Melbourne Tram Museum news

Melbourne Tram Museum unveils new exhibition celebrating our city’s original cable tram network

 

The Melbourne Tram Museum in Hawthorn is launching a major new exhibition exploring the remarkable cable tram system that shaped the way early Melburnians travelled across the city.

Opening on Saturday 9 May 2026, the exhibition traces the story of Melbourne’s first tram network, which began operation in 1885 and rapidly expanded through the growing metropolis.

Developed before the arrival of electricity or motor vehicles, Melbourne's cable trams were similar to the cable trams of San Francisco. They were hauled by powerful underground cables and became an essential part of daily life. Melbourne’s network was one of the largest of its kind in the world and played a key role in the city’s development during the era known as Marvellous Melbourne.

Visitors to the exhibition can step aboard an original cable tram and explore an extensive collection of photographs, interpretive displays and historic memorabilia. Knowledgeable volunteer guides will be on hand to explain the technology behind the system and share stories from Melbourne's early transport history.

The museum is housed within the heritage listed Hawthorn Tram Depot on the corner of Power Street and Riversdale Road. In addition to the cable tram, the collection includes many of Melbourne’s early electric trams. The museum is open to the public on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, as well as selected Wednesdays.

For any queries, please contact info@trammuseum.org.au.