History and Preservation
Updated: 01 January 2008
The Bendigo Tramways have been in operation since June 1890. From that time, the citizens of Bendigo have experienced battery, steam and electric traction as the principal modes of propulsion for their trams.
Over the years, the Bendigo Tramways have been owned by various operators who adopted different corporate identities. The tramway operators' identities and the periods during which they had control of daily tram services were;
| Operator: | Period: | Type: |
|
The Sandhurst and Eaglehawk Electric Tramway Company Limited |
14th June 1890 to 23rd September 1890 |
battery |
|
The Bendigo Tramways Company Limited |
1st February 1892 to June 1902 |
steam |
|
The Electric Supply Company of Victoria |
15th April 1903 to 30th June 1934 |
electric |
|
The State Electricity Commission of Victoria |
30th June 1934 to 16th April 1972 |
electric |
|
The Bendigo Trust |
9th December 1972 to present |
electric |
Despite these varied names, to most people, the tramways at Bendigo were simply known as the Bendigo Tramways - a name that has endured right up to the present day.
On 11th September 1972, the State Government of Victoria granted The Bendigo Trust permission to operate a Vintage Talking Tram tourist service between the Central Deborah Gold Mine in Violet Street, through Bendigo and on to the Chinese Joss House at North Bendigo. Since then, the trust has continued to maintain and operate the tramway.
Click on any of the bars at right to learn more about the various aspects of the Bendigo Tramways, past and present.
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