Melbourne's oldest surviving building, the original home of Victoria's first Lieutenant-Governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe
Discover how Charles Joseph La Trobe, Victoria’s first Governor, lived with his family in his prefabricated house in early Melbourne. You will get a fascinating glimpse into family life at his ‘Jolimont’ estate.
During December you will learn how Sophie La Trobe introduced the European custom of the Christmas tree to Melbourne.
October to April, Sundays 1pm to 4pm (last guided tour 3.30pm)
About
Although described by a visitor in 1852 as “small but elegantly furnished and standing in spacious grounds,” La Trobe’s Cottage is now a vital part of Victoria’s history. The cottage was made from prefabricated materials brought from England to be the home of La Trobe, his wife Sophie and their children.
The cottage has been restored and today contains items from the earliest time of Victoria’s settlement. Join us at our next open day to learn about life in early Melbourne. Obtain a glimpse into La Trobe family life and enjoy the romantic garden re-created using plants available in the 1840s and 1850s.
In 2014, the cottage garden was awarded a Victorian Community History Award for Historical Interpretation.
We acknowledge the Bunurong people as the Traditional Owners of the land on which La Trobe’s Cottage is located. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.
