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The ultimate guide to Melbourne's Federation Square
Federation Square is a major cultural and tourism hub in the centre of Melbourne, Victoria. Find out more about events, activities and dining options in this ultimate guide.
Federation Square, aka Fed Square, is the vibrant heart of Melbourne, where locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate, connect, and experience the city's creativity and events.
Known for its distinctive architecture, Fed Square is home to some of Melbourne's major cultural institutions, including the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, and the Koorie Heritage Trust.
Located opposite Flinders Street Station, this popular precinct is easily accessible by public transport, and more than 110 million people have visited since its opening in 2002.
Whether you want to explore the galleries, catch up with friends over coffee or a meal, watch sports on the big screen, or take in the scenic river views, use this handy Federation Square guide to make the most of your visit.
What you need to know about Federation Square
What is the history of Federation Square?
Fed Square's location next to Birrarung (Yarra River) has long been a gathering place for its traditional owners, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people and visiting Kulin Nations.
In the 1860s, it became a key rail junction, known today as the Jolimont Railway Yards. In 1967, two controversial twin brown brick towers, officially called the Princes Gate Towers, were built for the Gas & Fuel Corporation. These were demolished in 1997 to make way for a public square to mark the centenary of Australia's Federation.
LAB Architecture and Bates Smart won the associated international design competition, and construction of their vision for Federation Square began in 1998.
Its grand unveiling in October 2002 sparked significant debate. Some called it bold and cutting-edge; others thought it clashed with tradition and lacked respect for the past. Two decades on, however, the controversy has become part of the precinct's charm.
In 2019, Federation Square was the youngest building listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, recognising its cultural importance. It's a move that legally protects and preserves it for future generations.
Melbourne's Federation Square is the vibrant heart of the city. Image: Visit Victoria
Where is Federation Square? How do you get there?
As Federation Square is opposite Melbourne's iconic Flinders Street Station, it's easily accessible by public transport. There are also numerous tram routes along Flinders and Swanston Streets, including the free City Circle heritage tram. The new Town Hall station is the nearest stop on the Metro Tunnel.
Motorists can pre-book a spot at the Fed Square car park. The first 30 minutes is free, then casual hourly rates start from $16. There are also early bird and night rates.
Cyclists can find bike parking stations around the perimeter of the grounds.
More: Ultimate guide to Melbourne's Metro Tunnel
Federation Square's architecture
With its distinctive award-winning design - including the striking glass-roofed Atrium and The Edge performance space - Fed Square's design was deliberately unconventional. Its open layout was designed to encourage people to wander from all directions and to be creative in their use of the space.
Its exterior features a fractal pattern based on Conway's tessellation (a concept developed by mathematician John Horton Conway). Small triangles made from materials like sandstone, zinc and glass combine to form larger panels, which then build into even bigger panels. This results in repeating patterns across the precinct's angular buildings and structures, such as the Atrium.
Equally compelling, the plaza doubles as a public artwork, entitled Nearamnew. Melbourne-based artist Paul Carter used 470,000 sandstone cobbles from the Kimberley in Western Australia to create a whorl pattern. The cobblestones have been inscribed to reflect the history and ideals of the Federation.
Interestingly, Federation Square is on a massive deck over Melbourne's underground rail network. Four thousand springs act like a giant trampoline to minimise vibrations from the trains below.
Federation Square's exterior uses a stunning fractal pattern. Image: Visit Victoria
What's on at Federation Square?
As a cultural precinct, Fed Square is home to three important attractions. The Alfred Deakin Building is home to ACMI, and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is dedicated to Australian art. The Koorie Heritage Trust adds an important First Nations presence to the precinct.
Fed Square also acts like the city's communal lounge, with the Main Plaza's giant screen broadcasting everything from the city's major sporting events to the crowd-pleasing New Year's Eve fireworks.
Festivals and events are regularly held here, too, including Melbourne Writers Festival and NAIDOC Week. You'll also discover lively cultural events, eclectic markets and outdoor cinema screenings. Many events are free to attend.
If you're a music lover, check out the public workshops and community events at MESS, Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio. It has the largest publicly available collection of electronic musical instruments in the Southern Hemisphere.
Pop-up installations and temporary exhibitions across Fed Square ensure there's almost always something new to discover.
What other attractions are near Federation Square?
Fed Square's central location is ideal for exploring Melbourne. Walk or bike the Yarra River from the precinct or learn about the city's heritage at the nearby Melbourne Museum: it's a short tram ride from the square.
Also nearby, you can pay your respects and see skyline views at the Shrine of Remembrance.
For the ultimate Melbourne city vistas, head to the 88th floor of Melbourne Skydeck.
For more art inspiration, the National Gallery of Victoria is only a 10-minute walk, or head to Melbourne's most famous street art at Hosier Lane. Many of Melbourne's most iconic theatre experiences and live shows are also close.
Sports fans can catch a game or tour the grounds at the famous MCG; it's 20 minutes on foot.
For shopping, Bourke Street Mall is close, the heritage Queen Victoria Markets are 15 minutes' walk, and outlet bargains at DFO South Wharf are 30 minutes away.
Live music and other performances and entertainment play regularly at Fed Square. Image: Visit Victoria
Where to eat and drink at Federation Square
It's easy to quench your thirst or whet your appetite at Federation Square. Time Out Café is a great brunch spot, and Chocolate Buddha is popular for its sushi and ramen. Taxi Kitchen offers Australian Asian fusion complemented by floor-to-ceiling views of St Paul’s Cathedral. In the summer months, food trucks offer quick bites. There’s ample outdoor seating if you’d prefer to pack a picnic.
For drinks, Transit Rooftop bar appeals with its contemporary cocktails and Melbourne skyline views, especially at sunset. Riverland bar has a lively atmosphere, and for a pint of craft ale, head to Beer DeLuxe at the Atrium.
There are at least 100 other eateries within a kilometre of Federation Square, including popular restaurants like Rice Paper Scissors (Thai), Movida (Spanish tapas), and Pellegrini's Espresso Bar (casual Italian). For sweet tooth treats, Brunetti Oro Flinders Lane and Le Petit Gateau hit the spot.
RACV City Club, a place to network, unwind and enjoy premium dining, spa treatments and unique social events is 1.4km away.
Taxi Kitchen is just one of many great dining options near Federation Square. Image: Visit Victoria
