, trams and a depot behind after closing its tramway system. Today, the tram system in Bendigo is not only a fun way to get around town (even though it’s a very walkable destination), but it’s Australasia’s largest tourist tramway, with over 40,000 visitors flocking to ride it annually.
So, all pretty cool, as is. But like I said – pump up the groove.
On select nights, tram punters can book one of two, adults-only, Groove Tram rides, which Bendigo Tramways itself describes as a way to “be transported to a world of pure entertainment, where live music, local brews and fine wine are all enjoyed against the picturesque backdrop of Bendigo’s rolling vistas". Heavenly.
Each night will have its very own groovy flavour, thanks to a rotating headline of Bendigo’s best musicians. Upcoming performers include David Turpie , Slide , Ally G and Caitie & Co .
The details
Price: $25 per person. Drinks and nibbles at bar prices. No BYO.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Times: The first Groove Tram pulls out from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, the second of the night from 8:00pm to 9:30pm.
Dates: Check the website for upcoming dates.
Location: Pick-up and drop-off at Alexandra Fountain
Wondering where to stay between tram rides? These are our top picks of Bendigo hotels and quaint Airbnbs.
