Tram tour to tell Busselton history on the go

Busselton Tram Co – The Historical Adventure is the brainchild of Peter and Shirley Turner of Orange Coach Charters.

The new tram tour does a 35 minute loop around the city, exploring the old town site, Port Geographe Marina, the Bird Sanctuary, the Vasse River, the Old Butter Factory and the main street. 

Mr Turner said he believed it was important for visitors and residents to know the history of the city.

“My wife and I always like to hear the story of a town when we travel,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t understand or know where Busselton has come from.

“Some people aren’t engaged by museums and we thought this would be a unique way to tell the story of Busselton.”

The history of Busselton is particularly close to Mr Turner’s heart.

He is a descendant of Charles Donat Keyser, an American who deserted a whaling ship off the coast in the mid-1800s and was instrumental in establishing the timber industry in the region. 

Mr Turner said it was coup to score the historic tram from Perth.

“You could never get it built with current laws and costs – getting it licensed has been a feat,” he said.

He said the tour complemented attractions already on offer in Busselton.

“The town is always looking for unique tourist products and I think this something really special,” he said.

“The response has been really amazing so far.”

Mr Turner encouraged locals to take a trip down memory lane.

“Definitely bring the family down, it is a great way to learn about the city we live in,” he said.

The tour features professional recorded commentary and imagery, which was developed with the assistance of Busselton Historical Society and RadioWest.

Busselton Tram Co – The Historical Adventure commences on December 26, departing from Busselton Visitor Centre.

Tram Tours run on the hour daily from 9.00am, with last tour departing at 4.00pm

For more information and ticket prices visit busseltontramco.com.au.