Melbourne’s identity is deeply intertwined with the familiar rattle and ding of its trams. And if you’d like to get around the city for free, hop aboard the green and gold City Circle Tram. This special tourist route, also known as Route 35, exclusively uses the beautifully restored W-class heritage trams, which were first introduced to the city’s network all the way back in 1923. These trams, built locally, are now a beloved symbol of our city.
City Circle Tram
Hopping on one of these trams is like stepping into a time capsule. Take a seat on the bench and admire the stunning timber panelling and gleaming brass fixtures. What makes the experience even more authentic is that these trams are still manually operated. The driver skilfully uses a traditional hand controller to manage the speed and braking. You’ll notice they rattle a bit more and feel more connected to the tracks, but as the operators will tell you, that’s all part of the charm.
The route loops around the city, passing major landmarks like Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, Parliament House, the Princess Theatre, Melbourne Museum and the Docklands precinct. An on-board audio commentary also points out sights along the way, making it a fantastic introduction to the city.
The service runs in a clockwise direction every 12 minutes, between 9:30am and 5pm each day. It takes about 60 minutes to complete a loop.
This tour is a great way to feel connected with the past, while enjoying a scenic tour of the modern city. And remember, it’s free! So you don’t need to worry about using a Myki, just hop on and off as you please.
To see the full route, click here.