Plush, burgundy seats. Warm, sunset lighting. Pure, white tablecloths. Everything about this moving tramcar dining experience shouts colonial grandeur.
His birthday was only two weeks after our house caught on fire, so there was no better time to treat ourselves to a special, if a little pricey, experience.
I got the idea while working for Public Transport Victoria; my colleagues and I chatted absent mindedly in the middle of the CBD waiting for our tram when a Colonial Tramcar Restaurant carriage pulled up next to us. It was like no other tram I’d ever seen; a complete contrast next to the sterile, modern trams dotted around Melbourne.
It was styled like an old Victorian train: blood red, wooden exterior with golden accents, blacked out windows and the most wonderful air of mystery!
Our waiter wasn’t the best photographer, but the contrast between old and new trams in this picture is pretty clear; the neon green is blinding!
I knew immediately that this was an experience not to be missed! The perfect surprise birthday gift. But considering we had no stable place to live and only part time jobs to keep us afloat for goodness knows how long until the house fire debacle would sort itself out, I was a little hesitant.
If you’re interested, they have three price options*
Luncheon
4 course meal
$90 per person
Early Dinner
3 course meal
$85 per person
Late Dinner
5 course meal
$130 per person (Sun -Thu)
$145 per person (Fri - Sat)
As you can see, it’s not exactly the most comfortable set of prices for budget travellers in strife. In the end I had to say f**k it! My birthday was the day after the house fire AND I had to work that day so we didn’t really celebrate my birthday either, which meant I could totally justify the spend by celebrating both of our birthdays on an awesome moving restaurant! Right? Yeah!
We love surprises, so I didn’t say anything. All week I had invisaged the build up of excitement and the climax of watching his face as the elegant tramcar pulls up and he realises we’re about to eat in it! When the day finally came, I took him by the hand and told him to follow me.
I took him on a train from Brunswick, he had no clue. We got off at the CBD, he had no clue. We walked through the CBD to get to the Colonial Tramcar departure point, he had no clue, until...a waiter came to check our names off her list. Argh! Alas, my final imaginations never came to light. I must have looked pretty deflated because he pulled me in close, looked straight into my eyes and said ‘Thank you’. Regardless, we were both pretty damn excited.
As soon as we sat down, drinks were poured! Wohoo! Champaign, wine, whiskey you name it, they’ll bring it. All this was happening while other diners bustled aboard and our waiter ran around busily accommodating them. And then the train departed.
It’s a peculiar experience looking out of a restaurant window and seeing moving images, or should I say, an ever changing landscape.
The route our tramcar took went down and through St Kilda, the popular beach town in Melbourne. We couldn’t see very much as it was dark and in the winter, but that didn’t detract from the experience. In fact, it fitted perfectly with the warm ambience of the dimly lit carriage.
Soon, we were served our first course: house made dips with a selection of crisp breads. Oh, and more champagne of course.
Image by The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
Once the tables were cleared, it was swiftly followed by our shared choice of seared beef tenderloin, potato rosti, seasonal greens, red wine jus and beurre maitre d’hotel. We were also served red wine to accompany the meal.
Image by The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
Finally, we each chose one of the two desserts offered: the chocolate and orange torte, and a vanilla pannacotta. To top it all off, we had a brandy for maximum effect.
Image by The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
Overall the experience was a delightfully romantic soirée, with great service and tasty food. Our waiter also managed to get the entire carriage to sing happy birthday.
They operate everyday of the year, but if you want to go on a busy night, make sure to book well in advance as seats disappear quickly!
Top tip: DO NOT BE LATE
They have a strict policy of leaving on time, and if you’re not there, tough tities they say. So arrive at the stop a little earlier to ensure you’re onboard for a tip top experience. They recommend 15 minutes prior to your departure time.
*Prices in AUD, checked on January 2018
What’s the most out of the ordinary dining experience you’ve ever had?
I’d love to see some pictures if you have any!