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All 307 Melbourne Attractions »

Federation Square

Corner Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
61 3 9655 1900
As featured in Melbourne for free
Ranked #38 of 157 attractions in Melbourne
4.0 of 5 stars 320 Reviews
Type: Landmarks/ Points of Interest, Architectural Buildings, Museums
Owner description: Home to major cultural attractions, world-class events, tourism experiences and an array of restaurants, bars and specialty stores, Federation Square...... more » Owner description: Home to major cultural attractions, world-class events, tourism experiences and an array of restaurants, bars and specialty stores, Federation Square is Melbourne's meeting place - a local hang-out and one of Victoria's most popular tourist attractions.Designed by Lab Architecture and Bates Smart, this modern piazza is the size of an entire city block and receives an average of eight million visits each year.Major attractions include:The Ian Potter Centre: NGV AustraliaHome to the world's largest collection of Australian art from the Colonial period right through to contemporary artworks.Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMICelebrates, explores and promotes the cultural and creative richness of the moving image in all its forms – film, television and digital culture. Melbourne Visitor Centre Melbourne's one-stop-shop for visitor information and assistance. Federation Square hosts more than 2,000 events each year and is a hub for festivals, markets, fashion shows, public lectures, films and concerts. The majority of events at Fed Square are free and entry to the permanent exhibitions at ACMI and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is also free.Federation Square is home to 16 restaurants, bars and cafes as well as smaller contemporary art galleries and tourism services including bike rental, tour buses, boat cruises and souvenirs.Fed Square has free WiFi and the space is open 24hrs every day of the year. Note that the galleries, shops and restaurants all have their own opening hours. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children
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320 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    107
    127
    61
    15
    10
Date Rating
Melbourne, Australia
1 review
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

great to hang out on a summers day, lots always going on More

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Melbourne, Australia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Try Riverland if you want to have a beer and maybe a bratwurzts on the Yarra, it is just below transport bar, the over sizeed pub at the back on FedSq, food is really bar there. Taxi is above transport with fantastic views, has a great take on modern asia cuisine not cheap. More

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See 8 more reviews by minka m for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Top Contributor
66 reviews 66 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
47 helpful votes 47 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

While I was opposed to the development of fed square, now it is there I guess I am used to it? A nice spot to chill and work out what to do next, get a meal or a drink and people watch... There is usually something going on there... More

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See 23 more reviews by burna for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Takes up so much room, but comes across like a jumble of buildings with little going on. It's not a true city square - unless there is something on, there are few people who bother going there. Too little seating, too little shade in Summer. Plus it seems to have nothing to do with Federation. Plus it blocks the view... More

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See 3 more reviews by BecFromAustralia for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Fed Square is Fed Square! I can't seen why it is an attraction. But i love going there either at night or on an afternoon on a sat or sunday with the Street performers. I usually just sit on the steps of a break and look at people going by. However, there is always something happening there. Performances, live music.... More

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See 8 more reviews by Roberta S for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2012

Its near flinders st, i always get off in flinders st when i go to city More

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Melbourne, Australia
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

There are many good points to Fed Square. Lots of space to relax in the sun, people watch and catch whatever installation/exhibition/performance that is on for the day. More

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See 7 more reviews by ihavewunderlust for Melbourne
Melbourne
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2012

We visit ther often and it's in a great place by the river surrounded by excellent eating places and bars, as well as all the shopping Melbourne has on offer. Highly recommended. The architecture is wonderful and the stone they bought down from the Kimberley to pave the square is so beautiful - the colour of the outback in Melbourne. More

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See 2 more reviews by cathkieren for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2012

This is really the heartbeat of Melbourne. Any visitor wanting to have a little rest or just soak up some atmosphere should have a seat here. Always things going on and a great place to welcome in the new year. More

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See 8 more reviews by rayhowe for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2012

Went to the cocktail bar on the top floor. Big bouncers on the entrance to keep the peace. Drinks a bit expensive but there was a live jazz/blues band. Bit of a mixed crowd not very young (jazz/blues probably doesn't appeal). Not too crowded. Food is just snack type dishes that you can share with friends. More

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See 3 more reviews by Me_in_melbourne for Melbourne

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