Fancy a Sunday of satay, teh tarik and trams full of sarongs? Melbourne has just the thing for you. Tram Sarong is returning to Melbourne on Sunday, September 20, bringing Malaysian food, music, dance and cultural celebrations to the CBD.
The free festival will see people gather in traditional attire and sarongs before travelling together by tram to the Immigration Museum, where the celebrations will continue with performances, food stalls and interactive cultural activities.
The event runs from 10am to 2pm, with the festival at the Immigration Museum from 10.30am.
Catch the sarong-clad tram through Melbourne
Tram Sarong is part of a global network of events that includes Metro Sarong in Paris and Tube Sarong in London.
The celebrations begin on Melbourne’s tram network, with participants in colourful sarongs and traditional Malaysian attire gathering across the CBD from 10am before travelling together to the Immigration Museum at 400 Flinders Street.
The exact tram numbers and boarding stations will be announced via @tramsarongmelb, so keep an eye on Instagram for the latest details, outfit inspiration and your chance to score a free Malaysian breakfast.
Come hungry for Malaysian street food
Once the tram procession reaches the Immigration Museum, the feasting begins. Food stalls will serve Malaysian favourites including sizzling satay skewers with traditional peanut sauce, colourful kuih and freshly brewed teh tarik.
Grab a skewer, sample some sweet or savoury kuih and settle in with a frothy cup of milk tea while the performances unfold around you.
Entry to the festival is free, but you’ll want to bring some spending money if you plan to sample the food stalls.
lion dancing, Bharatanatyam & henna art
Tram Sarong will showcase Malaysia’s multi-ethnic cultural heritage through traditional performances and hands-on activities. Witness a mesmerising lion dance, Bharatanatyam—the classical Indian dance form—as well as henna artists creating intricate temporary designs.
There will also be nostalgic tunes, interactive cultural booths and plenty of opportunities to experience the sights, sounds and flavours of Malaysia.
Moreover, you don’t need to be Malaysian to join in. Whether you’re celebrating your own heritage, curious to learn more about Malaysian culture or simply motivated by the promise of excellent satay and teh tarik, Tram Sarong is open to everyone.
Just remember that while entry to the festival is free, standard admission fees apply if you want to visit the Immigration Museum galleries.
The event is presented in partnership with the Malaysian Students’ Council of Australia, with support from the Consulate General of Malaysia and the City of Melbourne’s My Melbourne program.
Key details
- What: Tram Sarong
- When: Sunday, 20th September, 10am–2pm
- Where: Melbourne CBD, Immigration Museum, 400 Flinders Street
- Cost: Free entry to the festival
