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Fitzroy Gardens

Captain Cook's Cottage in the Fitzroy Gardens

Valued for their historic, aesthetic, architectural, and horticultural significance, the gardens were classified by the National Trust in 1974 and placed on the Victorian Heritage Register in 1999. Originally set aside as a reserve in 1848, the gardens derived their name from Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy, Governor of New South Wales (1846-1851) and Governor-General of the Australian Colonies (1851-1855).

In the gardens sit Cook’s Cottage, presented to the people of Victoria as a gift for the state’s centenary in 1934. The cottage was transported from the Yorkshire village where Captain James Cook, one of the first Europeans to chart Australia’s coast, was born and it was the home of Cook’s parents. Its furnishings and restoration are appropriate to the time in which they lived in the dwelling.

Another feature of the gardens is the conservatory (1930), housing magnificent indoor floral displays that are changed five times each year. Also in the Fitzroy Gardens are the fairy tree carved by writer Ola Cohn, a model Tudor village, Sinclair’s Cottage, as well as an array of statues, fountains and structures.

Address
Wellington Parade and Albert Street, East Melbourne

How to get there
Tram number 48 or 75 along Flinders Street to stop 14A.
Melway map reference 2G B5

Opening hours
Cook’s Cottage: daily 9.00am–5.00pm, conservatory: daily 7.00am–5.00pm

Symbol for accessibility

Accessibility
Access is gained from Lansdowne Street, Clarendon Street, and Wellington Parade, with best access from the crossover at the intersection of Lansdowne Street and Wellington Parade. Two, two hour dedicated parking spaces are provided in Lansdowne Street and an accessible unisex toilet is available.
The Pavilion Restaurant is located up a driveway where a short grade leads to an outdoor seating area. There is a small step into the restaurant. Access into the conservatorium is flat at the rear.
Access to Captain Cooks Cottage is through a ticket office and into the small, narrow entry. A motorised wheelchair may have difficulty.

Further Links
Visit the Fitzroy Gardens website