Cooks' Cottage (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Cooks' Cottage?
What makes it 67% Baby-Friendly: Babies enter free and garden paths suit prams, yet the cottage interior has steps and tight doorways, and no dedicated nursing room, so parents must carry infants and plan diaper changes in public toilets.
Positives:
- Pram-friendly venue: Gardens have wide, smooth paths making stroller access easy.
- Free entry for baby: Children under 5 enter Cooks’ Cottage at no cost.
- On-site baby-change: Visitor Centre café and public toilets include change tables.
Challenges:
- Narrow cottage doorways: Uneven floors mean you must carry the baby inside, stroller won’t fit.
- No dedicated nursing room: Private feeding space is not guaranteed; ask staff on arrival.
What is Cooks' Cottage?
- A timber-and-brick 18th-century cottage from Yorkshire, England, dismantled piece by piece and reassembled in Melbourne's Fitzroy Gardens
- The original family home of Captain James Cook, featuring rough-hewn stone walls, sloping tile roof and engraved stone beams
- The only genuine 18th-century building in Melbourne, relocated in 1934 to mark the city's centenary and commemorate Cook's legacy
What is so special about Cooks' Cottage for with baby?
- Tour the only 18th-century building in Melbourne with baby-free entry.
- Enjoy pram-friendly paths through Fitzroy Gardens and shaded picnic spots.
- Capture fun family photos at the statue and face-in-hole board.
- Use on-site baby-change facilities at the Visitor Centre café.
- Send a keepsake postcard stamped at the historic red mailbox.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to tour the cottage interior, enjoy a garden walk and a picnic without rushing with a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Cooks' Cottage
Self-guided cottage tour:
Explore the 18th-century rooms furnished as in 1728.
Tip: Leave the stroller outside and use a baby carrier inside; doorways are narrow.
Fitzroy Gardens pram walk:
Follow smooth, elm-lined paths past the Fairy Tree and Tudor village.
Tip: Stay on sealed paths for an easy push; stop at benches for breaks.
Picnic near the cottage:
Spread out on shaded lawns or sit on a nearby bench.
Tip: Bring your own rug and snacks; watch for flying insects near flower beds.
Photo at Captain Cook statue:
Pose by the bronze statue and try the face-in-hole board.
Tip: Use the board for a fun family shot; bring a small tripod for steady pictures.
Send a postcard:
Buy one at the cottage kiosk and post it in the red mailbox.
Tip: Postmarks from the cottage add a special souvenir touch.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cooks' Cottage
- Early arrival: Get there at opening to beat crowds and afternoon heat.
- Plan breaks: Use benches near the cottage for feeding and resting.
- Combine attractions: After the cottage, stroll to the nearby Conservatory in Fitzroy Gardens.
Reviews of Cooks' Cottage
Faith Simon
A beautiful walk along the path through the gardens and you come across this extraordinary cottage. A part of Melbourne history.
Dionne Barbra
I Can't believe I stepped into this cottage. It's like going back to the past and visualizing life back then. It's amazing to see how well this house has been preserved and placed in the centre of a very beautiful garden in Melbourne. Would love to come here again and explore more.
Daniel
Cooks’ Cottage is such a fascinating stop within the stunning Fitzroy Gardens – one of those hidden gems that makes a stroll through the park even more special. Originally built in Yorkshire, England in 1755 by the parents of Captain James Cook, this little cottage has quite the story. Although Captain Cook never actually lived there, the connection to his family was strong enough for Sir Russell ...
Nick
Great park to nap and walk. One of the parks where you feel open and fresh. Botanical can be a bit too many trees and less open
Helen Yu (Chestnut Journal)
Really interesting history with the Cooks' Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne. The house was originally built in the United Kingdom and then the whole house was shipped and reassembled here in Melbourne. The furniture features some really unique layouts that are specific to the way that people lived their lives then (and the guide there will tell you the story of the really short bed there and ...
When is the best time to visit Cooks' Cottage (Melbourne, Australia)?
Visit in spring (September–November) for blooming garden flowers and mild weather. In summer, go early to avoid midday heat.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Two adult entries to Cooks’ Cottage | AUD 15.8 |
| Postcard and stamp | AUD 2 |
| Café snack | AUD 5 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 22.8 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Cooks' Cottage
Address: Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia
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About Cooks' Cottage
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 3 9658 965810 BEST nearby Activities
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