Bendigo Tramways began in June 1890 with battery-powered trams introduced by the Sandhurst and Electric Tramway Company. These early trams were innovative but ill-suited to Bendigo’s hilly terrain, leading to frequent breakdowns and eventual replacement by steam trams in 1892. Steam traction proved more reliable and operated successfully for a decade until financial pressures led to the sale of the system to the Electric Supply Company of Victoria in 1899.

Electric trams were introduced in April 1903 and quickly became the backbone of Bendigo’s public transport. They were popular not only for passenger travel but also for parcel and mail delivery across the city. The system expanded to cover key routes, including North Bendigo to Golden Square and Eaglehawk to Quarry Hill. The trams became deeply embedded in the city’s daily life and identity, reflecting Bendigo’s prosperity during the gold rush era.

In 1934, the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV) took over operations as part of a broader government initiative to centralize electricity supply. However, the SECV was reluctant to manage loss-making provincial tramways. By the 1960s, declining patronage and rising operational costs made the tramways increasingly unsustainable. Despite community resistance, the Victorian Parliament approved the closure of Bendigo’s tram network in July 1970, and the final commuter service ran in April 1972.

Public outcry over the closure led to the formation of The Bendigo Trust, which proposed a two-year trial for a tourist tramway. In September 1972, the Victorian Cabinet approved the trial, and Bendigo Tramways was reborn as a heritage attraction. The new service operated from North Bendigo through the city centre to the Central Deborah Gold Mine, preserving the legacy of Bendigo’s tram culture.

Today, Bendigo Tramways is a thriving tourist operation, offering guided tours aboard restored heritage trams. It celebrates the city’s rich gold rush history and Victorian architecture while maintaining a fleet of historic vehicles. The tramways remain a symbol of Bendigo’s resilience and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, thanks to decades of community support and volunteer dedication.

This summary was generated using AI and draws on publicly available sources including Bendigo Tramways, Wikipedia, and Bendigo Heritage.