Built in 1755, Cooks' Cottage is the oldest building in Australia and a popular Melbourne tourist attraction.
Originally located in Yorkshire, England, and built by the parents of Captain James Cook, the cottage was brought to Melbourne by Sir Russell Grimwade in 1934. Astonishingly, each brick was individually numbered, packed into barrels and then shipped to Australia.
Combining modern interpretations of Captain Cook's adventures, centuries-old antiques, a delightful English cottage garden and volunteers dressed in 18th century costumes, Cooks' Cottage is a fascinating step back in time.
Entry to the cottage includes a comprehensive fact sheet for a self-guided tour. Available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Thai, Indonesian, Japanese, German, French and Korean.
School tours and group tours and visits are also available.
Tickets and souvenirs can be purchased from the Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre, just 100 metres away.
Getting to Cooks' Cottage
- 15 minute walk from Federation Square and easy walking distance from the city centre
- Free City Circle tram – disembark at Spring Street, Treasury Gardens stop
- Tram routes 48 or 75 – disembark at Wellington Parade, adjacent to Fitzroy Gardens
- Train – disembark at Parliament or Jolimont Stations
- Public car parking surrounds the gardens (parking tickets may be required)
What's On at Cooks' Cottage
Look out for seasonal school holiday programs and special events throughout the year.