Fitzroy Gardens Melbourne: Blending Nature and History

Next time you head into town, escape the urban jungle and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Fitzroy Gardens Melbourne.

With a gorgeous cafe, Visitor Centre, and various heritage attractions, Melbourne’s Fitzroy Gardens reveal a captivating blend of history, nature, and beauty on a midweek Melbourne outing.

Lace up your walking shoes and prepare to be captivated by the classic charm that transports you to the good old days.

Visiting Fitzroy Gardens Melbourne

Established in 1848 and named after Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy, the gardens boast a rich heritage that dates back to the Victorian era.

As you meander through the gardens, towering elm trees line the pathways, creating an enchanting setting. The vibrant array of flowers, ornamental shrubs, and majestic trees add to the allure of the landscape, making each corner a sight to behold. Keep an eye out for the Scarred Tree in the south-east section, a poignant reminder of the area’s indigenous history.

The Fitzroy Gardens are also home to some architectural wonders. The 20th-century buildings, including The Lodge, the Conservatory, and the Electricity Substation, offer a glimpse into the city’s architectural evolution.

Fun for everyone

This is a great spot to bring the grandkids! For families, children will be delighted by the diverse landscape, expansive lawns, and play areas scattered throughout the gardens.

The recently opened Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre provides convenient access to information like maps as well as entry to Cooks’ Cottage. Pick up a self-guided tour brochure or download a PDF copy here. It also has a delightful gift shop.

Visiting Fitzroy Gardens, right next to the Old Treasury Building, was a beautiful garden of greenery and beautiful big trees. So tranquil, yet the hustle and bustle of the city just a stone’s throw away.

Cooks Cottage was another surprise and a first-time visit for me. The rooms were small and the feeling of how a large family managed to live in such a small area with only basic amenities drives it home how fortunate we are in this 21st century with our many comforts and luxuries. I was surprised to hear that the cottage was actually James Cook’s father’s cottage which was transported to Melbourne, from England, for a special celebration.

Lunch at the Kere Kere Cafe in Fitzroy Gardens was very pleasant. My bacon and egg wrap was very delicious. We had a comfortable table and chairs to sit on while we ate, but the surrounding green grass area looked very inviting for a picnic too. It was delightful to see some young parents with babies and toddlers doing just that. We could all feel the warmth of the autumn sun on our faces.

– Terrie

Cook’s Cottage

It was well worth a stop at Cook’s Cottage, a historic landmark steeped in Australian heritage.

Named after the renowned explorer Captain James Cook, this charming cottage offers a glimpse into life in the 18th century. We were transported back in time as we wandered through the meticulously restored rooms, furnished with authentic period pieces.

While Dad chose to sit this one out, for Mum and I, this sort of thing is right up our alley.

Various volunteers were very friendly and eager to share stories and insights about Captain Cook’s adventures.

We also strolled the beautiful surrounding garden and veggie patch, which is lovingly maintained to reflect the colonial era.

Open 10 am to 4 pm daily, the entry fee to Cook’s Cottage is $7.20 for an adult, or $5.50 for seniors/concession. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Visitor Centre. Only some areas of the cottage are wheelchair friendly.

Inside Cook's Cottage Fitzroy Gardens Melbourne — Inside Cook’s Cottage

KereKere Cafe

For lunch we stopped at KereKere, a breezy cafe located beside the Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre. With a focus on simplicity and quality, you can indulge in a selection of light breakfast offerings, satisfying lunches, and freshly baked cakes and pastries.

The inviting atmosphere amongst the greenery of the gardens provides a welcoming escape for visitors to relax with an easy meal or hot drink.

Exterior of KereKere Cafe in Fitzroy Gardens — Outside KereKere Cafe

As an Aussie-born bloke in my mid-70s, I have always loved the Australian bush. Spending a quiet time amidst gum trees listening to the birds and absorbing the scent of eucalyptus, in my opinion, is pretty close to heaven.

I have sometimes thought it almost sacrilegious that our European forbears, when planting a town, would replace the native flora with deciduous varieties.

However, a recent trip to Melbourne’s Fitzroy Gardens has made me do a backflip.

The walking paths, roughly in the shape of a Union Jack, that cross this 26-hectare green paradise on the Eastern end of the CBD are bordered with magnificent English Elms, some 170 years old.

The great Autumn weather on the day we visited, the sun shining down through the green canopy, and the gentle swish as the leaves rustled in the breeze made me so appreciative of the care that has been taken to maintaining these beautiful botanical specimens.

Other than the Elms, Oaks and Cedars, Fitzroy Gardens is a great place to stroll and explore and we discovered a Conservatory, fountains, statues, Cook’s Cottage, an information centre, and a lovely café that makes a good iced coffee.