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Federation Square (colloquially Fed Square) is a venue for arts, culture and public events on the edge of the Melbourne central business district. It covers an area of 3.2Â ha (7.9 acres) at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets built above busy railway lines and across the road from Flinders Street station. It incorporates major cultural institutions such as the Ian Potter Centre, Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and the Koorie Heritage Trust as well as cafes and bars in a series of buildings centred around a large paved square, and a glass walled atrium.
Melbourne's central city grid was originally designed without a central public square, long seen as a missing element. From the 1920s there were proposals to roof the railway yards on the southeast corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets for a public square, with more detailed proposals prepared in the 1950s and 1960s. In the 1960s, the Melbourne City Council decided that the best place for the City Square was the corner of Swanston and Collins Streets, opposite the town hall. The first temporary square opened in 1968, and a permanent version opened in 1981. It was however not considered a great success, and was redeveloped in the 1990s as a smaller, simpler space in front of a new large hotel.
Lovely public space. We went to the Polish Festival on Sunday, spent time looking at the different stalls and then walked along the river where all the traditional Polish food was. We spent the afternoon enjoying the different music performances at Deakin Edge Theatre. This is a really beautiful facility, with good acoustics and has a very intimate feel to it. It is also accessible to people with disabilities.
John BiggsNov 14, 2017
They built this place before the world was ready. People used to be aghast with the architectural imposition. Now it's loved and accepted. Like all the greats, you've got to break some rules. It's a great place to sit, rest, meet up with friends. All sorts of events are held here. It's a real piazza, albeit modern, it brings people to people.
Alisdair HorgburyDec 10, 2017
nice events, cool music, i watched the never ending story here with my son and he liked it (he didn't even know where we were) also the apple store can wait
Cassius WilsonFeb 15, 2018
One of Melbourne's great locations. Amazing place, great architecture and good atmosphere. It is so disappointing that Apple are coming and they are destroying what Fed Sqaure is. There are some great restaurants and ACMI is great (always showing unique films that are not offered elsewhere). Apple really could kill this place. Fingers crossed the public show their thoughts on Apple and they keep Fed Sqaure the place it is.
Laurence BasellMar 5, 2018
Ideal starting point for a tourist Strategically looking located in among several must see tourist attractions in Melbourne, Federation SQ is a popular hangout for tourists and locals alike. For tourists, information Center and the ACMI is right in the middle of the Sq. Flinders station and tram stop are across the street. For bikers , bicycle stands is right infront. ( rent) for city rides) city tour bus also starts there. Lots of attractions are in the walking distance. So are the restaurants. For locals open air wide screen provides entertainment ( sports) beyond the confinement of there homes.In one of the days I visited it was Australia Open and the crowd was huge with camp chairs of just sitting on the ground cheering and merry making. It was carnival atmosphere in the scorching sun with beer and food trucks around. Breeze from the Yarra river fend off the heat in addition to the cool beer.
PRASANNA ARYAPREMAFeb 18, 2018
It's a nice place just near the train station. You can stroll and see beautiful buildings around, the city circle tram and busy shoppers. Best thing is that you can get all tourist information there at their Info centre at the square. Another exciting for kids is that it has live camera with a huge screen where you can see you self live...we saw that event in the evening. You can check the time.
Keith FinleyMar 29, 2018
This is one of my favourite public spaces in the city with always something different happening. This is a great places to take the family with amenities on site and close to public transport both tram and train. Easy access to Flinders Street station and home to the ACMI theatre. Recommended for locals and visitors.
Robert BrownMar 16, 2018
There is lots going on in the Square. Train station, galleries to get too little shops to visit and small restaurants and cafes, plus the water front. Grab a coffee or wine and watch the world go by or arrange to meet friends there. Good place to start your Melbourne visit.
Anna FarrierMar 27, 2018
If you are in Melbourne, you cannot miss Federation Square. There are all sorts of events happening everyday and the great thing is, most of them are for free. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants and food courts around and yaara river is flowing just beside it.
Adnan HabibApr 2, 2018
Had a decent look in the gallery, staff were helpful in showing us the food area which we enjoyed, eating right by the Yarra River was a true Melbourne experience.
martin davidsonApr 4, 2018
Very nice place to visit and hang around at, but the name is lie, it is not square shaped, so if you’re after an actual geometric square, look elsewhere. Otherwise very lovely, would recommend. A+ cool looking stuffs
Madeline ForbesMay 6, 2018
Federation square is a fun place for people to meet and enjoy time together. There are occasionally activities and events happening which I am always happy to participate in or watch. It has great places for something to eat and has a great information room for people to go in and ask anything they want or need. I recommend this place to anyone who wants to have a relaxing time.
YoloAmoMay 26, 2018
Federation square is the hub of arts, entertainment, and events. There are so many things to do here spending on your interests. Art galleries can be a good start of your day. The Flinder Street station is just next block. You can only sit and soak the sun when Melbourne is sunny. Info hub is here to help you with directions and charge your devices. If you come to Melbourne, Federation Square is a great place to start off your vacation.
Hugo KrystalMay 20, 2018
The focal point of the CBD. Right opposite the Flinders train station, it is your launch pad into the central city shopping precinct or a short walk across the river to the south bank and the National Gallery. It is an open area so gets the morning sun a bit earlier than central city streets for that outdoors brunch coffee in autumn and springtime
Maria SchmidtJun 4, 2018
Great area... to relax and enjoy everything to about Melbourne. especially if you needed information to just taking pictures of the sight of Melbourne and definitely a place to meet friends or even have something to drink and eat. there's a big screen too. has some decent things showns too. it never be the same without it. 😀
Ying TangJun 30, 2018
Always something to do here. check out the free ACMI exhibitions or just wander around Fed Square, there's a big TV screen there that often shows some cool movies and there are deck chairs provided. If there's a special event on like watching a sports game get there early because it fills up fast! The bar is also really great. Only bad bit is how uneven the surface is - there are inclines and its almost like cobblestone paving, so be careful!
Jacqui PrestedgeJun 24, 2018
Free wifi, a huge TV to watch especially good when the Australian Open tennis is on to watch the games on. Lots of different food trucks catering to all different tastes in food. Easily accessible by being directly across the road from Flinders St station. Always lots of people around.
Pia MuirneJul 15, 2018
There is always something going on, be that an open-air concert or some other event. It is neatly located next to Melbourne's central station and the Yarra river. There are plenty of seats and it is somewhat crowded at times due to its great location.
Christian BJul 13, 2018
Lovely public space. We went to the Polish Festival on Sunday, spent time looking at the different stalls and then walked along the river where all the traditional Polish food was. We spent the afternoon enjoying the different music performances at Deakin Edge Theatre. This is a really beautiful facility, with good acoustics and has a very intimate feel to it. It is also accessible to people with disabilities.
John BiggsNov 14, 2017
They built this place before the world was ready. People used to be aghast with the architectural imposition. Now it's loved and accepted. Like all the greats, you've got to break some rules. It's a great place to sit, rest, meet up with friends. All sorts of events are held here. It's a real piazza, albeit modern, it brings people to people.
Alisdair HorgburyDec 10, 2017
nice events, cool music, i watched the never ending story here with my son and he liked it (he didn't even know where we were) also the apple store can wait
Cassius WilsonFeb 15, 2018
One of Melbourne's great locations. Amazing place, great architecture and good atmosphere. It is so disappointing that Apple are coming and they are destroying what Fed Sqaure is. There are some great restaurants and ACMI is great (always showing unique films that are not offered elsewhere). Apple really could kill this place. Fingers crossed the public show their thoughts on Apple and they keep Fed Sqaure the place it is.
Laurence BasellMar 5, 2018
Ideal starting point for a tourist Strategically looking located in among several must see tourist attractions in Melbourne, Federation SQ is a popular hangout for tourists and locals alike. For tourists, information Center and the ACMI is right in the middle of the Sq. Flinders station and tram stop are across the street. For bikers , bicycle stands is right infront. ( rent) for city rides) city tour bus also starts there. Lots of attractions are in the walking distance. So are the restaurants. For locals open air wide screen provides entertainment ( sports) beyond the confinement of there homes.In one of the days I visited it was Australia Open and the crowd was huge with camp chairs of just sitting on the ground cheering and merry making. It was carnival atmosphere in the scorching sun with beer and food trucks around. Breeze from the Yarra river fend off the heat in addition to the cool beer.
PRASANNA ARYAPREMAFeb 18, 2018
It's a nice place just near the train station. You can stroll and see beautiful buildings around, the city circle tram and busy shoppers. Best thing is that you can get all tourist information there at their Info centre at the square. Another exciting for kids is that it has live camera with a huge screen where you can see you self live...we saw that event in the evening. You can check the time.
Keith FinleyMar 29, 2018
This is one of my favourite public spaces in the city with always something different happening. This is a great places to take the family with amenities on site and close to public transport both tram and train. Easy access to Flinders Street station and home to the ACMI theatre. Recommended for locals and visitors.
Robert BrownMar 16, 2018
There is lots going on in the Square. Train station, galleries to get too little shops to visit and small restaurants and cafes, plus the water front. Grab a coffee or wine and watch the world go by or arrange to meet friends there. Good place to start your Melbourne visit.
Anna FarrierMar 27, 2018
If you are in Melbourne, you cannot miss Federation Square. There are all sorts of events happening everyday and the great thing is, most of them are for free. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants and food courts around and yaara river is flowing just beside it.
Adnan HabibApr 2, 2018
Had a decent look in the gallery, staff were helpful in showing us the food area which we enjoyed, eating right by the Yarra River was a true Melbourne experience.
martin davidsonApr 4, 2018
Very nice place to visit and hang around at, but the name is lie, it is not square shaped, so if you’re after an actual geometric square, look elsewhere. Otherwise very lovely, would recommend. A+ cool looking stuffs
Madeline ForbesMay 6, 2018
Federation square is a fun place for people to meet and enjoy time together. There are occasionally activities and events happening which I am always happy to participate in or watch. It has great places for something to eat and has a great information room for people to go in and ask anything they want or need. I recommend this place to anyone who wants to have a relaxing time.
YoloAmoMay 26, 2018
Federation square is the hub of arts, entertainment, and events. There are so many things to do here spending on your interests. Art galleries can be a good start of your day. The Flinder Street station is just next block. You can only sit and soak the sun when Melbourne is sunny. Info hub is here to help you with directions and charge your devices. If you come to Melbourne, Federation Square is a great place to start off your vacation.
Hugo KrystalMay 20, 2018
The focal point of the CBD. Right opposite the Flinders train station, it is your launch pad into the central city shopping precinct or a short walk across the river to the south bank and the National Gallery. It is an open area so gets the morning sun a bit earlier than central city streets for that outdoors brunch coffee in autumn and springtime
Maria SchmidtJun 4, 2018
Great area... to relax and enjoy everything to about Melbourne. especially if you needed information to just taking pictures of the sight of Melbourne and definitely a place to meet friends or even have something to drink and eat. there's a big screen too. has some decent things showns too. it never be the same without it. 😀
Ying TangJun 30, 2018
Always something to do here. check out the free ACMI exhibitions or just wander around Fed Square, there's a big TV screen there that often shows some cool movies and there are deck chairs provided. If there's a special event on like watching a sports game get there early because it fills up fast! The bar is also really great. Only bad bit is how uneven the surface is - there are inclines and its almost like cobblestone paving, so be careful!
Jacqui PrestedgeJun 24, 2018
Free wifi, a huge TV to watch especially good when the Australian Open tennis is on to watch the games on. Lots of different food trucks catering to all different tastes in food. Easily accessible by being directly across the road from Flinders St station. Always lots of people around.
Pia MuirneJul 15, 2018
There is always something going on, be that an open-air concert or some other event. It is neatly located next to Melbourne's central station and the Yarra river. There are plenty of seats and it is somewhat crowded at times due to its great location.
Christian BJul 13, 2018
Lovely public space. We went to the Polish Festival on Sunday, spent time looking at the different stalls and then walked along the river where all the traditional Polish food was. We spent the afternoon enjoying the different music performances at Deakin Edge Theatre. This is a really beautiful facility, with good acoustics and has a very intimate feel to it. It is also accessible to people with disabilities.
John BiggsNov 14, 2017
They built this place before the world was ready. People used to be aghast with the architectural imposition. Now it's loved and accepted. Like all the greats, you've got to break some rules. It's a great place to sit, rest, meet up with friends. All sorts of events are held here. It's a real piazza, albeit modern, it brings people to people.
Alisdair HorgburyDec 10, 2017
nice events, cool music, i watched the never ending story here with my son and he liked it (he didn't even know where we were) also the apple store can wait
Cassius WilsonFeb 15, 2018
One of Melbourne's great locations. Amazing place, great architecture and good atmosphere. It is so disappointing that Apple are coming and they are destroying what Fed Sqaure is. There are some great restaurants and ACMI is great (always showing unique films that are not offered elsewhere). Apple really could kill this place. Fingers crossed the public show their thoughts on Apple and they keep Fed Sqaure the place it is.
Laurence BasellMar 5, 2018
Ideal starting point for a tourist Strategically looking located in among several must see tourist attractions in Melbourne, Federation SQ is a popular hangout for tourists and locals alike. For tourists, information Center and the ACMI is right in the middle of the Sq. Flinders station and tram stop are across the street. For bikers , bicycle stands is right infront. ( rent) for city rides) city tour bus also starts there. Lots of attractions are in the walking distance. So are the restaurants. For locals open air wide screen provides entertainment ( sports) beyond the confinement of there homes.In one of the days I visited it was Australia Open and the crowd was huge with camp chairs of just sitting on the ground cheering and merry making. It was carnival atmosphere in the scorching sun with beer and food trucks around. Breeze from the Yarra river fend off the heat in addition to the cool beer.
PRASANNA ARYAPREMAFeb 18, 2018
It's a nice place just near the train station. You can stroll and see beautiful buildings around, the city circle tram and busy shoppers. Best thing is that you can get all tourist information there at their Info centre at the square. Another exciting for kids is that it has live camera with a huge screen where you can see you self live...we saw that event in the evening. You can check the time.
Keith FinleyMar 29, 2018
This is one of my favourite public spaces in the city with always something different happening. This is a great places to take the family with amenities on site and close to public transport both tram and train. Easy access to Flinders Street station and home to the ACMI theatre. Recommended for locals and visitors.
Robert BrownMar 16, 2018
There is lots going on in the Square. Train station, galleries to get too little shops to visit and small restaurants and cafes, plus the water front. Grab a coffee or wine and watch the world go by or arrange to meet friends there. Good place to start your Melbourne visit.
Anna FarrierMar 27, 2018
If you are in Melbourne, you cannot miss Federation Square. There are all sorts of events happening everyday and the great thing is, most of them are for free. There are plenty of pubs, restaurants and food courts around and yaara river is flowing just beside it.
Adnan HabibApr 2, 2018
Had a decent look in the gallery, staff were helpful in showing us the food area which we enjoyed, eating right by the Yarra River was a true Melbourne experience.
martin davidsonApr 4, 2018
Very nice place to visit and hang around at, but the name is lie, it is not square shaped, so if you’re after an actual geometric square, look elsewhere. Otherwise very lovely, would recommend. A+ cool looking stuffs
Madeline ForbesMay 6, 2018
Federation square is a fun place for people to meet and enjoy time together. There are occasionally activities and events happening which I am always happy to participate in or watch. It has great places for something to eat and has a great information room for people to go in and ask anything they want or need. I recommend this place to anyone who wants to have a relaxing time.
YoloAmoMay 26, 2018
Federation square is the hub of arts, entertainment, and events. There are so many things to do here spending on your interests. Art galleries can be a good start of your day. The Flinder Street station is just next block. You can only sit and soak the sun when Melbourne is sunny. Info hub is here to help you with directions and charge your devices. If you come to Melbourne, Federation Square is a great place to start off your vacation.
Hugo KrystalMay 20, 2018
The focal point of the CBD. Right opposite the Flinders train station, it is your launch pad into the central city shopping precinct or a short walk across the river to the south bank and the National Gallery. It is an open area so gets the morning sun a bit earlier than central city streets for that outdoors brunch coffee in autumn and springtime
Maria SchmidtJun 4, 2018
Great area... to relax and enjoy everything to about Melbourne. especially if you needed information to just taking pictures of the sight of Melbourne and definitely a place to meet friends or even have something to drink and eat. there's a big screen too. has some decent things showns too. it never be the same without it. 😀
Ying TangJun 30, 2018
Always something to do here. check out the free ACMI exhibitions or just wander around Fed Square, there's a big TV screen there that often shows some cool movies and there are deck chairs provided. If there's a special event on like watching a sports game get there early because it fills up fast! The bar is also really great. Only bad bit is how uneven the surface is - there are inclines and its almost like cobblestone paving, so be careful!
Jacqui PrestedgeJun 24, 2018
Free wifi, a huge TV to watch especially good when the Australian Open tennis is on to watch the games on. Lots of different food trucks catering to all different tastes in food. Easily accessible by being directly across the road from Flinders St station. Always lots of people around.
Pia MuirneJul 15, 2018
There is always something going on, be that an open-air concert or some other event. It is neatly located next to Melbourne's central station and the Yarra river. There are plenty of seats and it is somewhat crowded at times due to its great location.
Christian BJul 13, 2018
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