Wattle Park’s love affair with trams is set to roll on as two iconic heritage trams are being given a second lease on life as unique picnic shelters for families to enjoy when visiting the park.

The new tram-shaped picnic shelters form part of Parks Victoria’s Wattle Park upgrades. The two new W-Class tram-shaped picnic shelters will replace the park’s existing tram shelters which have been damaged by vandalism.

Two W-Class trams were supplied by VicTrack for the project and are currently being converted into the new picnic shelters at the Bendigo Tramways Heritage Rail Workshop.

Once the refurbishment is complete, the picnic shelters will soon be installed near the playground in Wattle Park in Burwood.

Wattle Park has long showcased the history of Melbourne’s beloved trams. The park was initially established in 1917 by the former Hawthorn Tramway Trust and has since been maintained for most of its history by the city’s tram operators.

The refurbished picnic shelters form just one part of the Wattle Park upgrades, which also include a new all abilities playspace (featuring swings, spinners, a sensory garden and double-storey tram-shaped fort), a 3.25km walking track, new barbecues, tables and shelters in the picnic area and a soon-to-be-completed ceremonial space.

While the final works are underway to remove the previous vandalised trams and install the refurbished ones, there will be some temporary access restrictions near the playscape.

$4.3 million has been invested through the Suburban Parks Program and $850,000 through the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program to upgrade Wattle Park.

The project is also supporting regional jobs in Bendigo, using the specialist knowledge of employees at the Bendigo Tramways Heritage Rail Workshop.

“The iconic trams are a popular part of the Wattle Park visitor experience, and these retired W-Class trams will look great in their new home. I’m sure families will enjoy using them for years to come,” said Parks Victoria Ranger Team Leader Katherine Dyson.

Find out more about the project and the many upgrades visitors can enjoy Wattle Park.