The Tramway Walk Trail connects the Tramway Bridge from the Fascine Town Beach to the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct. This is a significant heritage project aimed at celebrating Carnarvon’s rich history by enhancing storytelling along the historic tramway route. As part of the Carnarvon Activation Plan, this project is centred on reinforcing the existing ~2.5km walk into a multi-faceted cultural trail with educational significance.
The Tramway Bridge – a key connector of the Tramway Walk Trail - is a major part of Carnarvon's heritage, holding a significant importance to both the local community and visitors to the region. Built in 1899, the Tramway Bridge served the community until 1984 as a vital connection to the One Mile Jetty. Initially a key route for major imports and exports before the advancement of road transport and the cessation of port facilities, the bridge now stands as a poignant reminder of its role in Carnarvon's history over the past 126 years. The heritage listed bridge was required to be partially closed at the end of 2024 after an assessment identified potential structural concerns and deemed the bridge unsafe.
This project was developed in response to community feedback, with locals identifying the need for better storytelling, stronger connections to history, and engaging public spaces that celebrate Carnarvon’s past. Through consultation, it was clear that the Tramway Walk Trail presented a fantastic opportunity to share the stories of Carnarvon’s early transport and industry while encouraging exploration and tourism.
The trail itself will remain unchanged, with the focus on new wayfinding signs, interpretive elements, viewing points, rest nodes and shade shelters along its length, creating a unique and educational experience to guide visitors through its historical significance.
Community Consultation
Community input was central to the vision of individual elements within the Carnarvon Activation Plan. The Plan was shaped through a co-design process, where residents, businesses, and local groups provided feedback in two community workshops held in June and September 2023.
The community have continued to highlight the significance of the Tramway Bridge and the importance in restoring this treasured town icon as a priority. This feedback has been captured in the Shire of Carnarvon's Strategic Community Plan 2022 - 2032 and Corporate Business Plan 2023 - 2027.
A key part of this project is engaging the community to help shape the content of the interpretive signage. The Stories of the Tramway event was held 30 April 2025 encouraging locals to share their stories, memories and photographs. This, along with information provided by the Lock Hospital Working Group, will assist H&H Architects in ensuring the featured content of the trail truly reflects the voices and experiences of the people of Carnarvon.
Stage One
Following detailed design, a Request for Quote to construct and install signage and seating along the trail walk has been released, with the award of the RFQ anticipated for November 2025. A tender will follow later in the year to seek a contractor to construct the Tramway Shelter and Healing Shelter.
This phase of the project has been made possible through the support of Lotterywest. At the March 2024 Ordinary Council Meeting, the Shire received a $3.357 million grant from Lotterywest to deliver Phase One of the Carnarvon Activation Plan, of which included funding towards the Tramway Walk Trail project. The funding ensures that the town’s history will be well-documented and shared, creating a valuable educational and tourism asset for Carnarvon.
Stage Two
A key component of Stage Two of the Tramway Walk Trail Project is the Tramway Bridge, a critical part of the Trail, connecting town to Babbage Island. The first stage of the bridge restorations works has recently been awarded to Ventia, with detailed design to commence in the coming months, followed by restoration works at the Fascine foreshore end of the Bridge. The Australian Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program (rPPP) funding has been allocated to support the reinforcement of the existing walkway into a multi-faceted cultural trail, including an allocation towards Stage 1 of the reinstatement of the Bridge.