Fitzroy Gardens

Melbourne is blessed with a number of beautifully maintained gardens and parks which are scattered in and around the CBD, Fitzroy Gardens being the city's most popular. For most of their existence the Gardens have been considered to be a showpiece rivalled only by the Royal Botanic Gardens.

It is hard to believe therefore, that up until 1857, the area was a wasteland used as a municipal dump around an earlier brownstone quarry. Its 26 hectares (65-acres) incorporates European trees, manicured lawns, garden beds, statuary and sweeping walks, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind for a few hours.

Among its highlights is the Avenue of Elms, a majestic stand of 130-year-old trees; a model of a typical Kentish village of the Tudor period of English history; Fairies Tree, comprising a series of lovely carvings on the stump of one of the location s original Red Gum trees, well over 300 years in age; a Spanish Mission-style Conservatory.

Another highlight of Fitzroy Gardens is Cook's Cottage, one of Australia's few tangible links to British navigator Lieut. James Cook, who explored and charted the east coast of Australia in 1770, and in so doing put Australia literally on the map. Built in Yorkshire, England, in 1755 by Cook s parents, Cooks  Cottage was transported to Melbourne in crates and barrels, re-assembled and officially opened in the Fitzroy Gardens in 1934.

Combining modern interpretations of Captain Cook's life and adventures with centuries old relics and a vibrant, colourful cottage garden, Cooks' Cottage provides unique insight into English family life in the 18th century. Entry fees to the cottage apply.

Getting there: walk along Flinders St to Wellington Pde., Treasury Gardens are on cnr Spring St, Fitzroy Gardens are on cnr Lansdowne St.

By train, exit at Parliament Station, Spring St exit, walk south on Spring St, across Treasury Gardens and across Lansdowne St.

By tram, City Circle Tram (free), Alight in Spring St, walk south on Spring St, across Treasury Gardens and across Lansdowne St, or Tram 48 or 75 from Flinders St /Swanston St to stop 9 on Wellington Pde.









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