The Brisbane Tramway Museum at Ferny Grove is a volunteer-run museum where you can ride restored Brisbane trams through bushland parkland. It opens on Sunday afternoons, and one admission ticket covers unlimited rides for the day.
The collection covers Brisbane’s electric street transport from 1895 to 1969, the year the city’s tram network closed. Six of the trams run, from a tram built in 1901 to Brisbane’s last-built tram.
Riding the trams
The museum lists six trams that run for visitors. Which ones are out on a given Sunday depends on the volunteers, but these are the ones you may get to ride:
- Tram 47: a Californian Combination built in 1901, the oldest on the list.
- Tram 65: a standard 10-bench tram from 1921, nicknamed the “Jumping Jack” or “Toast Rack”.
- Tram 99: a “Baby Dreadnought” from 1943, the last four-wheel tram built in Australia.
- Tram 341: a Drop Centre Combination from 1936, known as a “Droppie”.
- Tram 429: a Four Motor (FM) tram from 1942.
- Tram 554: an FM tram known as “Phoenix”, the last tram built in Brisbane, one of eight built after the Paddington Depot fire.
That fire on 28 September 1962 destroyed 65 trams, and the Brisbane network closed on 13 April 1969. The museum was founded in 1968, opened to the public in 1980 and keeps the story going with historical photographs and displays, including depot stations and a signal cabin.
What else to see
Besides the rides, there are historical displays about Brisbane’s tramways and a gift shop with tramway souvenirs and cold drinks. The grounds are bushland with picnic tables, so you can bring a snack and make an afternoon of it.
The collection also includes trolley buses and Dropcentre trams. Ask a volunteer what is on show that day.
Tickets and opening hours
The museum is open every Sunday from 12.30 pm to 4 pm. Weekdays are only by special arrangement for groups and events. It closes in wet weather for operational reasons, so ring (07) 3351 1776 or check the museum’s Facebook page before you leave. The phone is answered only when the museum is open.
- Adult: $20
- Concession: $15
- Child: $10 (children under school age are free)
- Family: $50
Admission is paid on arrival and includes unlimited tram rides on the day. Prices are the museum’s own and can change, so check the museum’s About Us page.
Planning your visit
- How long: about 2 hours for a full visit.
- Best time: a dry Sunday afternoon.
- Toilets: a public toilet is on site.
- Food and drink: cold drinks are sold in the shop and there are picnic tables. No cafe is listed, so bring lunch.
- Accessibility: the museum says disabled access is available and asks you to contact the operator for details. Call before you go if you use a wheelchair or pram.
- Dogs: no dog policy is published, so ask when you ring.
- Groups: school, community and car club groups, parties and weddings can book on other days through the museum’s group bookings page.
Getting there and parking
The museum is on Tramway Street at Ferny Grove, next door to the Ferny Grove Bowls Club. It is about 14 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 25 minutes by car without traffic. There is plenty of free parking around the museum.
By train, take the Ferny Grove line to Ferny Grove, the last stop on the line. The station is just over 1 km from the museum. Buses 367, 397, 398 and 399 also serve the station. Plan the trip with the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30.
Nearby
- Museum of Brisbane – free entry and city history in Brisbane City Hall.
- Queensland Museum Kurilpa – dinosaurs and hands-on science in South Brisbane.
- Queensland Maritime Museum – a warship and dry dock to climb around.
- Boggo Road Gaol – another piece of Brisbane’s past, with guided tours.
- The Old Windmill, Brisbane – the convict-built tower in Spring Hill.
Browse more museums, history and landmarks or everything to do in Brisbane.
You might also like
- Seaside Museum (Bongaree)
- Queensland Air Museum (Caloundra)
- Brisbane Planetarium (Toowong)
Details can change, so check the museum’s website before you go.
Quick answers
When is the Brisbane Tramway Museum open?
Every Sunday from 12.30 pm to 4 pm, and on other days only by arrangement for groups and events. It closes in wet weather.
How much does the Brisbane Tramway Museum cost?
Adults pay $20, concession holders $15, children $10 and a family $50. Children under school age are free, and the price covers unlimited tram rides on the day.
Can you ride the trams at the Brisbane Tramway Museum?
Yes. Six restored trams run for visitors, from the 1901 Californian Combination to the last tram built in Brisbane, and rides are included in your admission.
How do I get to the Brisbane Tramway Museum by train?
Take the Ferny Grove line to Ferny Grove, the end of the line. The museum on Tramway Street is just over 1 km from the station.
Is there parking at the Brisbane Tramway Museum?
Yes. The museum says there is plenty of free parking around it.
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