La Trobe’s Cottage

Melbourne's oldest surviving building, the 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.

Scroll down to explore the Open Day themes and programs.

 

 

Place Details

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

Open October to April

1pm to 4pm
(Last entry 3.30pm)

Closed on Christmas Eve/Day and Grand Prix weekend in March.

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.

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 respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

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Plan your Visit

La Trobe’s Cottage

Address:

Corner of Birdwood Avenue & Dallas Brooks Drive, The Domain, Melbourne 3004 VIC
(near the Shrine of Remembrance and Royal Botanic Gardens).

Take a tram to Anzac Station, Stop 20, and walk to Domain Road, then head towards the Shrine/Botanic Gardens.

Open:

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

Closed:

Christmas Eve/Day and Grand Prix weekend in 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 (except January). Additional fees apply.

Click to make a booking.

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.

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Sunday 6 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.

Book a guided tour

December

Christmas Traditions

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

Book a guided tour

January

Family month

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

Book a guided tour

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 settlements around the world.

Book a guided tour

March

La Trobe's Artwork

During March, view a selection of La Trobe’s art and see other artists’ pictures of La Trobe’s Cottage.

Book a guided tour

April

Autumn Garden

During April, enjoy the autumn garden and see plants we know featured in La Trobe’s ‘Jolimont’ garden.

Book a guided tour

Government House

Guided Tours

Join us on a guided tour of the State Hall, State Drawing Room, State Dining Room and the Ballroom and La Trobe's Cottage on select Mondays from 10am to 12pm.

Purchase tickets

Weddings and Functions

For weddings and function enquiries, please contact our National Trust team.

Email functions@nattrust.com.au or phone (03) 9656 9889.

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