A guide to the historic Cook’s Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens
Did you know that in Fitzroy Gardens, there’s a small house that was transported all the way from England? It was dismantled brick by brick, packed into 253 cases and 40 barrels, and then shipped to Australia as a gift.
That’s Cook’s Cottage for you. It may not look grand from the outside, but it’s a piece of history that carries stories of exploration and family.
It may be hard to imagine how it’s even possible but visiting this place is a reminder that history crosses borders— literally.
Where is Cook’s Cottage?
Cook’s Cottage is located in Fitzroy Gardens, on Wellington Parade, East Melbourne. It was originally built in Yorkshire, England, and was brought to Melbourne in 1934 as a gift.
How to get to Cook’s Cottage
Via bus: Lines 234, 246, 250, 302, and 605 pass near Cook’s Cottage.
Via tram: The nearest tram stop is Jolimont Rd. with routes 48 and 75. It’s approximately 100m away from the cottage’s entry.
Via taxi/ride-sharing app: If you’re getting a cab or a vehicle via ride-sharing apps like Uber, just inform the driver about your destination, and they’ll take you there immediately.
Via private car: Just type “Cook’s Cottage” or “Fitzroy Gardens” in your Google Maps or Waze app, and it’ll show you the best directions to get there.
You can find parking at Wellington Parade or the Visitor Centre.
What to do in Cook’s Cottage
1. Have a tour around the cottage
– Media credit: Denni Won
The tours at Cooks Cottage offer the opportunity to learn more about Captain Cook’s life, his voyages, and the cottage’s history and its journey from Yorkshire to Melbourne. These group tours are suitable for groups of 8 to 40 people.
If you prefer a more personal time, a self-guided tour is also ideal. Fact sheets are provided in multiple languages, and there are also audio loops that offer additional information.
The cottage is also accessible for individuals with mobility needs with accessible toilets, parking, and mobility equipment hire.
2. Walk around the beautiful gardens
– Media credit: Wellington Freire
One of the joys of visiting Cook’s Cottage isn’t just the house itself. Since the cottage is placed within the Fitzroy Gardens, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks around the area and explore the other structures and famous spots.
You’ll be able to see that the park has plenty of shaded areas as well as open lawns where people set up their picnics.
Not only that, there’s also diverse wildlife in the area that you can spot from time to time.
There’s nothing more ideal for the cottage than this expansive park, because you get a breath of fresh air the moment you walk out, and there are more sights waiting to be seen.
3. Educational programs
– Media credit: Cristy Wang
Cook’s Cottage offers a range of educational programs for students and educators that cater to different age groups. These programs are interactive and designed in line with the school curriculum.
For example, the “Voyage of Discovery” takes the students on a journey where they learn about Captain Cook’s life and the importance of his voyage to Australia’s history, most especially his final eight years at sea.
In this program, students are also encouraged to explore and compare the culture, food, and lifestyle in 18th-century England to the present day.
This program, in particular, is suitable for people of all ages, even little kids in kindergarten!
What’s nearby
1. The Conservatory
– Media credit: Chocnutppp
Website: http://www.fitzroygardens.com/Conservatory.htm
Address: 298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Phone: +61396589658
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Conservatory, located within the Fitzroy Gardens, is one of the most popular attractions in the area. It displays a seasonal floral display, delighting visitors with the colorful and fragrant blooms throughout the year.
The displays are changed five times each year, and the glass walls ensure that these plants thrive by allowing the sunlight to reach them.
Aside from the magnificent aesthetic appeal, The Conservatory also serves an educational purpose. Occasionally, workshops and talks about plant species and gardening techniques are held.
2. The Fairies Tree
– Media credit: Phil Groves
Website: http://www.fitzroygardens.com/
Address: 230-298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Phone: +61396589658
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
If you brought along your kids and you want to amuse them with something that looks like it came out of a fairytale, head to the Fairies Tree on the north side of the gardens.
Originally a dead River Red Gum tree, the trunk was carved with fairies, gnomes, and various animals, depicting a fantasy scene. This project, handled by the artist Ola Cohn, goes all the way back between 1931 and 1934.
The trunk is well-preserved to this day, and it might be simple, but it’s one of the most beloved features of the gardens.
3. Model Tudor Village
– Media credit: Angela Gil
Website: http://www.fitzroygardens.com/Tudor_Village.htm
Address: 230-298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Phone: +61396589658
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Model Tudor Village is another historical spot in the garden that was constructed back in the late 1940s. It’s a miniature replica of a traditional Kentish village from the Tudor period.
This project was created by an English artist to show appreciation for Melbourne’s generosity in sending food to Britain during World War II.
The miniature village comprises 28 buildings and everything, including the materials and layout, closely resembles those used during the Tudor period.
The structures might be old, but restoration projects are occasionally initiated to ensure the longevity of the mini village.
Where to eat near the Cook’s Cottage
1. KereKere Green
– Media credit: Shopsui on Foot
Website: http://www.kerekere.org/
Address: KereKere Green, 230 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
KereKere Green is a cozy coffeehouse offering brunch options and freshly baked cakes and pastries. Since the cafe’s location is just within the gardens, guests can still enjoy their meal while surrounded by the park’s beauty.
It’s the perfect spot for a quick bite if you want to keep exploring the gardens after Cooks Cottage.
They offer hot and cold drinks, snacks, and a selection of toasties such as mushroom, chicken, and their special toastie of the day.
2. Rocella Italian Restaurant
– Media credit: Rocella All Day Italian
Website: https://www.roccellamelbourne.com.au/
Address: 158 Clarendon St, East Melbourne
Phone: +61394161700
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00 am – 8:30 pm
If you’re looking for a more proper meal after the tour, a short walk from the gardens will bring you to Rocella Italian Restaurant.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Italian specialties such as handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas.
Rocella also offers a picnic option, where you can order antipasti, chips, or calamari fritti. They offer this option in case customers want to bring food back to the gardens and enjoy a picnic spread there.
3. Route 66 Bar and Grill
– Media credit: Route 66 Bar and Grill
Website: https://route66barandgrill.com.au/
Address: 150 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Phone: +61382900272
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
If you’re after a satisfying meal after a morning of walking and exploring, Route 66 Bar and Grill is your go-to spot. With classics such as burgers, wraps, and steaks, diners will get to experience the American-style comfort food just minutes away from the garden.
They also have a bar offering beers, wine, and spirits that complement any meal well.
For a restaurant that had just opened not long ago, they sure are already making a promising brand in the area. That’s what a good burger and beer can do.
Where to stay near Cook’s Cottage
1. Park Hyatt
– Media credit: Park Hyatt Melbourne
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/australia/park-hyatt-melbourne/
Address: 1 Parliament Square, off, Parliament Pl, Melbourne
Phone: +61392241234
A luxurious stay close to the gardens is possible with Park Hyatt, a five-star hotel offering spacious rooms and suites. If you get lucky, you might even score a room with views of the city skyline or the beautiful gardens.
Aside from the rooms, guests can also indulge in the hotel’s amenities, such as the 25-meter pool, rooftop tennis court, and the health center with spa and sauna.
The hotel’s location makes visiting the Cook’s Cottage, the Fitzroy Gardens, and other nearby attractions easy and convenient.
With impeccable hospitality and premium facilities, a stay at this hotel already feels like a vacation.
2. Pullman Melbourne on The Park
– Media credit: Pullman Melbourne on The Park
Website: https://www.pullmanonthepark.com.au/
Address: 192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne
Phone: +61394192000
Pullman Melbourne is another accommodation in close proximity to the Cook’s Cottage. The rooms here are elegant and offer clear views of the gardens and the city.
Guests can enjoy their outdoor swimming pool, sauna, and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Aside from the Cook’s Cottage and the garden, the hotel’s location just sits across from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which is ideal if you’re also a sports fan.
It also makes it convenient to venture further into the city since the hotel is close to major public transport stops and terminals.
3. Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre
– Media credit: Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre
Website: http://www.mmhc.org.au/
Address: 362 Albert St, East Melbourne
Phone: +61399269300
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly place to stay, the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre is a good option.
The place offers an apartment-style accommodation with units that typically come with two bedrooms, kitchenettes, and laundry facilities. It’s perfect if you’re staying for a little while in Fitzroy since they allow both short-term and extended stays.
It’s also in a prime location where you can visit other nearby attractions alongside Cook’s Cottage. The cafés, restaurants, and shops that surround the area provide guests with many options for dining and other activities.