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This self-guided walk explores the rich history of the Fitzroy and Treasury Gardens.
These beautiful gardens have provided a place for relaxation, recreation and entertainment for generations of Melburnians. Both gardens are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. The walk takes about one hour.
The Fitzroy Gardens are situated on land set aside “for the public advantage and recreation” by Governor La Trobe in the 1840s.
The Treasury Gardens were developed in the 1860s to complement the Victorian Parliamentary buildings to the north.
Fitzroy Gardens
Your walk starts at:
1 Cooks’ Cottage
Cooks' Cottage was originally built in Yorkshire in 1755. The cottage was the family home of Captain James Cook’s parents and was transported to Melbourne by ship, re-assembled on its present site and officially opened in 1934. A life-size bronze statue of Captain Cook stands in a productive herb and vegetable garden.
2 Sinclair’s Cottage
Sinclair’s Cottage is named after James Sinclair, head gardener at Fitzroy Gardens in the 1860s and 1870s. Some of Sinclair’s original plantings survive today.
3 The Scarred Tree
The Scarred Tree is one of few remnants of the vegetation that existed prior to European settlement and highlights the indigenous heritage of this area. The river red gums, wattles and billabongs are long gone, but the oval scar reveals where bark was removed to make a shield or canoe.
4 Fairies’ Tree
A favourite with children, the Fairies’ Tree links the elves, fairies and goblins of traditional folklore with Australian animals. Sculptor Ola Cohn gave each of these carvings an identity. Look for the Fairy-with-the- Smiling-Lips and the Energetic Emu.
5 Tudor Village
The picturesque model Tudor Village was a gift to Melbourne from the citizens of Lambeth, England, as a token of appreciation for the Australian food parcels they received during World War II. The village was officially opened in 1948.
6 Rotunda
The neo-classical Rotunda (also known as the Temple of the Winds), with its bluestone platform and ten supporting pillars, was built in 1873. Bluestone is a common feature of Melbourne’s older buildings, and its use here is a reminder of the bluestone quarries in this area before it was reserved for parkland.
7 Bandstand
Constructed in 1864 and probably the first built structure in this park, the Bandstand was used for musical performances, including regular recitals by a military band. Today it is a popular spot for weddings.
8 The Grey Street Fountain
The Grey Street Fountain sits at the top of the Grey Street Walk. Halfway down the walk the remains of two pedestal vases are the only surviving fragments of statues and sculptures placed in the gardens during the 1800s.
9 River God
A commanding figure, the River God dominates the first fountain introduced into the Fitzroy Gardens in 1862. Fountains were an option for the park only after the introduction of piped water to Melbourne in 1857.
10 The People’s Path
The People’s Path is made from thousands of tiles decorated by members of the public, part of the 1978 Arts Victoria Craft Festival.
11 The Dolphin Fountain
The Dolphin Fountain was introduced into the gardens in 1982. As well as bronze dolphins, many other sea creatures are placed amongst the rocks.
12 Conservatory
Built in 1929 in the Spanish Mission style, the Conservatory is home to a series of floral exhibitions. The vibrant displays make the conservatory a popular tourist attraction. Free entry.
Walk down to the traffic lights at Wellington Parade and cross Lansdowne Street to:
Treasury Gardens
13 Old Horse Shoe
An old horse trough donated by the Bills family is a tangible reminder of Melbourne’s transport history and a time when horses were a common sight on city streets.
14 John F Kennedy Memorial
The John F Kennedy Memorial was constructed in 1965. The surrounding lake dates back to 1867.
15 Robert Burns Statue
The bronze statue of Scottish poet Robert Burns is a replica of one in his birthplace, the town of Ayr in Scotland.
16 William Clarke Memorial
Alongside the impressive Old Treasury Building is the William Clarke Memorial. Sir William and his wife, Janet Lady Clarke, were highly regarded public figures in Victorian Melbourne. This marble bust was unveiled by the Governor of Victoria in 1902.