Fitzroy Gardens
Map
 

Use the map to locate the many attractions and points of interest in the Fitzroy Gardens.

1. Visitor Centre

This visitor centre provides information on Melbourne and the Fitzroy Gardens and is the place to buy your tickets to Cooks' Cottage. Find out more about the visitor centre as part of Fitzroy Gardens' history.

2. Stormwater harvesting system and garden

Built in 2014, the stormwater harvesting and re-use system now provides most of the Fitzroy Gardens' water needs. Learn more about the stormwater harvesting project.

3. Glasshouses and Propagator's Cottage

Two 1920s glasshouses, still used to grow plants for the Conservatory, are visible from the entrance to the visitor centre. The lime whitewash on the glass is to reduce light and heat levels in summer. The Propagator's Cottage, a private residence, can be seen from the path near the Conservatory. There is no public entry to these facilities.

4. Conservatory

The lovely Spanish Mission-style Conservatory dates from 1930. It is currently closed for major works and maintenance until late 2020.

5. Cooks' Cottage

Take a step back in time at Cooks' Cottage, located in the beautiful heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens. Originally located in Yorkshire, England, and built in 1755 by the parents of Captain James Cook, the cottage was brought to Melbourne in 1934.

6. Scarred Tree

Now a preserved tree stump, bark from this river red gum tree was removed by Aboriginal people to make something such as a canoe, shield or container.

7. Stream and fern gully

Starting outside the visitor centre, an informal walking path adjacent to the central stream heads north through the gardens, passing ornamental ponds, ferns and rainforest planting.

8. Sinclair's Cottage

This cottage was built in 1866 for Fitzroy Gardens' head gardener, James Sinclair. It is now used as an administrative centre and is not open to the public.

9. Fairies' Tree

Sculpted by Ola Cohn between 1931 and 1934, the Fairies' Tree is beloved by generations of children. The carving features Australian animals, birds and bush spirits.

10. Model Tudor Village

The model village was a gift to the people of Melbourne in 1947 from the citizens of Lambeth, England, in appreciation of food parcels sent during WWII. Please don't enter the enclosure as the models are very fragile.

11. Hotham Walk

This east-west path is at the heart of the gardens. East of the central bridge, the path is lined by colourful flowering borders and framed by deodar cedars – a much loved feature of the gardens.

12. Elm tree avenues

Avenues of mature English elms line the major paths throughout the gardens, providing a cathedral-like lighting effect.

13. The Mound and Pond

The Mound, a high point in the gardens, and the adjacent pond were created in 1891 under the leadership of garden curator John Guilfoyle. The palms, ferns and water create a cool oasis on a hot day.

14. Dolphin Fountain

Bridal parties and photographers are commonly seen in this part of the gardens. The fountain was created by sculptor June Arnold in 1982. Featuring a variety of marine creatures, the design was influenced by theories of childhood development and education.

15. Grey Street Walk

This lush walk features Cordylines, palms and perennial exotic plants which require little water. Two vases on pillars are reminders of the 19th century fashion for classical statuary. Fans of the Australian TV series Offspring may recognise some set locations here.

16. Grey Street Fountain

This is one of the original five fountains installed in the gardens in the 1860s. The three tiers of vases on a rock pedestal is a classic 19th century garden ornament.

17. Bandstand

Constructed in the 1860s, the bandstand was originally used for military recitals and sacred music performances. Today it is a popular venue for weddings and family gatherings.

18. Rotunda

Created in 1873, the Rotunda is another example of the sculptural elements popular in 19th century gardens.

19. River God Fountain

At the northern end of the gardens is Melbourne's oldest surviving public artwork. This fountain was created in 1862 by leading sculptor Charles Summers.


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