Federation Square is considered my many to be the civic and cultural heart of Melbourne, located at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets. It is built on a massive deck over active railway lines and serves as a major hub for art galleries, museums, and public events. After hanging out here a couple times, I didn't think that the square itself was all that impressive. Rather, the cultural opportunities (NGV Australia or the Koorie Heritage Trust for example) around the square are well worth the time and effort. There's also lots of restaurants, the river, and other opportunities for enjoyment in the immediate area. read more

(Visited 12/16/24 MO @ 10:00am): I couldn't tell whether or not this space was a square, but it certainly was larger nonetheless! A friend and I were on Day 3 of our 12-Day Southern Australia Explorer cruise with Princess Cruises, we took the local train into town, and after a stop at St. Paul's Cathedral, we proceeded to Federation Square. Apparently, this was one of the noted places to visit for tourists, so we headed that way. Considered a gateway to the city's art precinct and a public square, it was the civic, cultural, and community heart of Melbourne. Additionally, it was home to Victoria's three major cultural institutions: Australia's Museum Of Screen Culture (ACMI), the Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT), and The Ian Potter Centre NGV Australia https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=8P5_T0u1fojYo7LgE3IUjA for a full day of things to do. Since its opening in 2002, it has been a major event centre. In 2019, it was listed on the Victorian Heritage Register which made it the youngest building/structure in Australia to ever be recognized in this way. Was this square worth it as it was fed to us a tourist stop!? PURCHASE Towards the end of the day before we headed back to our ship, we did stop at an eatery located within Federation Square (Beer Deluxe) for some beer and snacks. There were other opportunities to spend money here, but this was it for us. Look for the review...! SERVICE Other than the apparent city workers who were cleaning in and around the area and the employees of the many varied businesses https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=wCid_kDzw81xYuto-W2mAg throughout, that was about it - 'nuff said. PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance) There was an ample onsite parking lot at various rates ($8.00AUD - $64.00AUD) based on day, event, reason, and time. However, there appeared to be a decent amount of parking on all surrounding streets (please note any posted signs), and of course the wonderful public transportation such as the tram system which we conveniently took and then walked the rest of the way - 'nuff said. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE All at once a large open-air area with structures that housed eateries, museums, offices and more, there was nearly something for everyone. During this festive Christmas holiday, there was of course a Christmas tree decoration https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=ydcf4W5kpfUoK3vPD8LApw prominently displayed visibly from the nearby streets. Obviously, there was plenty of natural lighting (the main square was outdoors after all) while hung outdoor stage and street electric lights filled in the rest. Generally speaking, I didn't see any TVs nor heard any background music unless you were in any of the other businesses or considered the outside street traffic. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=0VrAORus1dVnwx3MpMopOA ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Federation Square was a fine place to visit whether it was to experience some culture, dining, an event, or simply to hangout and people-watch, there were plenty of things to do. Frankly, I'd enjoy anything that happened outdoors. Getting here was a breeze, and if this wasn't your speed, at the very least it was a good meeting place. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00AUD / $0.00USD BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, I was unaware whether or not they accepted my credit card of choice (for donations and givings)... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more

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Federation Square is a great place to start the day exploring Melbourne. Start at the National Gallery of Victoria Australia. Also known as the NGVA, the gallery highlights Australian artists. Loved the Aboriginal art, especially the works by William Barak/Beruk. He was the last chief and elder of the Yarra Yarra tribe and an outspoken advocate for Aboriginal social justice. His artworks depict and preserve Wurundjeri stories, culture and customs. Also check out The Pioneer by Frederick McCubbin. The triptych tells the story of a family of early settlers in Australia. A selector. A farmer. Family. It is considered one of the masterpieces of Australian art. The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is a very unique museum. It highlights everything digital. Films, television, digital art and even video games. Love the Story of the Moving Image with the interactive displays. First Nations artworks are also prominently featured throughout the galleries. So many places to explore or to take a seat. The Edge Theater is a 450 seat theatre with views of the Yarra River. Love sitting in the swivel seats. Museums are free. Great square to spend some time in Melbourne. read more

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HA! I chose to eat lunch at a restaurant in Federation Square, not realizing I would end up spending more than 2 hours here afterwards. I just wanted a few pics and to see what was around and I got sucked in. It's not hard though. This is a very big area with a lot of fun things to do. There are eateries, shops, outdoor spaces to just relax at, a museum, and so much more. I wish I was here at Christmas and could see the decorations. You can truly spend some time just looking at all the building materials in this space alone. We were there during the Women's FIFA World Cup (and in Sydney too) and we just happened upon these official events in both Melbourne and Sydney. It was really fun to see locals and visitors alike, out and about, celebrating and having a great time. read more

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This is one of Melbourne's newest public spaces and a focal point with 460,000 hand laid cobblestones with sight lines to landmarks. There are deck chairs to hang out and people watch. The museums in the square are covered in a fractal patterned reptilian skin. From 7 to 9 in the evening Federation Square comes to life and there's an extensive light show here. The tree, candy canes, snowflakes, decorations on the sides of the museums all light up and the colors change. It was a beautiful night and many were out enjoying it. read more

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The public square is on the Victorian Heritage Register. There are many restaurants and bars located here in a series of buildings centered around a large paved square and a glass walled atrium. The square also houses the National Gallery of Victoria. There is a giant digital facade that showcase Melbourne cultural events and activities among other things. read more

Federation Square - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

If you are lucky enough to find yourself in Melbourne Australia you will find yourself at Federation Square. If it isn't on your itinerary pencil it in. My flat was just a few streets away and I can tell you anytime of the day it's got a good vibe to it. Early am to late in the evening. It all starts here. In the am you will get a good feel of Melbourne life. You can wake up with the best coffee, cafe's and artists all from this square. It's like a town square in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. I'd say that's fair to say. You can people watch and at night it's got a romantic vibe. Once travel is safe again I will return and rent out the same flat and spend a lot of time at Federation Square. Mel M Yelp 20:56 read more

A cool town square! This place is a big open space for chillin' at among some cool looking architecture! There's the Australian Centre for the Moving Image located at one end of the plaza, some visitor center, and other kinds of high end retail and offices. The place is wide open, so there was a group practicing their rugby skills, people out having some fresh air, and playing music. There's a large-screen television set up showing advertising, but it seems that they get that thing fired up for sporting events and movies. There's free wifi here! This is located right down the way from Flinders Station, right in the heart of the CBD. It's hard to miss. read more

Where freedom to roam and be at pleasure with WiFi is at! I like the people watching and convenient connection to WiFi! Great place to relax and just chill. read more

Pretty cool town square right next to the train, across the street from AC/DC and Hosier Lane, with lots of shops and restaurants close by! Federation Square has a ton of character and lots of artsy buildings including the Fracture Exhibit! You get some cool views of the buildings with TVs on the side so people can just hang and people watch at Federation Square. You go up a set of stairs and you see people just chilling and listening to hip hop and dancing! It's like a cool hip hang out area for the locals! There's also a park that's separated by a bridge and while we were there, there was a huge noodle festival going on with food vendors and music! People were just hanging out on the grass, eating and having a good time on a normal weeknight! Pretty cool lively city with artsy vibes for sure! Federation Square adds to this culture, with a mix of the new modern structures and the old buildings in the backdrop! read more

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Food: N/A Service: 5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 Decor & Style: 5/5 A public area to watch tennis all day/night within a great atmosphere? Sign me up! Also, WiFi! I wish this place was bigger! read more

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Federation Square is a very modern-esque building with a very unique architectural design. For the most part, it's just a tourist attraction unless you go and attend a special event. It's littered with cafes and restaurants, but they're all unreasonably expensive. You'd probably be better off just picking something up for takeaway from the multitude of cheap eats nearby and eating it in Federation Square. Pretty much, the restaurants would only be reserved for the upper class who can afford it... not a poor university student like me (cough). However, like I mentioned they do regularly hold events to help introduce Melbourne-community! Definitely check out their website to see what's happening and if anything interests you. I like to make visits to Federation Square and as strange as it sounds... meditate. Because of its wide open spaces, it's fairly quiet aside from the light city sounds of cars and trams and illegible conversations. Federation Square provides an amazing view of the city skyline that puts me at peace. Even if you're not going for the restaurants, I suggest making a visit to Federation Square if you're in Melbourne and you might find an aspect of it that you like. read more

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Federation Square or "fed square" in Melbourne, is one place that you would find hard not to miss. Home to cultural attractions, where people congregate, meet, stroll, people-watch, drink or grab a bite to eat, in many of the nearby cafes, bars and restaurants. Located directly opposite Flinders Station, it is within a hop to South Bank, and a skip to Australian Centre for Moving Image (ACMI). If you are lucky enough to be here when something is on, such as the Australian Open Tennis, there'll be crowds of people, and deck chairs to lay on, as you watch the Large Screens with the rest of the world. You'll find yourself befriending backpackers and tourists from all over the place, not caring about your clothes, as you plonk yourself on the ground, braving the wind chill. I like Fed Square. I like that it brings all sorts of people together, to unite them, even if it's for a short time. There are lots of facilities nearby, and plenty of cover at many of the cafes close by, should the weather turn nasty and one needs refuge. Great spot! read more

Federation Square - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

It's a nice common space with lots of dining and arts. Its not especially exciting in itself. It's centrally located. The shops offer free parking in the garage on certain days if you spend at least $50 dining in Federation Square. read more

Federation Square - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Great place to start you tour of the City. Easily accessible by tram, train (Flinders station) or bus. Drops you right off at the Visitor's Center and the easy walking distance to many places or, if it is a HOT day (106 F) like today (Jan 3 2015) take the free tram around the city center read more

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I like this place in Melbourne CBD, it is always full of people and life. Here you always can find anything interesting, and there are a lot of nice restaurants and museums. read more

Federation Square - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

It is amazing to discover that only 25kms away your seeing open paddocks with cows (depending on where your coming from) and before you know it your at Melbourne's most popular meeting place and culture hotspot a stone's throw away from the yarra river. Got to love the contemporary architecture, and it is great that modern art galleries are located here as well as a choice of restaurants to enjoy. A great mecca for locals and tourists alike. On the eve of the AFL grand final, Swanston Street gets fenced off as this landmark attracts crowds. There is always something cultural on; and a purpose built stage has been designed for this purpose. Other cultural events such as the annual Melbourne comedy festival, and the Buddha's bath have been hosted here. And also the Melbourne Food and Wine festival was hosted here earlier this year as well. Stands to purchase goodies are also put up occasionally. Furthermore, on a more enlightened look; Tai Chi is on here every Tuesday morning between 7:30am-8:30am. And you might also find a Zumba party going on once in a while; where you can actually participate in a busy Zumba Class. There is something for everyone here at the square. read more

Federation Square - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Whether its soccer fans watching the big game at 4am or Bollywood dancing on New Years Eve, Fed Square is where Melbourne gathers to celebrate. This alone makes Fed Square special, but it is so much more. Melbournian's either love or hate the design of Fed Square. Whatever camp you belong to there is no denying its usefulness as a public event space. Sporting events on the big screen, concerts, protests. Pretty much any reason you can think of for a public gathering has and will occur here. It is also home to the Australian Centre of Moving Image, Art galleries, shops, cafes bars, restaurants and the popular Tourist Information Centre. Its the location that makes it such an asset to Melbourne. Located across from the transport hub of Flinders Street and easily accessed by train, bus, tram and even by water. If your going to a largely attended public event then transport is key. Me? I love Fed Square. The design is interesting. I love the colours that echo the Australian desert in my mind. I love the big screen and the community it provides. You cant help but feel as though your part of something special when your swept up in an event there. I love that you can sit on the steps and watch Melbourne go by as you wait for friends, I love the range of bars and cafes. ACMI, the gallery and its event spaces. I love watching the Yarra with a beer in hand at the Transport bar. I love the inspiration the Tourism Information provides me. See you there? read more

Federation Square - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Federation Square (known locally as Fed Square) you will either hate it or love it. You can guess what category I fall into. There's always something on - it's a great place to hang out, use the free wifi and watch all the action. Located right in the centre of Melbourne, on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets, right across from Flinders Street Station. You can also take a tour, catch a cruise or wine and dine in style. There's always something going on at Fed Square, with an impressive calendar of events and activities taking place throughout the year. Crowds often gather to watch major events live on the giant screen, such as the AFL Grand Final (football), the FIFA World Cup (soccer), or the Australian Open (tennis). Fed Square is home to the Melbourne Visitor Centre, ACMI, SBS and NGV Australia's Ian Potter Centre. It has distinctive architecture comprised of geometrical patterns and shards, with zinc, sandstone and glass tiles. read more

Federation Square - Pull up a chair at Fed Square - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

I love Federation Square. Along with places like the MCG and Flinders Street Station it is an icon of this great city, kind of the heartbeat if I can be a little cliche. WIth bars, restaurants, museums and amenities everywhere it's been brilliantly thought out. Anything big that involves Melbourne involves Fed Square. When Cadel Evans won the Tour de France he came to Fed Square, when the world cup is on everybody goes to Fed Square, if you are meeting friends from out of town you meet at Fed Square. Get my gist? The great thing about it is there is always something on. Last friday they had deckchairs set up for a band to play while a 'Free Tibet' group sat metres away in a peaceful singing protest. Just a wonderful feature of Melbourne and not to be missed. read more

Federation Square - Cadel Evans arrives home after Tour de France victory - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

This is a great location to just walk around the area, and isn't that hard to miss if you're wandering on Flinders in CBD. This building is right along the river, and it was a great walking trail right by it! It's a great place to explore or relax and people watch with some river views. If you want, you can also grab a bite to eat at the nearby restaurants. And a HUGE plus, there's public restrooms as well!! read more

If you're a tourist, I'd recommend dropping by the visitors centre. Make it your first stop as the guys there do have their fingers on the pulse of the city (and surrounding areas) of Melbourne. When first built, Melbourne was devided. You loved it, or you hated it. I think now, we have just all accepted it as the multi functional space it is. For me, the cafes and restaurants are fairly overpriced and don't have a whole lot of soul. To be honest, I'd give them all a miss. And don't even get me started on the overly priced, and massively overrated taxi. That's another review. What I do love is that you can always find something new, different and a little exciting to experience here. Be it the second hand books market, the latest film festival movies or that weeks cultural festival (think Polish, Malaysian, etc). Pro tip- if you're going to a festival, get there BEFORE 10am, or don't bother. read more

I'm a big fan of this place! Such an amazing part of Melbourne, filled with performing acts, art decorations, big screen, stage performances, cinemas, bars and restaurant. I always go here knowing there will be something on that I could do! Was here last night laying on a provided banana chair watching the tennis on the big screen! Just great, ACMI centre also located on this land, which great showcases! read more

After all the hype of Federation Square, I was kind of disappointed when I got there. I was in Melbourne during the Olympics and footie finals. On the schedule was footie followed by olympic coverage on the big screen. We headed down thinking there would be a big crowd. We got there and.... nothing. No one was there. Pretty unbelievable. The architecture, in my opinion is pretty cool. There are a bunch of restaurants around, but there is a lack of people. We circled back a few other times at different times of the day. The second time we went during the day, there were a few people, but it was all tourists taking a pictures of themselves on the big screen. Cool venue, but to me, unused. read more

A key spot in Melbourne CBD and great meeting spot- being right beside the Yarra River, short walk from Southbank and opposite Flinders Street Station. Enjoyed its cool jutting, different levelled steps in the main centre of this space. The square has a beautiful design with all it's angles and geometric shapes. A big fan of the triangular-panelled, pinwheel-grid main building made of a multi-tonal sandstone, zinc and glass combination (that features on the Myki card holder). Unfortunately wasn't able to make it to the Ian Potter Centre but have been recommended it as an amazing collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. Walked past the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and would love to learn more about the moving image, stop for next time. The visitor information centre is found here easily in the large glass building right on the corner- great for tourist help as well as to get a necessary Myki (public transport) pack. Very cool as they have free wifi in the area which is definitely helpful as a modern day traveller trying to keep in touch with family and friends. Would love to come back to experience one of their exciting events- be it a cultural festivals, exhibition, event launch, performance, film, concert or fashion shows. Must see read more

Federation Square - you either love it or loathe it. However, it really has become the centre of Melbourne, almost the new flinders street clocks. I like swinging past Fed Square for a number of reasons: You never know what is going on, or what's going to happen next, there's street performers and sometimes companies do give aways. WIN! It's a little ordinary in Winter, but in the other seasons, Fed Square is a nice place to pop into and see what's happening. read more

Decided to take a trip to the great Down Under for New Years and for all things downtown Melbourne, this is the center of it all. It's surrounded by great shopping areas, eats, and historical buildings that is all within walking/trolly distance. I know Yelp isn't huge in Australia so for all of my tourist friends, THERE'S FREE WIFI HERE. And it's quite fast for free wifi. Even on New Year's Eve with thousands and thousands of people packed in like sardines, I was able to hop onto the WiFi and post pictures to my social media accounts. For being like a center of a downtown city, it's pretty spacious and wide open. And it's definitely got some work done to it. Nice outdoor space to sit and chill, wide sidewalks to take your selfies on, and the security there was friendly and helpful. As a tourist, I felt pretty safe even though I was carrying over 8k worth of camera gear. Chinatown (or whatever that area is called) is pretty close and so are those narrow alleyways where great hidden gems dot along its path from one end to the next. Magnificent victorian style buildings are also just a walk away. There's also the river that runs through the area so it's a nice spot for a midday picnic on the grassy shores and parking is plenty (unless you go on a day like New Year's Eve). Great place to hang out. read more

Ok, most arts engaged Melburnians aren't fanatical about Fed Square - I've been told it's to do with a state-wide phobia of flashy architecture and conspicuous wealth - but as a newbie to Melbourne I'm a pretty big fan. Filled with overpriced bars and cafes, much hyped art galleries and the kind of tourists who would rather visit the Louvre than Eurodisney, Federation Square is a fine place for a drink or a cup of coffee nonetheless. Housing not only ACMI but The Ian Potter Centre along with countless bars, restaurants cafes and screens where you're wont to find epic sports matches screened along with trailers for upcoming arts events and the like, Fed Square is perhaps not the most exciting place in Melbourne but worth a visit nonetheless. Say what you want about it, but the architecture surrounding the square really is incredible. And being fortuitously located across the road from transport hub, Flinders Station and at the virtual entrance to Melbourne's Arts Precinct you really can't go past Federation Square without seeing what it has to offer. read more

Fed Square has had it's fair share of bad press over the years, mainly because IMO Melbournians simply don't cope well with loud, out there, "it's obviously awesome and cool" locations/structures, of which Fed Square certainly is. This is an obvious spot to come if you are a tourist- "hey honey, it's right in the middle of the city and there are these super-overpriced restaurants everywhere"- there's nothing wrong with that, but you can do better. During the day Fed Square is full of students and throughout the year it hosts fashion shows, celebrity visits, media events, etc. It is definitely worthwhile in terms of public events but Melbourne has MUCH more to offer. read more

I agree cafes are over-priced and not so nice. But it's such a great place to hang out. There's ACMI, Ian Potter centre. Always some event happening. And as a visitor, it has visitor info centre which is very helpful to newbies. read more

I just dont think its that great. Fed Square was designed to be something of a central point in Melbourne, a place for people to meet,be entertained, and gather for whatever reason. Yes, its in a great central location, ,and has a large open out door space, and the buildings do house some sport and art museums, aswell as restaurants, cafe's and bars too. But for me, and I guess alot of other people, its not really appealing - I say alot of other people, because I never really see the place swarming, and I ve never had a conversation with friends that started with " hey, lets go hang out at fed square today ". The architecture is very cool, but it is also weird and each building is entirely grey, albeit in varying shades.The various museums are worth a look, and the cafe's are all fine- I think the problem for me is that I dont think the space is used well enough, the coblestones dont suit the buildings, and even though there are plenty of attractions here, it still doesnt feel like there is anything to do here. I have found myself walking into fed square looking around and thinking " well this is boring. What should I do?". I definitely feel sorry for the toursits who set aside half a day to explore, only to arrive, snap a few pictures, and then walk around with an underwhelmed look on their faces. My advice? Go see the penguins. read more

Federation Square - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Well, this is certainly the place where it's all happening - not all the time mind you but you can be assured that if you rock up here on a Saturday (or Sunday) more likely than not there will be something going on. Actually, on a Saturday they have a book market in the Artium where you can find countless numbers of second-hand books (which means that I try to avoid it because I always end up buying more books to add to my already massive collection). Even if there isn't anything going on (such as a major sporting event, or some band playing on the stage next to the Transit Bar) there are still other things to check out, such as the Ian Potter Gallery and the Australian Centre for Moving Image. They also have a couple of bars and cafes here which means that during your visit you can pause, have a drink, or something to eat, and then move on to check out something else. While it might not take up an entire day, there is enough here, especially on a Saturday, to keep you entertained. read more

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Great place to be around, toilet access, convenient public transport, good cafes, nice river view, lots of activities to do, highly recommended read more

I always felt like Federation Square never quite hit the mark. Modelled on a European style piazza, the intention was for locals to make the most of this vast space. However, save for special events, Fed Square is largely empty. Perhaps Melburnians don't know how to mill stylishly and aimlessly like the Italians do? Anyway, the sharp angles of the modernist design aren't exactly inviting. This isn't the sun-dappled square, fringed with greenery and inviting cafe's, that we had hoped for. And, as mentioned in the previous review, the restaurant prices are pretty extortionate. Yet, it must be said that Fed Square does have its charms. It is undeniably both ambitious and unique, and definitely worth checking out if you're an architecture fan. When events are held, be it a visit from Oprah or a screening of the Soccer World Cup, the atmosphere is vibrant and lively. And even though the food is pricey, the modern japanese cuisine served Chocolate Buddha is well worth it. Ultimately Fed Square is one of Melbourne's few landmarks and love it or loathe it, it certainly makes a statement. read more

Federation Square is at the heart of Melbourne, across the road from Flinder's St Station. It is a huge building that houses shopping, restaurants and bars, and hosts many cultural events. The SBS (Special Broadcasting Service - free to air television station) is based there, and there is a big exhibition space. The reception for the exhibition has sets from Aussie TV shows like the bar from Blue Heelers. The square outside is a great place to sit in the summer with an ice cream and watch the buskers, sit at one of the cafes, or attend events that you can watch live on the outside big screen like footy finals and the Australian Open. From Federation Square you have all the public transport at your disposal, from trains to trams, buses and albeit expensive parking garages for cars. read more

This is a beautiful, relatively small city square surrounded by the really interesting architecture of the ACMI Centre and the Ian Potter Centre and across from the Cathedral and Flinders Street Station. It is a great place to people watch and sit and relax on the steps. I was just there as a tourist passing by but local street artists, concerts and other happenings are held there, according to our local host. It is worth a few minutes of your time, if you are in the area. read more

This place is full of fun, 365 days a year. Nearly every weekend Melbourne is celebrating something at Fed Square and even if there isn't a special event, there's so much to enjoy. Also - they now have beehives on the roof to supply honey to the restaurants - I am pretty sure they have the largest urban beehive in the world with 35 hives! That's a heck of a lot of good Melbourne honey! read more

This was the first spot I traveled to after checking into my hotel in Melbourne. If you are here for a few days or longer, Federation Square is a must visit for a number of reasons. The underground tourist information office is more organized and useful that many I have visited. You take a number either to talk to someone about booking a trip, or for general information. I had about 45 minutes before the Phillip Island Penguin Parade bus was leaving and I wanted a seat on it. They booked my trip for me, and took my payment. I got maps of the city and was ready to roll. Upstairs in the outside part of the square, there is Free Wi-Fi. After having found Wi-Fi very hard to come by in Sydney, this was great. I could finally check my email, and send a few messages. The signal was a little hit or miss, but I got some work done. The variety of events and bars, restaurants, and cafes in the square has something for everyone. It's a convenient meeting spot for tourists or locals alike. read more

Federation Square is quite an odd place. It's big and bizarre looking, and when it's not bustling with tourists (like at night on a weekday), it has a bit of a post-apocalyptic feel. I have mixed feelings about the layout of the place. For people who have never been there before and who are looking for the entrance to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), or a number of Fed Square's restaurants and bars, it can be a very difficult place to navigate. Particularly strange is the fact that you can't access ACMI from Flinders Street, where there are big signs advertising it's presence, but no doors to get inside. I've many times had to direct people how to get to different locations within Fed Square, and it's a surprisingly difficult task. To get to Feddish Bar, for example, the instructions go something like this: Go down Flinders until you see the unmarked stairs on your right, go up and cross the quadrangle and go down another flight of unmarked stairs and then halfway down the stairs, turn right to the other unmarked stairs and then round the corner and you're there... See what I mean? Here are the things that I LOVE about Fed Square and that make up for its few frustrating qualities: - In Spring/Summer they often have concerts, performances, and movies playing on the big outdoor screen, with deckchairs laid out for anyone interested. - They often have interesting art installations, such as the giant orb for the Winter Lights festival. - It is the home of the Ian Potter Gallery (part of the National Gallery of Victoria) and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). - It has several mid-price range, decent restaurants (including Greek Grill and Chocolate Buddha) - Its bizarre look has grown on me big-time, and ultimately, I'd rather Melbourne look strange in an arguably ugly way than boring. - It's perfect for people watching (but beware of some particularly obnoxious street performers who WILL drag you into their act for a spot of audience involvement). read more

Federation Square - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

If you're a tourist looking for a cool place to hang out with lots of people watching and (best of all) free WiFi, Federation Square is where to be. Unfortunately, since there's lots of people congregating there, there's also loads of solicitors of all types. Pro tip: Put headphones in and don't give anyone eye contact and they'll mostly leave you alone. read more