The future of tourism attraction Cooks’ Cottage is under a cloud

The Melbourne tourist attraction that belonged to explorer Captain James Cook’s parents may be closed after a council review.

Lexie McIntyre, Olivia O’Connor and dog Monty outside Cooks Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens. Picture David Crosling

The future of much-loved Melbourne tourism landmark Cooks’ Cottage is under a cloud.

The city council is reviewing the viability of the 18th century building in Fitzroy Gardens, the Sunday Herald Sun believes.

The cottage, built by explorer Captain James Cook’s parents in 1755, was dismantled and transported to Melbourne in 1934.

The two-storey home has stood in the gardens, complete with an original fireplace, period furnishing and English-style garden in the 90 years since its reconstruction.

But it’s believed that falling patronage, exacerbated by pandemic restrictions and fewer overseas tourists, has prompted the review at Town Hall, although any decision is likely to be months away.

Cheryl and Philip Mead from Sydney visiting Cooks Cottage. Picture David Crosling

The cottage, described by the council website as an “historic oddity’’, was once a regular destination for Melbourne schoolchildren but has dropped in popularity.

It’s also believed doubts exist about the appropriateness of its colonial connections and its place in modern Melbourne.

The cottage has been the target of anti-colonial protests in the past.

Captain Cook's cottage has been vandalised with anti-Australia Day graffiti. Picture: AAP

Capt Cook was thought to have never actually lived in the home, but is likely to have visited upon returning from his voyages.

The transportation of the home from Yorkshire to Melbourne was arranged by Melbourne businessman Sir Russell Grimwade as a gift to Victoria to mark 100 years of white settlement.

The businessman was a member of the prominent Grimwade family which helped to establish Grimwade House, the junior campus of Melbourne Grammar School by gifting its ‘Harleston’ home and land in Caulfield in 1917.

Fred Grimwade, Sir Russell’s great great nephew, told the Sunday Herald Sun the family had no active involvement with the cottage.

The council review has been prompted by falling visitor numbers. Picture David Crosling

“While I cannot comment on behalf of the extended Grimwade family or the City of Melbourne, my wife and I support ongoing efforts to ensure that the cottage continues to be presented in a context and manner that reflects contemporary social and community attitudes but is respectful of history,’’ Mr Grimwade said.

A City of Melbourne spokesperson said in a statement: “No decision has been made to close Cooks’ Cottage.”

On Saturday, a steady flow of older couples and large guided tour groups strolled through the cottage gates. About 20 people toured the site in an hour.

Ron Mccalman and wife Libby were down from NSW for the rugby.

“Just having a walk through the park and thought it’d be nice to come and have a look at the cottage given the history,” Mr Mccalman said.

“It was worth the visit. It was interesting to see the scale of the building. It’s very small, so obviously people were very small back then.”

Sydney visitors Cheryl and Philip Mead were curious about the cottage.

“It draws you in with the name Cook and then you realise he didn’t live there at all when you go in,” Mr Mead said.

“The surname Cook is synonymous with Australian European discovery and we live in Sydney so Cook has a lot of relationships with Sydney.”

New Zealand tourists Ron Smith and Janine Jennings said they enjoyed the visit.

“We have the Cook Statue in New Zealand, so coming here and seeing this cottage was interesting,” Ms Jennings said.

“The guides were also very great and informative.”

Visitor Olivia O’Connor said she was six when she last visited.

“I remember going through with my grandpa and he told me lots of stories about it”

“It’s very historical and I think it should stay.”

The cottage has vandalised in 2014 when the words “26th Jan Australia’s shame’’ were daubed on a wall.

And in 2013 the building was twice sprayed with paint, the second time with the words “Cappy Cook was a crook killer liar theif (sic)”.

State opposition leader John Pesutto called for Cook’s Cottage to remain open, adding it was “an important historical artefact” for Victoria.

“We understand that history is complex and evokes different reactions but we need to maintain a very candid, very honest appreciation about history, and I think Captain Cook’s cottage ought to be preserved,” Mr Pesutto said on Sunday.

“It’s part of our history and we should be doing what we can to preserve those important artefacts.”

Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan refused to weigh in on the future of the cottage and said it was a matter for the local council.

“That’s the responsibility of Melbourne City Council and something that they need to consider,” Ms Allan said on Sunday.