Federation Square, known to Melbourne natives as Fed Square is Melbourne’s civic center and cultural precinct. Located just across Flinders street, Federation Square is the main gathering area for Melbourne residents. Fed Square contains a mixture of leading-edge cinemas, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars, events and festivals. Fed Square also contains grand public spaces surrounded by some of the most unique architecture in the world.
Federation Square: Melbourne’s Meeting Place
To Melbourne locals, Federation Square is Melbourne’s Meeting Place. To tourists visiting Melbourne’s Fed Square is a great way to get a taste of life in Melbourne. The Federation Square features a creative mix of events, galleries, unique shopping experiences and wonderful dining. Fed Square also has a diverse range of cultural attractions and a varied events calendar.
Festivals and Events at Federation Square
Federation Square is known as a world class cultural and entertainment destination. Each year more than 2000 events are hosted at Federation Square. Events at Federation Square range from cultural festivals, exhibitions, event launches, performances, forums, films, concerts to fashion shows. The square is the focal point of many of Melbourne’s major festivals and events such as the Melbourne Jazz Festival, Melbourne International Film Festival and so much more – and with the big screen, events such as the Australian Open Tennis and the Formula One Australian Grand Prix are also broadcasted.
Arts and Culture at Federation Square
Federation Square has become the cultural heart of Melbourne. Looking for Australian culture, then why not spend some time exploring the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, which happens to be the home of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collection of Australian art in the world. Within Federation Square there are many other attractions including The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), Champions: Australian Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, National Design Centre and the Melbourne Visitor Centre, along with many restaurants, cafes and bars. You can also find various galleries at Fed Square thanks to the Australian Commercial Galleries Association (ACGA). Across Fed Square is the Australian Center for the Moving Image (ACMI), the world’s first institute dedicated to the moving image (films, TV, games, new media, etc…)
Shopping and Dining at Federation Square
Federation Square is the place for people to meet for drinks or take a bite to eat. Choose between coffee shops, fast food or fine cuisine. The restaurants at fed Square really come alive on Friday nights and during the weekend. There are various cafes, restaurants, bars and open spaces in and around Federation Square. It also helps that the square is located right next to the Yarra river and a short walk to various shopping areas and so much more!
Tourism Information at Fed Square
For visitors, Fed Square is the starting point of the Melbourne experience. You can take a guided tour, rent a bike, or pick up a free map. The Federation Square is a visitor’s one-stop shop for information on the city of Melbourne. Fed Square contains the Melbourne Visitor Information Centre, which features an abundance of information and guides on Melbourne and the state of Victoria. The Melbourne Visitor Centre which is located underground is the best place to plan your visits and trips around Melbourne with friendly and helpful staff. There are also various tour bus operators that start their sightseeing tours at Federation Square.
Getting to Federation Square
Federation Square links Melbourne’s central business district north of the Yarra River to the river itself and the gardens and parklands across the river. There are many ways to get to Federation Square. By Tram, you can take any tram along Swanston Street and St Kilda Road. The free City Circle Tram will also get you there at the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets.
About Federation Square
Federation Square is a mixed-use space covering 3.2 hectare. Federation Square occupies roughly a whole urban block bounded by Swanston, Flinders, and Russell Streets and the Yarra River. Federation Square is Melbourne’s most popular attraction and the state of Victoria’s second most popular attraction, attracting nearly 9 million visitors annually. The Federation Square was opened in 2002.
Top View of Melbourne’s Federation Square (flickr user Jorge Lascar)
Melbourne’s Business District seen from Federation Square (Melbourne Tourism)
Crowds at Melbourne’s Federation Square (Sky Scraper City)
Melbourne’s Federation Square At Night (flickr user macinate)
Melbourne’s Federation Square from the Yarra River (flickr user macinate)
Crowds at Melbourne’s Federation Square (Melbourne Tourism)