Albert the Clydesdale: 13 Years Pulling Historic Tram

For 13 years, Albert the Clydesdale made the journey across the causeway between Victor Harbor and Granite Island in South Australia, carrying thousands of passengers on a historic horse-drawn tram. The 18-year-old gentle giant died on Saturday after a brief illness caused by tumours, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and patience.

At 17.3 hands high, Albert stood out as one of the tallest horses in the tramway's herd. But his size wasn't what made him special.

Meg Whibley, general manager of the Victor Harbor Horse Drawn Tram Authority, called Albert her "go-to" horse for training new staff and horses. "He was very forgiving," she said. "We just trusted him in so many ways."

Albert had quirks that endeared him to everyone who worked with him. Unlike most horses, he refused to wear blinkers, preferring to see everything around him during the 650-metre causeway crossing. He kept a watchful eye on fishermen along the route, always a bit suspicious of their rods and buckets.

The strawberry roan gelding was best friends with another tramway horse named Murray. The two were often spotted grazing together in the large paddocks outside Victor Harbor, sharing hay and keeping each other company.

Since Albert's death, Murray has been receiving extra attention from staff. He's been paired with another horse to help him through the loss of his longtime companion.

Sunny's Take

What makes Albert's story so touching isn't just his years of service. It's the relationships he built along the way. He taught nervous new drivers that patience matters. He showed anxious horses that the work was safe. He reminded everyone that being gentle and forgiving creates trust that lasts.

The tramway will continue operating as usual, but staff and volunteers are mourning the loss of their trusted friend. The community has been asked to be mindful of their grief during this difficult time.

Albert was named after nearby Lake Albert and became part of the tramway family that keeps this piece of living history running. His calm presence made the historic tram experience better for horses, handlers, and passengers alike.

Though the tramway has faced challenges recently, including a flu outbreak among horses and reduced income, Albert remained a steady presence. He pulled a special sunrise tram service just months before his death, still doing what he loved.

The horses and people of Victor Harbor will keep making that causeway crossing, carrying Albert's gentle spirit with them.