Today was a day for seeing some more of Melbourne. Despite spending as much time as I have in the city there are still things I haven’t seen and today was all about finding some of those things. Starting early I headed into the city on the train, getting off at Jolimont (the pretty hill) and wandering across to Fitzroy Gardens.
The primary purpose for coming here was for Captain Cook’s Cottage, the rebuilt cottage which the Cook family owned back in the England.
Fitzroy Gardens are one of Melbourne’s many wonderful areas of natural parks, designed and laid out in the early days of Melbourne with few changes over the years from the current layout, which loosely represents the British Union Flag.
The Fitzroy Gardens are of historical significance as one of a ring of public reserves around Melbourne established in the nineteenth century to provide respite and relaxation for the city’s residents. – Victorian Heritage Register
Captain Cook’s Cottage was originally built in Great Ayton, England, back in 1755 by James Cook’s father (who was also called James). In 1933 it was bought by Russell Grimwade after convincing the owner that Australia was a good home for it. Grimwade donated the cottage to the people of Victoria in honour of the colony/state centenary.
After being shipped the house was rebuilt and the interior designed to be as similar as possible to it’s form when James Cook and his family lived there. The garden behind the cottage was added later to attempt to recreate a typical 18th Century English garden.
Once the Fitzroy Gardens were done I headed off for coffee and a ride on the City Circle Tram to Spring St. Despite having gone round the city on the free tram I’d never got off on Spring St before.
Spring St is home to two of the larger and more impressive architectural buildings in Melbourne. The former treasury building (now the City Museum) and the Parliament House.
Sitting at the top of the hill, the building of Parliament House started in 1855 and would have given wonderful views over the growing city of Melbourne. These days there are too many other larger buildings which spoil the views. Parliament House was also used as Australia’s Parliament between 1901 and 1927.
Built between 1858 and 1862 the City Museum was once Victoria’s Treasury Building. Sitting at the head of Collins St and surrounded by the Treasury Gardens the Old Treasury building remained despite the Treasury moving in 1877. The City Museum was opened in 2005 and tells the story of the history of Melbourne.
More coffee, this time at Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar near the top of Bourke St before heading to the Arts Centre to check on the MX/Nintendo promo. I arrived a little late and missed it all but found an excellent little AC/DC exhibition in the Arts Centre. I’d never really realised just how small Bon Scott was until seeing his old leather jacket.
The afternoon ended with a now familiar walk along St Kilda beach. Getting the 16 tram down St Kilda Rd, getting off at Fitzroy St and having more coffee at the Sea Baths before wandering along the beach and up to Acland St between Luna Park and the Palais. A 96 tram then brings me nicely to Crown Casino.
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