La Trobe’s Cottage

Melbourne's oldest surviving building, the original home of Victoria's first Lieutenant-Governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe

La Trobe’s Cottage was the home of Charles Joseph La Trobe, Victoria’s first governor, and his wife Sophie and their children from 1839 to 1854. Originally erected on his Jolimont estate, the single-story dwelling is constructed of timber, replicating the original prefabricated structure brought by him from London. The locally built dining room (1839), the first of many additions made during La Trobe’s tenure, is the oldest surviving Melbourne building. The modest yet elegant family home contains many pieces of La Trobe’s furniture and other historic artefacts. Learn more about La Trobe’s beloved garden and cottage here.

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.

Place Details

October to April, Sundays 1pm to 3.30pm (property closes at 4pm)

Book a guided tour

Book Government House tour

Group booking request (Mon to Sat)

La Trobe's Cottage
Dallas Brooks Drive
Melbourne, VIC 3004

Bunurong Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past, present and future.

More Information

Visit the La Trobe Society website

Book a guided tour

Plan your Visit

La Trobe’s Cottage

Address:

Corner of Birdwood Avenue & Dallas Brooks Drive, The Domain, Melbourne 3004 VIC

Open:

October to April, Sundays 1pm to 3.30pm (property closes at 4pm)

Closed:

Christmas Day and Grand Prix weekend in March/April.
Please note that the property closes on days of extreme heat. You will be able to use your tickets on another day, or request a refund.

Entry Fees:

Adults: $5,
Children and Concession: $4
Family $12

What we offer:

Group tours of La Trobe’s Cottage are available all year, Monday to Saturday. Additional fees apply.

Click to make a booking request.

Tours of Government House are available all year. Additional fees apply.

Click to make a booking.

Combined tours of La Trobe’s Cottage & Government House are not currently available.

What's On

Join us on a tour of the charming La Trobe’s Cottage.

It is over 180 years since our first Governor and his family arrived in Melbourne. 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, with his wife Sophie and their children.

You can arrive anytime between 1pm to 3.30pm (Sundays, October to April). The property will close at 4pm.

Sunday 2 October

Spring Garden Day

Join us in celebrating Spring this year with tours of the cottage garden at 1.15pm, 2.15pm, & 3.15pm.

Book a guided tour

October

Spring Garden

During October, enjoy the spring garden and see plants that featured in La Trobe’s ‘Jolimont’ garden.

Book a guided tour

November

Furniture and Artefacts

During November you will see items of the La Trobes’ furniture and other special artefacts of the family.

December

Christmas Traditions

During December, learn how Sophie La Trobe introduced the European custom of the Christmas tree to Melbourne.

January

Family Month

During January we welcome families to the Cottage, with activities for the children.

February

Prefabricated Cottage

During February you will learn the story of La Trobe’s prefabricated house, and hear how factories in London were supplying such cottages for British settlers around the world.