Bendigo’s Groove Tram rolls on with live music, local brews and wine

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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Bendigo is bringing the groove to their historic tramway.

If there’s one thing I’ve always said, it’s that trams should be 70 per cent groovier. Thankfully, Bendigo has taken me seriously and will be sending off a Groove Tram over twice a month.

The small Victorian town of Bendigo, just two hours by train from Melbourne, has already made a name for itself by combining its historic beauty (the town was established in 1851) with modern gastronomic delights, thanks to an incredible restaurant scene and delicious wineries to boot. But nothing exemplifies the old and new more than Bendigo’s historic tramway.

bendigo groove tram exterior
Get your groove thang on Ballarat’s iconic trams.

Stretching the full length of the town, the trams first started operating in 1890, in an on-again, off-again fashion. That old-world charm is maintained even today, thanks to Bendigo being the only place in Australia that left track, trams and a depot behind after closing its tramway system. Today, the tram system in Bendigo is not only a fun way to get around town (even though it’s a very walkable destination), but it’s Australasia’s largest tourist tramway, with over 40,000 visitors flocking to ride it annually.

So, all pretty cool, as is. But like I said – pump up the groove.

On select nights, tram punters can book one of two, adults-only, Groove Tram rides, which Bendigo Tramways itself describes as a way to “be transported to a world of pure entertainment, where live music, local brews and fine wine are all enjoyed against the picturesque backdrop of Bendigo’s rolling vistas". Heavenly.

Each night will have its very own groovy flavour, thanks to a rotating headline of Bendigo’s best musicians. Upcoming performers include David Turpie, Slide, Ally G and Caitie & Co.

bendigo groove tram interior
Boogie on down.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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The details

Price: $25 per person. Drinks and nibbles at bar prices. No BYO.

Duration: 1.5 hours

Times: The first Groove Tram pulls out from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, the second of the night from 8:00pm to 9:30pm.

Dates: Check the website for upcoming dates.

Location: Pick-up and drop-off at Alexandra Fountain

Wondering where to stay between tram rides? These are our top picks of Bendigo hotels and quaint Airbnbs.

Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

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    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell, is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh. Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel, the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

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    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

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    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake, or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.