Cockington Green
Prior to visiting to Canberra, I had heard so much about Cockington Green. I knew that it was one of the places we had to visit when we finally got to visit the Capital.
Cockington Green is a mini village set in 5 acres of beautiful gardens. There are also tea rooms and a miniature train but the highlight are all the little buildings dotted around the gardens.
I seem to have a habit of making my family walk through display gardens in the rain so when you see the pictures just give some leeway for the weather.
I’m not affiliated with Cockington Green or received any compensation for writing this. You can trust that our views are always our own and based on our own experiences unless expressly stated to the contrary.
Cockington Green – Canberra’s Mini Village
Where is Cockington Green
Cockington Green is one of the many points of interest in Gold Creek Village. It’s in the same area as Canberra Reptile Zoo, The Bird Aviary and the National Dinosaur Museum.
The official address is 11 Gold Creek Road, Nicholls, ACT 2913. It is in the Gold Creek Village which is off Barton Highway.
Cockington Green Features
So, the way it works is that you walk around Cockington Green in a big circle. It’s easy to follow really and there are red arrows pointing you around the circuit.
You walk in through the main building then into the gardens, first you walk around the UK display, past the maze viewing platform and into the international display. Once you’ve done that loop you can either head over to the Steam Train Rides or head to the Café for a bite to eat.
With our two little ones, there was no way we were missing the train, even with the rain coming and going.
All the models are replicas from actual buildings with the majority being handmade on site.
I absolutely love the gardens. From before I even went into the main building I had to stop and smell the roses. From what I read there are over 600 varieties of plants.
The UK Display
This was the original section of the garden that opened in November 1979 and it is so cute. Made up of little English lifestyles the buildings are just one part of the display. You should see the little people and what they’re doing. There is a cricket game in full swing and a football match.
Towards the end of the display there is a lookout at the top of a bridge that looks down over a Maze. Unfortunately it’s just a display and not a maze you can actually venture through.
You can find more pictures of Cockington Green in the Cockington Green Photo Album on the AllThingsMomSydney Facebook Page.
The International Display
There are 31 different countries with buildings from a wide range of countries including the Czech Republic, South Africa and Slovakia. My favourite was the little Argentinian buildings which are so vibrant. It’s incredible to walk amongst these little buildings, so many have stayed true to the culture and heritage of the country represented. The Netherlands building has a windmill, Indonesia is represented by the Borobodur Temple, Mexico has an Aztec Temple and Peru Machu Picchu. The UK representation even has a railway!
Steam Train Rides
The Steam Train runs around a 200m track which circles the International Display. Just be aware that it’s not a very long train ride and it doesn’t take you all the way around the garden.
You can buy your steam train tickets when you enter the main building or from the train driver.
The steam train rides operate every 45 minutes between 10am and 4:45pm.
Cockington Green Facilities
Food at Cockington Green
There is the option to eat at the Garden Café or you can take your own picnic. There is also the option of barbecuing as there are free BBQs to use. If you just need a snack, you can also pick up an ice cream or drink from the souvenir shop.
Opening Hours and Tickets
Opening Hours
Cockington Green is open 7 days a week from 9:30am to 5pm. However last admission is 4:15pm. The car park closes at 5:15pm.
The steam train rides operate every 45 minutes between 10am and 4:45pm.
Tickets
Individual prices
- Adults – $19.50
- Child – $11.50
- Senior (over 60) – $14.50
- Family (2 adults and up to 3 kids) – $56.00
- Train ride – $3.00
Discounted tickets (they call these “value packs”)
(includes Entry, Train Rides, Souvenir Book and Discount Vouchers for the Cafe and Gift Shop)
- Family Pack (2 adults and up to 3 children) – $67.00
- 2 Adults – $46
- 2 Seniors – $36
If you’re looking for cheaper tickets for visiting Questacon and Cockington Green then look at the 3infun Tickets which combines 3 attractions. For a family of 2 adults and up to 3 kids you would pay about $120.00 and you get to go back to one of the attractions. But I don’t know whether this would include a train ride.
