Fitzroy and Treasury Gardens

If you are in Melbourne, it would be best to visit their gardens that boast of life may it be night or day. These gardens give meaning and life to the busy mind. Melbourne slickers who are tired and stressed at work always take their lunch in the gardens to freshen up.

So where can you see these gardens? At the top end of the Collins Street, you will see the Windsor Hotel. You are on the right track if you immediately see the gardens just opposite. That is the Treasury Gardens. You can walk through the Treasury Gardens and then walk across the street to get to the Fitzroy Gardens. Even the walk is highly entertaining with all the sites to see.

The Treasury Gardens has an area of 5.8 hectares which spans the edge of the Melbourne Central Business District. Fitzroy Gardens, on the other hand, spans a 26-hectare greenery just across Lansdowne Street to the west. These gardens are on the Victorian Heritage list for the social, archaeological, aesthetic, and horticultural importance for the extraordinary design based on 19th century layout and planting. Situated within the parks are an ornamental lake, conservatory, kiosk and cafe, Sinclair's cottage, Model Tudor Village, fountains, sculptures, Band Pavilion, Rotunda, a fairy tree, and the intriguing Cook's Cottage.

The Cottage was reportedly built 15 years prior to the arrival of Captain Cook in Botany Bay. Recent reports, however, tell us that it was previously constructed in England before it was reassembled and transported to Melbourne in 1934. The Cottage itself was built by Captain Cook's parents, but it is not the actual house they lived in as a family. James Cook, as historians believe has once lived in this Cottage but the debate goes on whether he did or not. Either way it's a pleasure to view. The Cottage somewhat got bigger when it was reconstructed. You must be wondering why it was transported to Melbourne. Back in 1933, the Cottage in its original place in England went up for sale. Good thing, there were people who cared enough to grasp the concept of relocating the Cottage. Sir Russel Grimwade bought the Cottage amounting to 800 pounds. Historians say it was a gift to the Victorian people. Then an architectural firm surveyed the project and supervised the reconstruction. The Cottage was taken apart piece by piece. Everything was numbered for identification.

As soon as the Cottage was reconstructed, Fitzroy Gardens appeared to be its original birthplace, set amongst its idyllic, green setting. The Cottage emphasizes the Victorian fountains, European trees and statues. Repairs were done in major detail back in 1955 and 1978. The City Government of Melbourne hopes to put in the appropriate materials that are in accordance for today's weather conditions. Today, a building like Captain Cook's Cottage should always be maintained carefully. That is what the City of Melbourne does. It has made the Cottage a national icon and a favorite tourist spot.