Ferry Tram a WA Heritage Awards finalist

The City is in the running for a 2021 WA Heritage Award alongside project partners South Perth Historical Society and Perth Electric Tramways Society. Recognising collaboration between community groups and local government, the Ferry Tram project is nominated in the category ‘Contribution by a community-based organisation’. 

The 120 year old Ferry Tram transported passengers to and from the ferry at Mends Street Jetty between 1922 and 1950, and now stands proudly in a purpose built display house alongside heritage buildings on the corner of Mends Street and Mill Point Road. After being lovingly restored by Perth Electric Tramways Society, the Ferry Tram has become a public attraction in the heart of South Perth, offering a glimpse of life once commonplace in the area. 

Trams are an important part of our City’s history and were fundamental to the development of South Perth as a destination. Trams began operating in South Perth in 1922, travelling from Perth via Canning Highway around South Perth including Angelo Street and Labouchere Road to Como. In 1926, the route was expanded from Labouchere Road to Mends Street Jetty. This service was affectionately known as the Ferry Tram service.

The South Perth and Como tram lines were extremely popular, particularly on weekends
when extra cars were required to service thousands of visitors who flocked to South Perth to visit the zoo and Como Beach. Trams stopped operating in 1950 when a bus service was introduced.

The Ferry Tram was built in 1899 and was one of two ‘B’ class trams that operated in the
local South Perth area.

Heritage Award winners will be announced Friday 19 November.

Find out more about the Ferry Tram.