The City of Melbourne is in an election period with caretaker conventions in effect until the close of voting at 6pm on 26 October. For more information on voting, visit the Victorian Electoral Commission. Learn more.
Booking a visit to Cooks' Cottage
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:
Adult: $7.70
Concession: $5.80
Child (5-15 years old): $4.20
Family (2 adults, 2 children): $20.70
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.