La Trobe's Cottage

Bunurong Country / Melbourne

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 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.

Plan your visit

Opening Times

October to April
Sunday, 1:00pm to 4:00pm
 

Last entry to the property is 30 minutes before closing time

Combined tours of Government House at La Trobe’s Cottage take place on selected Mondays.

Admission
Adults: $5 
Children & Concession: $4 
Family $12 
National Trust Members receive FREE entry to La Trobe’s Cottage. 
 
*Booking Fees apply. 
Location

Dallas Brooks Drive, Melbourne, VIC 3004 

Bunurong Country 

Closed:
Christmas Eve/Day and Grand Prix weekend in March

 

Please note that the property closes on days of extreme heat.

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