Bookings are essential for school visits and tour groups (guided and self-guided).

Individual entry

Open 10am to 4pm. No bookings are required for individuals. Last entry is at 3:45pm.

The admission price for individuals is:

  • Adults $7.20

  • Children $3.90

  • Concession $5.50

  • Family $19.70

Guided group tours

Groups of 8 to 40 people can enjoy the colourful and expert commentary of one of our tour guides. Guided group tours operate Monday to Friday and run for 35 minutes. Guided group tours start at 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm and 1pm. They are delivered by a trained staff member.

Tour 1: Cooks’ Cottage Tour

Take a trip into the past. This guided tour includes the history of Cooks' Cottage and how it came to be in Melbourne, explains what life was like in the 18th century, and shares the incredible voyages and life of Captain James Cook.

Tour 2: Fitzroy Gardens Heritage Tour

Learn about the historic buildings and sculptures in the heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens, including Cooks' Cottage, the Fairies Tree and the model Tudor village. Stroll through the majestic avenues of English elms, discover native wildlife and soak up the beauty of the formal gardens.

Prices and bookings of group tours

  • Guided group tour 1: Cooks’ Cottage Tour - $7.40 per person

  • Guided group tour 2: Fitzroy Gardens Heritage Tour - $9.80 per person

Group tour prices include entry to Cooks’ Cottage.

Self-guided group tours

Groups of 8 to 40 people can take a self-guided tour from 10am, Monday to Friday. Please allow at least half an hour for your visit. Last entry is at 3:15pm.

Admission: Adults $3.90, Children $2.70. This includes entry into Cooks' Cottage, plus a comprehensive fact sheet.

School visits

History comes alive at Cooks' Cottage, with an interactive, fun and inspiring program designed to complement the school curriculum. Students will experience the rich history of Cooks' Cottage and learn the significance of this important heritage and cultural site.

Schools can opt for learning modules, guided tours, or a self-guided visit.

Please note: students must be supervised at all times. At least one teacher or supervising adult is required per 20 students.

Learning modules

These modules are most suitable for primary school students. All modules and tours are available Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm (excluding public holidays).

Sessions include the below modules (plus a short introduction); or a specific Cooks’ Cottage Guided Tour. Modules run for 1 hour. A minimum of 15 students are required, with a maximum of 30. Schools can book more than one session to accommodate larger groups.

Module 1: Captain Cook's treasure chest

This module encourages enquiry-based learning, stimulating discussion about artefacts connected to Captain Cook and an account of his first voyage to Australia.

Module 2: Travel back in time

Students explore Cooks' Cottage and the garden to find answers related to various 18th century characters, concluding in a race with an old-fashioned twist.

Guided tours for school groups

These guided tours are most suitable for secondary school and tertiary students.

Tours operate Monday to Friday. They run for up to 35 minutes and start at 10am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm and 1pm. A minimum of 15 students are required, with a maximum of 30.

Tour 1: Cooks' Cottage tour (30 minutes)

Take a trip into the past. This guided tour includes the history of Cooks' Cottage and how it came to be in Melbourne It explains what life was like in the 18th century and shares the incredible voyages and life of Captain James Cook.

Tour 2: Fitzroy Gardens heritage tour (45 minutes)

Learn about the historic buildings and sculptures in the heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens. This guided tour includes Cooks' Cottage, the Fairies Tree and the Model Tudor Village. Stroll through the majestic avenues of English elms, discover native wildlife and soak up the beauty of the formal gardens.

Self-guided visits for schools

Self-guided visits for schools can be accommodated for 8 to 40 students, Monday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm. Please allow at least half an hour for your visit. A comprehensive fact sheet is provided to school groups visiting Cooks’ Cottage.

Book a school visit or tour 

All school visits must be booked and paid for at least seven days in advance, and are subject to availability. An invoice will be sent with confirmation of your booking. Payment is due seven days prior to arrival at Cooks’ Cottage. 

Prices and bookings

  • Learning modules - students $6

  • Tour 1 - students $6

  • Tour 2 - students $8.50

  • Self-guided visit - students $2.90

One teacher or supervising adult is admitted free per 20 students. Additional adults $3.90. Prices include entry to Cooks’ Cottage.