Bendigo Tram Cafe

The Bendigo Tram Cafe operates out of a beautifully restored 1916 tram at Australia's oldest operating tram depot, and it doubles as the starting point for one of the more unusual dog outings in regional Victoria. Coffee, croissants, scones and devonshire tea come from the tram itself, while the heritage depot around it carries more than 130 years of tramway history. The headline for dog owners: leashed dogs can ride the Vintage Talking Trams too.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome on lead in the alfresco seating around the tram cafe. On the Vintage Talking Tram Tour, well-behaved dogs on a secure lead are allowed on board, with entry at the driver or conductor's discretion depending on capacity and how your dog settles. Bendigo Tramways sets the rules clearly: lead on at all times, calm and friendly around other passengers. Assistance animals are welcomed everywhere. Your day ticket lets you hop on and off along the route, so you can break the ride with walks. Bring your own water bowl for the terrace.

Worth knowing

The cafe opens every day from 8am to 3pm. Quieter weekdays are the easiest tram combination if your dog is new to rolling carriages; pick a calm spot on the floor by your feet before the tram moves off. Weekend services fill with tourists, so expect more company on board.

Getting there and parking

The depot sits at 1 Tramways Avenue in North Bendigo, an easy walk from the city centre. Street parking runs directly outside, with longer bays along Creek Street nearby. Lake Weeroona is only minutes away if you want to add a waterside loop before or after the ride.

Close by with the dogs

Pair the tram with a coffee circuit: PEGGYS CAFE and Favourite Flavours both welcome dogs at outdoor tables, and if you are making a weekend of it, Hargreaves Retreat keeps you central.

More options are on the VIC dog friendly cafes guide and the Bendigo destination page.

Pepsi: a tram ride with the conductor's nod is a proper adventure. Weekday services are calmer, and the floor by the feet is the best seat in the carriage.