PORTLAND CABLE TRAMS INC. was established in 1996 to undertake a project that is one of the most exciting and significant tourist developments ever undertaken in South Western Victoria. In excess of 20,000 hours of voluntary community labour has been invested in the establishment of this unique tourist tramway, which carried its first paying passengers in February 2002. It was officially opened by the Victorian Minister for Transport, The Hon. Peter Bachelor MP and Senator Ian Macdonald in March 2002.
.JPG) The Tram links many of Portland's major tourism attractions. This is the aspect of the project the makes it so unique, as few, if any, other towns or cities can lay claim to so many tourism attractions linked together by a tram track. The World War II Memorial Lookout Tower, the Maritime Discovery Centre, the Visitor Information Centre, History House, the Botanical Gardens and the Powerhouse Vintage Car and Motor Museum all benefit directly from this tourist tramway.
The trams used are restored saloon cars and an exact replica of a grip car. All this work was carried out by the volunteers of Portland Cable Trams Inc. While cable trams were originally propelled by gripping underground cables, Portland's trams are driven by a concealed diesel engine in an original and otherwise authentic cable tram.
THE TRACK is one of the most scenic tram tracks in Australia. It runs along Henty Beach, giving a close up view of a working, natural deepwater harbour, before climbing to the cliff top giving panoramic views of the harbour and Portland Bay. It then passes alongside the historically significant 'ploughed field' on the way to the World War II Memorial Lookout Tower. The return trip takes approximately one hour.
The Tramway is operated under the direction of a full-time manage, and the services of a band of very willing and able volunteers. There are 60 volunteers on the roll, who willingly give their time to make travelers welcome.
.jpg) The Tram is enthusiastically supported by the Portland community as demonstrated by the number of volunteers. Local people have embraced the project and support it whenever possible.
THE TRAM DEPOT is centrally situated in Henty Park. It houses a vintage ticket office, a gift shop, maintenance workshop and a developing museum. Other features of the depot are a theatrette which features films of cable trams in service in Melbourne from 1888 to 1940.
PROJECT OBJECTIVESThe project unashamedly has an economic focus:
- to increase tourist visitations to Portland and Region
- to increase the average length of stay of tourists
- to increase the average spending of tourists in Portland
- to increase employment (short and long term)
- To promote a high quality, unique and original tourist attraction, not only for Portland but also the region
- To provide an authentic and educational experience
- To promote local and district attractions
- To provide an attraction the Portlanders' will be proud of
- To be self funding on a recurrent basis
FUNDING.jpg)
The project has received funding from all three tiers of Government as well as significant donations from the Community in terms of cash, materials and time.
Specific donations included:
Community Support Fund Victoria - $775,000
Regional Solutions Programme - $500,000 +GST
Thank you to Portland Workskills for putting together this content.
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