Cooks' Cottage (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Cooks' Cottage?
What makes it 85% Kids-Friendly: School-age children can dress in colonial outfits, complete I-Spy and bee quests, and roam adjacent fairy statues and model village, giving both fun learning and safe outdoor play in one visit.
Positives:
- Free outdoor space: Fitzroy Gardens offers sprawling lawns and playgrounds with no extra fee.
- Under-5s free entry: Children under 5 enter the cottage for free, reducing family costs.
Challenges:
- Uneven floors: Interior floors are uneven brick and wood; hold hands to avoid trips.
- Small rooms: Stroller access is not possible inside; leave prams outside or use garden paths.
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 kids?
- Tour a real 18th-century cottage shipped brick by brick from England.
- Kids can dress in colonial costumes for fun family photos.
- Enjoy free garden activities like I-Spy adventures and open lawns.
- Under-5s enter free and family ticket covers four for A$21.30.
- Garden paths are pram-friendly and offer shade and picnic spots.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for cottage tour, kids’ activities, photo-op and a picnic in Fitzroy Gardens.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Cooks' Cottage
Self-guided tour of Cooks’ Cottage:
Walk through original 18th-century rooms furnished as a working family home.
Tip: Start upstairs to see parents’ bedroom then explore the kitchen below.
Kids’ dress-up and photo-op:
Try on colonial outfits and pose by the bronze Captain Cook statue or photo board.
Tip: Visit early to avoid queues for costumes and get soft morning light for photos.
Fitzroy Gardens I-Spy adventure:
Pick up a free activity sheet at the Visitor Centre and hunt for plants, statues and fairy carvings.
Tip: Complete the sheet and return to claim a small prize at the Visitor Centre.
Picnic on the lawns:
Relax on grass spots near the cottage and let kids play on nearby pathways.
Tip: Bring a picnic blanket and snacks from a local deli to save time.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cooks' Cottage
- Arrive before 10 am: Beat the crowds for costume dress-up and get clear photos at the statue.
- Download map: Grab a free Fitzroy Gardens map at the Visitor Centre to plan your I-Spy route.
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)?
Spring brings flowering azaleas and cherry blossoms in Fitzroy Gardens. In summer, visit before 10 am for shade. Wear layers in winter and pack an umbrella for rain.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Family entry ticket (2 adults + 2 kids) | AUD 21.3 |
| Picnic snacks and drinks | AUD 15 |
| Postcards and stamps | AUD 5 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 41.3 |
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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