Trammie's Corner Park

Trammie's Corner Park

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Posted 2019-04-21 by Gillian Chingfollow


There was a time in Brisbane's history between 1885 and 1969 when the Brisbane tramway network rattled along its inner city streets, transporting passengers across town. On 28 September 1962, disaster struck when 65 trams (representing almost one-quarter of the tram fleet) were wiped out overnight when a huge fire ripped through the Paddington Tram Depot.



While the tram bells have long stopped ringing, a reminder of this nostalgic part of Brisbane's past lives on at Trammies Corner Park at Paddington.

Alongside the uber cool cafes, the fashion and homewares boutiques and at the bend in the road opposite the Retro Centre (once the Plaza Theatre) in Latrobe Terrace Paddington, you will find the modest, stilled retreat that is Trammies Corner. The vibrant green, arched sign is unmissable, but it's the details inside which could be easily overlooked

What's in a name?
The name Trammies Corner pays homage to the tram drivers who would often stop at the space during their breaks or "smoko" at changeover time. Most trams operated with a two-person crew with a driver (or motorman) and a conductor, who moved about the tram collecting fares and issuing tickets. After the tramways closed, many of the tram drivers went on to drive buses.

Points of interest
Public art
Look closely in the winding stone garden and you will find stonework by Scott Harrower reflecting the past. mages of the tram drivers, the trams and the Paddington fire which destroyed the tram and its station are all captured. The poles of the Trammies Corner sign also carry nostalgic images of passengers waiting to board the trams.





City Views from the Rotunda/Gazebo
Trammies Corner offers a fabulous view of the Brisbane skyline and workers cottages from the Paddington vantage point. Take a seat in the shaded rotunda to rest, relax and simply take in the view.



**Water bubbler/tap
If you are feeling thirsty and need a drink the unique water bubbler is at the entrance to the park.



Garden seats
If you prefer sitting quietly in the outdoor area of the park, resting seats can be found in the flat section of the terraced garden. The seats are shaded by mature trees offering a shady canopy and surrounded by a blanket of grass.



**
The original tram stop
The original tram stop remains and still operates as a bus stop. It has been given some special treatment with a corrugated iron, curved roof reflecting the Queenslander homes in the area.

Also see my Weekend Notes story about the Paddington Tram Fire

So the next time you visit Paddington, whether you walk, drive or catch a bus, look out for Trammies Corner and think of the Brisbane Tram Drivers of the past.



#parks
#paddington
#outdoor
#near_brisbane
#lookouts
#inner_suburbs
#history
#tourist_sites
#trains
#views
%wnbrisbane
153112 - 2023-06-14 07:29:08

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