Calling All Thomas The Tank Engine Fans!
This article was written by Tassie4Kids Content Writer, Danielle Ross Walls.
Calling all Thomas the Tank Engine fans! When you arrive at this hidden gem, located only 8 kms from the CBD of Hobart in the suburb of Glenorchy, expect to step back in time and have some hands-on fun! Kids, the young-at-heart and heritage enthusiasts will delight at the sights and sounds at the amazing Tasmanian Transport Museum.
Images L-R: First train ride of the day, and a young Signal Master, By D. Ross Walls.
Set up officially as a museum in 1983, with an aim of preserving items of transport around Tasmania that had disappeared from daily life, this fun-filled and educational destination is run entirely by a team of passionate and knowledgeable volunteers.
Images L-R: Some exhibits lined up at the Roundhouse, and, A view across the museum forecourt on the occasion of the handing over of Ace Bus Service No. 18 to the society, By S. Dix, Tasmanian Transport Museum.
There are hours of entertaining exploration relevant to children of ALL AGES that includes both rail and road transport. Railway locomotives, trolley buses, motor buses, steam engines, carriages, railmotors, double decker tramcars and fire Engines. There are also fascinating models of trains, historical photographs and an actual train station. (The nearby Newtown situation was dismantled in 1979 and moved on-site.)
Images L-R: Admiring ABT No. 2 Steam Engine, and checking out the train models, By D. Ross Walls
On certain Sundays from 11am until 3pm, a train runs trips regularly. Rides are included in your entry ticket. My boys absolutely loved this, (as did I) and you can have unlimited trips. It’s still well worth a visit however even if you can’t make it on a day the trains are running.
mages L-R: ABT engine No.2, and M5 and DP25 at the end of a special running day, By S. Dix, Tasmanian Transport Museum.
What we loved most was that the museum is very hands on. The kids can climb aboard various carriages, wagons and engines (keep an eye on them as some are not suitable for younger kids). We also loved the unlimited train rides! Once-upon-a-time the sight of steam trains and tramcars in Tasmania, particularly in Hobart was a regular part of everyday life.
Images L-R: The new Chief Fire Fighter, and riding the old double decker tram, By D. Ross Walls
The Tasmanian Transport Museum is only open on weekends from 1pm until 4pm (last admission at 3pm). Entry starts at $4 for children and goes up to $10 for adults. This includes unlimited train rides on Steam days! Concession rates also apply.
Images L-R: An overall view of the museum yard looking north and the location of the museum, By S. Dix, Tasmanian Transport Museum.
Steam train days of operation are located on their website – (usually running first and third Sunday of each month.) The next trips are:
Steam Train days
- 17 June 2018
- 15 July 2018
Diesel Railcar days are
- 3 June 2018
- 1 July 2018
There are some great souvenirs in the gift shop as well (see the book below), and there are limited snacks available (chocolate bars). There are plenty of cafes and nearby shops where you can purchase some lunch or supplies, or simply pack a picnic and eat it on the platform!
To get there, you'll need to make your way to Glenorchy. The museum is right opposite the Northgate Shopping Centre, which is also a great place to park as Steam days can get rather busy.
Tassie4Kids would like to specially thank the team at the Tasmanian Transport Museum, in particular Rod Prince. If you would like to know more, or assist the musuem in any way, please visit the Rail Tasmania website.
Locomotives Of The Tasmanian Transport Museum Book
The second edition of Locomotives of the Tasmanian Transport Museum has now been published. The new edition comprises 32 pages of text, diagrams and photographs with a full colour card cover.
As well as locomotives, the book also includes details of steam railcar SP4, railcars DP15, DP26 and PT4 and other rolling stock.
The books are available from the TTMS kiosk at a cost of $5.00 each, or available by mail order with an additional cost of $2.50 postage & packaging per copy