The Tramway Walk Trail connects the Tramway Bridge from the Fascine Town Beach to the Carnarvon Heritage Precinct on Babbage Island. This is a significant heritage project aimed at celebrating Carnarvon’s rich history by enhancing storytelling along the historic tramway route. This project is centred on reinforcing the existing ~2.5km walk into a multi-faceted cultural trail with educational significance.
The Tramway Walk Trail project is part of the Carnarvon Activation Plan, a strategic initiative designed to enhance key public spaces, improve connectivity, and boost local engagement. The CAP was developed in response to community feedback in 2022, which highlighted concerns about the town centre’s appeal, safety, and economic vitality. The Shire worked closely with UDLA and community stakeholders to identify priority projects that would make the biggest impact. 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 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. 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.
The trail itself will remain unchanged, with the focus on new wayfinding signs, interpretive signs and artwork, viewing points, rest nodes and the construction of a Tramway Shelter and Healing Shelter along its length, creating a unique and educational experience to guide visitors through its historical significance.
Funding Partners
The Shire of Carnarvon acknowledges the generous support of our funding partners.
This project has been made possible through a Lotterywest grant of $763,530.
In addition, the Australian Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program (rPPP) funding will further support the reinforcement of the existing ~2.5km walkway into a multi-faceted cultural trail including Stage 1 of the reinstatement of the Tramway Bridge.
Progress to Date
- Following community consultation, detailed design for the Trail signage, seating and shelters has been completed and endorsed by Council.
- Works to undertake the construction and installation of signage and seating along the walk trail was awarded to local contractor Stuart Parker in October 2025. Works commenced late last year, with Stuart collecting recovered timber from the historic One Mile Jetty for use in the project.
- The Tramway Bridge Refurbishment and Reinstatement Stage One works was awarded to Ventia in September 2025 with Council endorsing the detailed design in early 2026. Restoration works to the Fascine foreshore-end of the bridge commenced in April 2026.
- The works for construction and installation of the Tramway Shelter and Healing Shelter was awarded to Trac Building Service in March 2026.
What’s Next?
- Installation of interpretive signage and seating along the walk trail to commence in the coming months.
- The works for the construction and installation of the Tramway Shelter and Healing Shelter by Trac Building Service will commence mid – late 2026.