Fitzroy Gardens is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Melbourne, Australia. This park is not only one of the most beautiful and historic in the city, but also one of the most significant and diverse. Whether you are looking for a relaxing stroll, a cultural experience, or a fun-filled adventure, Fitzroy Gardens has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Fitzroy Gardens, including its history, attractions, activities, timings, entry fee, and more. Read on to discover why Fitzroy Gardens is a must-visit destination for your Melbourne trip.
History and Facts
Fitzroy Gardens has a long and rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The park was originally part of the Yarra River floodplain and was used by the Wurundjeri people as a hunting and fishing ground. In 1848, the land was reserved for public use and named after Sir Charles Augustus FitzRoy, the governor of New South Wales. In 1857, the park was landscaped by Clement Hodgkinson, who designed it in the style of the English and European gardens of the time. He planted a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and created winding paths, fountains, and statues.
He also added several buildings and monuments, such as the Conservatory, the Band Pavilion, the Rotunda, and the Cooks’ Cottage. Over the years, Fitzroy Gardens has been expanded and improved, and has become a popular and beloved place for locals and visitors alike. Today, Fitzroy Gardens covers an area of 26 hectares and has over 10,000 plants. It is also home to many wildlife species, such as birds, possums, bats, and foxes. Fitzroy Gardens is a heritage-listed site and is considered one of the finest examples of Victorian-era landscaping in Australia.
Attractions and Activities
Fitzroy Gardens has a lot to offer to its visitors, from historical and cultural attractions to natural and recreational activities. Here are some of the highlights of the park that you should not miss:
Conservatory: A stunning glasshouse that showcases a range of exotic and colourful plants, such as orchids, begonias, fuchsias, and cacti. The conservatory changes its display five times a year, according to the seasons and themes. It is a great place to admire the beauty and diversity of nature and take some amazing photos.
Cooks’ Cottage: A charming cottage that was originally built in 1755 in Yorkshire, England, by the parents of Captain James Cook, the famous explorer who discovered Australia. The cottage was bought by Sir Russell Grimwade in 1933 and transported to Melbourne as a gift to the city for its centenary. It was reassembled in Fitzroy Gardens and furnished with period items. It is now a museum that tells the story of Cook’s life and voyages, as well as the history of the cottage and its owners. You can also see the statue of Cook and the bust of his wife Elizabeth in the garden.
Fairies’ Tree: A whimsical and magical attraction that features a series of carvings of fairies, animals, and scenes from fairy tales on the trunk and roots of a 300-year-old red gum tree. The carvings were done by Ola Cohn, a renowned sculptor and author, between 1931 and 1934. She donated the tree to the children of Melbourne and dedicated it to the fairies. The Fairies’ Tree is a delight for kids and adults alike, and a testament to Cohn’s imagination and skill.
Tudor Village: A miniature replica of a typical English village from the Tudor period, complete with houses, shops, churches, and a castle. The village was handcrafted by Edgar Wilson, a pensioner who lived in Norwood, England. He spent over 30 years making the village out of cement and household items, such as stones, shells, and broken glass. He donated the village to Melbourne in 1948, in appreciation of the food and clothing sent by Australia to England during World War II. The Tudor Village is a fascinating and intricate display of Wilson’s craftsmanship and generosity.
Koori Heritage Trail: A cultural and educational trail that celebrates the history and culture of the Aboriginal people of Victoria, especially the Wurundjeri people who lived in the area before European settlement. The trail consists of 11 interpretive signs that provide information and stories about the Aboriginal connection to the land, the flora and fauna, the seasons and cycles, the ceremonies and rituals, and the contemporary issues and achievements. The trail also features artworks by Aboriginal artists, such as the Mosaic Mural, the Rainbow Serpent, and the Possum Skin Cloak. The Koori Heritage Trail is a great way to learn about and respect the original custodians of the land and their ongoing contribution to the society.
Other attractions: Fitzroy Gardens has many other attractions that are worth exploring, such as the Band Pavilion, the Rotunda, the Sinclair’s Cottage, the Scarred Tree, the Dolphin Fountain, the Grey Street Fountain, the Temple of the Winds, the Spanish Monument, and the Model Tudor Village. You can also see various statues and sculptures of notable figures and characters, such as Queen Victoria, William Clarke, Robert Burns, William Shakespeare, and Alice in Wonderland.
Activities: Fitzroy Gardens is not only a place to see, but also a place to do. You can enjoy a variety of activities in the park, such as walking, jogging, cycling, picnicking, playing, and relaxing. You can also join a guided tour of the park, which runs daily at 10 am and 2 pm from the visitor centre. The tour lasts for about an hour and covers the history and highlights of the park. You can also attend various events and festivals that are held in the park throughout the year, such as the Moomba Festival, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, the Carols by Candlelight, and the Australia Day Celebrations.
Timings and Entry Fee
Fitzroy Gardens is open to the public every day of the year, from 6 am to 9 pm in summer and from 7 am to 6 pm in winter. The park is free to enter and enjoy, except for some attractions that charge a nominal fee. The timings and entry fee for these attractions are as follows:
Attraction Timings Entry Fee
Conservatory 9 am to 5 pm daily Free
Cooks’ Cottage 9 am to 5 pm daily $6.70 for adults, $3.40 for children, $18.20 for families
Guided Tour 10 am and 2 pm daily $10 for adults, $5 for children, $25 for families
How to Get There and Best Time to Visit
Fitzroy Gardens is located in the heart of Melbourne, on the eastern edge of the CBD. It is easily accessible by various modes of transportation, such as car, bus, tram, train, or bike. Here are some of the ways to get to the park:
By car:
You can drive to the park and park your car in the nearby streets or car parks. However, parking is limited and may be expensive, especially during peak hours and events. You can also use a taxi or a ride-sharing service to get to the park.
By bus:
You can take a bus to the park from various parts of the city. The closest bus stops are on Wellington Parade, Lansdowne Street, and Albert Street. You can use the Public Transport Victoria website or app to plan your trip and find the best bus route for you.
By tram:
You can take a tram to the park from various parts of the city. The closest tram stops are on Wellington Parade, Spring Street, and Nicholson Street. You can use the Public Transport Victoria website or app to plan your trip and find the best tram route for you.
By train:
You can take a train to the park from various parts of the city. The closest train station is Jolimont Station, which is about a 5-minute walk from the park. You can also use Flinders Street Station or Parliament Station, which are about a 15-minute walk from the park. You can use the Public Transport Victoria website or app to plan your trip and find the best train route for you.
By bike:
You can ride a bike to the park from various parts of the city. The park has bike racks and paths for cyclists. You can also use a bike-sharing service, such as Melbourne Bike Share, to rent a bike and drop it off at the park.
By foot:
You can walk to the park from various parts of the city, especially if you are staying in the CBD or the nearby suburbs. The park is about a 20-minute walk from Federation Square, a 25-minute walk from the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and a 30-minute walk from the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Best time to visit Fitzroy Gardens
The best time to visit Fitzroy Gardens is anytime of the year, as the park has something to offer in every season. However, some of the factors that may influence your decision are:
Weather:
Melbourne is known for its unpredictable and changing weather, so you should always check the forecast and dress accordingly. The park is beautiful in all weather conditions, but you may prefer sunny and warm days to enjoy the outdoor activities and events. The average temperature in Melbourne ranges from 10°C to 26°C throughout the year, with the hottest months being January and February, and the coldest months being June and July.
Seasons:
Fitzroy Gardens has different attractions and displays depending on the seasons. In spring (September to November), you can see the flowers and plants in full bloom, especially in the Conservatory. In summer (December to February), you can enjoy the greenery and shade of the trees, as well as the festivals and events that are held in the park. In autumn (March to May), you can admire the changing colours of the leaves and the crisp air. In winter (June to August), you can experience the tranquility and coziness of the park, as well as the winter-themed display in the Conservatory.
Events
Fitzroy Gardens hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, which can add to your enjoyment and excitement of the park. Some of the major events are:
Moomba Festival: A free and family-friendly festival that celebrates the culture and diversity of Melbourne. It is held in March and features a parade, a carnival, live music, fireworks, and more.
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show: A spectacular and prestigious show that showcases the best of floral and landscape design. It is held in March and features stunning displays, workshops, competitions, and more.
Carols by Candlelight: A traditional and popular event that celebrates Christmas with music and entertainment. It is held on Christmas Eve and features a choir, a band, celebrities, and more.
Australia Day Celebrations: A patriotic and festive event that celebrates the nation and its people. It is held on January 26 and features a flag-raising ceremony, a citizenship ceremony, a flyover, and more.
Nearby and Similar Places
Fitzroy Gardens is not only a destination in itself, but also a gateway to other nearby and similar places that you can explore and enjoy. Here are some of the places that you can visit from the park:
Other parks and gardens:
Melbourne is a city of parks and gardens, and Fitzroy Gardens is just one of them. You can also visit other parks and gardens that are close to or similar to Fitzroy Gardens, such as:
Treasury Gardens: A park that is adjacent to Fitzroy Gardens and features a pond, a memorial, and a tennis court.
Carlton Gardens: A park that is a short walk from Fitzroy Gardens and features the Royal Exhibition Building, the Melbourne Museum, and a playground.
Royal Botanic Gardens: A park that is a short drive or tram ride from Fitzroy Gardens and features a lake, a volcano, a children’s garden, and a observatory.
Kings Domain: A park that is a short drive or tram ride from Fitzroy Gardens and features the Shrine of Remembrance, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, and a floral clock.
Other landmarks and attractions
Melbourne is a city of landmarks and attractions, and Fitzroy Gardens is just one of them. You can also visit other landmarks and attractions that are close to or similar to Fitzroy Gardens, such as:
Parliament House: A building that is a short walk from Fitzroy Gardens and is the seat of the Victorian government. You can take a tour of the building and see the chambers, the library, and the artworks.
Old Melbourne Gaol: A building that is a short walk from Fitzroy Gardens and is a former prison that housed some of the most notorious criminals in Australian history, such as Ned Kelly. You can take a tour of the building and see the cells, the gallows, and the museum.
Melbourne Cricket Ground: A stadium that is a short walk from Fitzroy Gardens and is the largest and most iconic sports venue in Australia. You can take a tour of the stadium and see the field, the stands, and the museum.
Federation Square: A square that is a short walk from Fitzroy Gardens and is the cultural and civic hub of Melbourne. You can see the modern architecture, the art galleries, the cafes, and the events.
Fitzroy Gardens is a must-visit destination for your Melbourne trip. It is one of the most beautiful and historic parks in the city, and has something for everyone. You can learn about the history and culture of the park and its attractions, enjoy the nature and beauty of the park and its plants, and have fun with the activities and events that the park offers. You can also explore other nearby and similar places that the park leads you to, and discover more of what Melbourne has to offer. Fitzroy Gardens is a place that you will never forget and always want to return to.
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