Collections & Research
At the heart of the Victorian Transport Museum is our commitment to preserving and sharing the history of public transportation in Victoria and Australia. Our growing collection reflects the evolution of how people have moved — from the earliest tramways and steam railways to the modern bus networks and commuter systems of today.
Our Collection
Our carefully curated collection includes:
Historic Artefacts: Ticket machines, uniforms, signage, destination rolls, and more.
Photographic Archives: A wide array of images capturing transport scenes across decades.
Documents & Publications: Timetables, maps, technical manuals, and historic government reports.
Vehicle Components: Selected parts and fittings from trams, buses, and trains, many salvaged from retired vehicles.
All items are digitally catalogued and stored with care to ensure their long-term preservation. As a digital museum, we are actively working to make our collection accessible online, with detailed descriptions, historical context, and high-resolution imagery.
Research & Engagement
We welcome inquiries from researchers, students, historians, and transport enthusiasts. Whether you're investigating the history of a specific vehicle class or tracing the evolution of Melbourne’s tram network, our team can assist with access to relevant material.
Our research priorities include:
Documenting transport technology and design changes over time.
Preserving oral histories from past transport workers and passengers.
Highlighting the social and cultural impacts of public transport in Victoria.
Contributions & Donations
The museum is always seeking to expand its collection. If you have items, photographs, documents, or personal stories related to Victoria’s transport history, we’d love to hear from you. Every contribution helps preserve a shared legacy for future generations.
Future Developments
As we move toward establishing a physical space, we aim to expand research opportunities, provide onsite access to the collection, and support academic and community-led transport studies.