A visit to the historical landmark Cook’s Cottage, situated at the beautiful heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens, is a must when touring Melbourne. This cottage is the oldest building in Australia, with a fascinating past which was built in 1755. The Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre is your first stop when touring the attraction of Cook’s Cottage.
Cook’s Cottage was located initially in Yorkshire, England, and the cottage was brought to the Fitzroy Gardens in 1934 by Sir Russell Grimwade. Explorer and navigator Captain James Cook never lived in the cottage-he had been away from home for almost ten years when his father built it. The connection to the Cook family was enough for Grimwade to transport the cottage to the other side of the world. Surprisingly, each brick was numbered, packed into barrels then shipped to Australia, together with the cutting of the original coverings.
Combing the new interpretations of Cook’s Cottage adventures, a delight English cottage garden, centuries-old antiques, volunteers dressed in 18th-century costumes and modern interpretive space in the stable, it is a fascinating step in the past.
Visitors touring Cook’s Cottage can get there by a walk of about 15 minutes from Federation Square and a small walking distance from City Centre, free City Circle tram- disembark at Spring Street, Treasury Gardens stop, Train- arrive at Jolimont Stations or Parliament, public car parking around the gardens or Tram routes 75 or 48 –disembark at Wellington Parade, adjacent to Fitzroy Gardens.
The Fitzroy Gardens Visitors Centre provides: information about tours, walks and visiting the Conservatory, Model Tudor Village, the Aboriginal scarred tree and the Fairies tree. Local personal insights and knowledge about Melbourne. Captain Cook’s Cottage merchandise and tickets. Maps, guides, and brochures. Gift shop. Information on public transport. KereKere Green café and free connectivity and WI-FI to tourism websites.
Facilities in Fitzroy Gardens include coaching parking, interactive Centre, café and non-smoking establishment. Opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm except on Christmas Day. Prices differ depending on general entry (adults), concession, children, and family. Concession applies to seniors, pensioners, and students.
Come and explore the historical oddity and learn about Cook’s Cottage’s English origins and relocation to Melbourne. Entry to this place includes a full fact sheet for a self-guided tour. The fact sheets are available in Spanish, Japanese, German, French, Indonesian, Italian, Thai, Korean, Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. Indonesian and Mandarin translations are available for multimedia experiences.
Talk to the staff about the range of experiences available at this place and get tips on the best way to experience the gardens and beyond. Group tours, school tours, and individual tours are also available. Look out for special events and annual school holiday programs throughout the year. Souvenirs and tickets are available at Fitzroy Gardens Visitors Center.