Description
Valued for their historic, aesthetic, architectural and horticultural significance, the Fitzroy Gardens were classified by the National Trust in 1974 and placed on the Victorian Heritage Register in 1999. Originally set aside as a reserve in 1848, the gardens derived their name from Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy, Governor of New South Wales (1846 - 1851) and Governor-General of the Australian Colonies (1851 - 1855).
In the gardens sits Cooks' Cottage, presented to the people of Victoria as a gift for the State's centenary in 1934. The cottage, home of Captain James Cook's parents, was transported from the Yorkshire village where Cook, one of the first Europeans to chart Australia's east coast, was born. Its furnishings and restoration are appropriate to the time in which they lived in the dwelling.
Another feature of the gardens is the Conservatory (1930), housing magnificent indoor floral displays that are changed five times each year. Also in the Fitzroy Gardens are the Fairies' Tree carved by Ola Cohn, a model Tudor Village, Sinclair's Cottage, as well as an array of statues, fountains and structures.
Free guided walking tours of the gardens take place every Wednesday at 12.30pm.
Full details of the amenities, features and history of Fitzroy Gardens, along with a detailed map, are available on the website below.
At a glance
Map of Fitzroy Gardens (PDF 3.4MB)
Melway Ref: 2G C2
Facilities:toilet, playground