Restored Geelong Tram #2 gifted to Ballarat

Launched in 1912, historic Geelong Tram #2 has been restored and gifted to the Ballarat Tramways Museum adding to their growing Ballarat and Victoria tramway collection. 

In 1991 Warrington Cameron purchased the tram from a Bellarine Peninsula farmer who tendered it from the former State Electricity Commission in Brougham Street, Geelong. It had been decommissioned in 1956 with the closure of the Geelong Tramways.

With the help of generous individuals and museums, Mr Cameron has restored the tram to its original condition to find a new lease of life in Ballarat. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney said that the Lake Wendouree precinct is an incredible tourist attraction with the Botanical Gardens, Begonia Festival, Summer Sundays, weekend markets, pedal boats and tram museum and rides.

“The Ballarat Tramway Museum is a superb asset and this is a truly generous gift that not only has significant historical value, but will also bring so much joy to so many locals and visitors, both young and old,” he said. 

“We are very grateful to Warrington Cameron for making this possible. The tram will be displayed in the new museum building and operated on special occasions for all to view and ride on.

“The City of Ballarat is currently seeking tenders to replace the old tramway tracks along Lake Wendouree with work anticipated to commence in April. This initiative will ensure Ballarat’s lake side trams can run smoothly for years to come and help complement the new museum building that is opening soon.”

Ballarat Tramway Museum President Paul Mong said this was a historic addition to the museum’s collection that already boasted two other Melbourne trams built in 1915, which had been purchased by the private operator of the Geelong Tramway in 1928 and then transferred on to Ballarat in 1936.

“Geelong Tram #2 will be the first time an original Geelong tram has taken passengers since 1956 and we intend on operating future ‘Geelong Days’ to help celebrate this part of our special collection,” he said. 

Following the launch of the Geelong #2 tram from 2pm, the tram will be available for rides until late afternoon. Fares are $5 for adults and $2 for school aged children and can be booked via www.trybooking.com/BXCHX.

The rides depart from the Tramway Museum in the South Gardens Reserve, Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree. Masks must be worn, and eligible people must be COVID vaccinated, or medically exempt. 

For further information please visit www.btm.org.au