Fitzroy Gardens are an essential destination for any long run. The gardens are always changing with a good choice of footpaths to keep things interesting and several hills to keep the heart rate up. Fitzroy Gardens are not a new discovery, but an old favourite and well worth a mention because of the number of special attractions that can be found within the grounds, such as Cook’s Cottage, the Conservatory, the Tudor Village and Sinclair’s Cottage.
Above: One of the tree-lined avenues in the gardens
Source: www.fitzroygardens.com
Cook’s Yorkshire cottage was bought all the way from England in 1933 when it was purchased from the last owner, Mrs Dixon for Victoria’s centenary in 1934. Dismantled and shipped in 253 cases, the cottage was then reassembled in six months in a suitable part of the garden with large European trees.
Above: Cook's Cottage which was dismantled, transported from England and rebuilt
Source: www.fitzroygardens.com
Cook was not the only Brit to influence the gardens. Scotsman, James Sinclair arrived in Melbourne in 1854 with his young family and was involved in the development of Fitzroy Gardens. Sinclair was an experienced horticulturalist and planted many of the Elm avenues in the gardens. He also had a talent for drawing and painting plants, which he utilised later in life to create ‘The Australian Gardener’s Chronicle’ which was published in 1855. Sinclair lived in the Fitzroy Gardens cottage until he died at the age of 72 in 1881.
Above: Sinclair's Cottage
Source: www.fitzroygardens.com
Another tribute to horticulture is the Conservatory, which showcases numerous floral displays throughout the year for a 3-4 month period per display. The Conservatory has been open since 1930 and “is a vital part of the City's commitment to excellence in horticulture.” Opening hours are 9am-5pm (5.30pm during summer months).
Above: A tribute to horticulture - the Conservatory
Source: www.fitzroygardens.com
The Tudor village consists of Kentish village style buildings that would have existed during the “Tudor” period in England. The model village was given as a gift to the City of Melbourne by 77 year old pensioner, Edgar Wilson as a thank you to Melbourne for supplying Britain with food during the Second World War. In addition to houses, there is a hotel, barns, school, Church and other typical village buildings.
Above: Miniature buildings in the Tudor Village
Source: www.fitzroygardens.com
In addition to these amazing buildings with their rich history, there are many unusual and intriguing statues located throughout in the gardens – be sure to wander around and see what you can find.
If you’re not feeling the fun-run fantasy yet, Pavilion Café (in the centre of the gardens) makes a good coffee for a more relaxing visit.
The Pavilion Cafe is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5.00pm
Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am-5pm
For more info on any of the above attractions, visit www.fitzroygardens.com
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