Melbourne's tram network is one of the biggest systems in the world and a vital part of inner city transport. This section not only relates to the large network in Melbourne but covers the preservation of Melbourne trams, and other trams within Victoria.

Melbourne's trams operate 20 hours a day, covering 245 route kilometres of double track. There is 1770 tram stops, with 17 available as superstops for wheelchair access. There is eight tram depots at Brunswick, Camberwell, Essendon, Glenhuntly, Kew, Malvern, Preston and Southbank. A large workshop at Preston run by United Group Limited as Preston Workshops. There is well over 450 trams available for regular service.

In addition to the large system still in operation in Melbourne there were other systems in Victoria. The Victorian Railways ran two electric lines in Melbourne's South East from 1906 until 1959. Other Victorian cities of Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo all had their own tram systems.

A large and extensive heritage fleet is kept by the Victorian Government at the former Hawthorn Tram Depot which is now a museum. In addition to the collection are many trams on loan from other preservation societies. There are museums at Ballarat, Haddon, Bendigo, and Bylands (Kilmore).

SW6.891 bound for Perth at Bendigo
Photo: Chris Gordon, Sunday, 26th August 2012