On your next adventure in the city, hop aboard Melbourne’s iconic City Circle Tram!
This free service offers a fantastic and fun opportunity to discover Melbourne’s vibrant cityscape. Perfect for families with children aged 0-12 years, Melbourne’s City Circle Tram is both a convenient and entertaining way to see the city’s top attractions.
In this post, I’ll explore the details of this charming historic tram ride and highlight some must-see stops for families along the route. Hop on board and choose your own adventure!
All Aboard the City Circle Tram Melbourne
The City Circle Tram isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s an adventure in itself. These historic W-class trams, painted in rich burgundy or green with gold, evoke a sense of nostalgia on a comfortable ride through the heart of Melbourne.
The tram runs in a loop around the CBD and into the Docklands, offering guided audio commentary on significant landmarks and attractions along the way.
Running every 12 minutes, the service operates from 10 am to 6 pm daily. The circular route means you can hop on and off as often as you like, making it perfect for families wanting to explore at their own pace.
First Stop: Federation Square
Federation Square is a must-visit for families. As you step off the tram, you’ll find yourself in a lively public space that hosts a variety of activities and events. The kids will love running around the open spaces, while parents can enjoy the architecture and public art installations.
Insight: Many parents might think that Federation Square is more of an adult spot, but the interactive art and frequent family-friendly events make it a hit with kids too.
Inside Federation Square, you’ll find the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Here, kids can engage with interactive exhibits, learn about film and digital culture, and even create their own animations. The regular family workshops and school holiday programmes are perfect for sparking your child’s creativity. Currently showing at ACMI is Beings by Universal Everything.
Next Up: Dive into SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium
A trip on the City Circle Tram wouldn’t be complete without a visit to SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Just a short walk from the tram stop on Flinders St, this family-friendly attraction offers an underwater adventure that will captivate both kids and adults.
Explore the various zones, from the Penguin Playground where you can watch adorable penguins waddle and swim, to the Coral Atoll, teeming with colourful marine life. Newly upgraded, A Night on the Reef, allows you to walk through an underwater world surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
With interactive exhibits and feeding shows, SEALIFE Melbourne Aquarium provides a fascinating and educational experience that is sure to be a highlight of your family day out.
Stop by The District Docklands
The District Docklands offers a variety of dining, shopping and unique activities that are sure to thrill the whole family. A highlight is Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, a circus-themed arcade and bar.
Whether you’re shopping, dining, or playing, The District Docklands offers a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere perfect for parents looking to create lasting memories with their children.
At Docklands, you can also visit ArtVo, an interactive art gallery where the exhibits are designed to be touched and explored. The optical illusions and 3D artwork make for fantastic photo opportunities and endless fun.
Queen Victoria Market: A Feast for the Senses
A must-visit stop along the City Circle Tram route is the Queen Victoria Market. This bustling market is not only a great place to shop for fresh produce and unique souvenirs but also a fantastic spot for families.
The vibrant atmosphere, delicious food stalls, and regular events like the Night Market provide plenty of entertainment.
An engaging Kids Passport activity takes families on a journey around the Market collecting stamps from traders, and finishes with a prize.
Kids will also love the lively buskers and the chance to try different foods. The market also features the Market Lane Coffee where parents can grab a much-needed caffeine fix while the kids enjoy a treat from one of the many dessert stalls.
Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building
A short tram ride away, the Melbourne Museum is another treasure trove of family fun. The museum boasts a variety of exhibits that cater to young minds, including the Dinosaur Walk, the Forest Gallery, and the Children’s Gallery, which is specifically designed for little ones. The hands-on exhibits and play spaces make learning fun and engaging.
Right next to the museum is the Royal Exhibition Building. While it may seem like just another grand building to adults, kids are often awed by its sheer size and beautiful architecture. If you’re lucky, you might catch one of the many events or fairs held here, offering additional entertainment and activities.
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Relax at Fitzroy Gardens
Need a break from the hustle and bustle? Fitzroy Gardens is the perfect place to unwind. This beautiful green space offers plenty of room for kids to run around and explore, whilst still being close to the City Circle Tram circuit.
The gardens are home to the enchanting Fairies’ Tree and the model Tudor Village, which are sure to capture your children’s imagination.
Make sure to visit Cooks’ Cottage, a historical building that kids can explore. The cottage offers a peek into the life of Captain James Cook, with costumed guides adding to the experience.
Practical Tip: The gardens have picnic areas, Kerekere Cafe and a playground, making it a great spot for a family lunch break.
FAQs About the City Circle Tram
1. Is the City Circle Tram free to use?
Yes, the City Circle Tram is completely free to use. You can hop on and off as many times as you like throughout the day, without needing a ticket.
2. What are the operating hours of the City Circle Tram?
The tram operates from 10 am to 6 pm daily. It runs every 12 minutes.
3. How do I find the City Circle Tram?
View the 35 City Circle tram timetable and map here. Look for the City Circle Tram, which is number 35, at designated stops along the CBD route. Each of the stops is clearly marked.
4. Is the City Circle Tram pram-friendly?
Unfortunately, the City Circle heritage trams are not very pram-friendly as they have two large steps to get up into them.
5. Are there any toilets on the tram?
No, the trams do not have toilets on board. However, there are public toilets available at various stops along the route, such as Federation Square and the Melbourne Museum.
6. Do the trams run on public holidays?
Yes, the City Circle Tram operates every day of the year, including public holidays. However, service hours may vary on special occasions.
7. How long does a full loop take?
A full loop on the City Circle Tram takes approximately 60 minutes. This makes it easy to plan your stops and get a sense of how long you’ll need to see various attractions.
8. Is there audio commentary on the tram?
Yes, the City Circle Tram features audio commentary that provides information about the landmarks and attractions along the route. This adds an educational element to your journey, however, note that it is often hard to hear over the rattling of the old tram.
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