La Trobe’s Cottage
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 storey dwelling is constructed of panellised 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 believed to be the oldest surviving Melbourne building.
The Friends of La Trobe's Cottage
The ‘Friends of La Trobe’s Cottage’ was formed in 2009 under the auspices of the
C J La Trobe Society to support the National Trust in its efforts to maintain the Cottage, and, through fund-raising, improve the visitor experience at the Cottage through regular public opening times, enhanced interpretation, and improved interior and exterior appearance.
We aim to deliver education programs for schools, and foster a better understanding among the citizens of Melbourne and beyond of the important role La Trobe played in setting up our early university, hospital, library and other institutions, and in establishing the parks and gardens which are such a feature of our city today.
Volunteers are involved in running tours of the Cottage, holding working bees in the garden and on the cottage building, maintaining the historic collection held in the Cottage, and organising fund-raising events.
If you would like to join us, please complete a membership application form or contact us. Opportunity for Volunteer Guides and receptionists.
Links
C J La Trobe Society Inc
National Trust of Australia (Victoria)
Location
Cnr Birdwood Avenue & Dallas Brooks Drive, Melbourne.