Fed Square
Fed Square
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
The cultural and community heart of Melbourne, located on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), at the gateway to the city's arts precinct.
Fed Square hosts over 300 events and attracts 8 million visitors a year. Whether it’s a bustling community festival, an outdoor film screening, an art installation, a Big Screen watch party for a major sporting event, or a thrilling live performance, Fed Square is the place where major events and big moments are shared.
Popular attractions include the three museums and galleries at Fed Square: ACMI, Australia's museum of screen culture; the Koorie Heritage Trust, which celebrates the rich history of south-eastern Australian First Peoples art, design and culture; and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, showcasing Australian art.
Fed Square also is home to a range of excellent bars, cafes and award-winning restaurants.
Whatever your interests, there’s something for you at Fed Square. Check out fedsquare.com/events for upcoming events.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travellers are saying
- Borntraveller55Ahmedabad, India172 contributionsGreat place to spend time in Downtown MelbourneThe square has a lot of space and museums and restaurants around. Neat and clean toilets and change rooms are also available. Melbourne Tourist Guides are also there to guide you. Ample space to sit and take a bite and look around..Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 October 2023
- LeannieHanoi, Vietnam2,518 contributionsSuch a disappointing Christmas film showingWe came here during the Christmas festivities as it had advertised they were playing a Christmas movie every evening. I honestly do not think it was very well planned out or executed at all. The movies started at 5pm and were projected onto a building weet facing so needless ro say it was very hot and you were staring into the direction of the sun. There were a very small amount of deck chairs available which went quickly, your alternatives were to sit on the ground in the middle of fed square with zero shade and squint up or cling to the small amounts of shade around the square where you then would not hear any of the film. So disappointingVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 December 2023
- smiler1956Birmingham, United Kingdom609 contributionsVisitVisited Federation Square initially to visit the National Art Gallery extension. Very interesting display of cultural art and well worth a visit. The square itself is full of wonderful eateries, and shops. Whilst we were there they also had an African food and craft market, where we enjoyed some very tasty food. At night the Christmas display was amazing.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 February 2024
- Silvana J62 contributionsMABU MABU RESTAURANTWent with my friend from Croatia to Big Esso by Mabu Mabu restaurant on Fed Square, because she wants to try Aboriginal cuisine. Our experience was amazing and very unique. Great staff and customer service. The bar and kitchen restaurant are friendly, with inside and outside seating. The food was very tasty, just perfect, and different, with all the native ingredients. We tried some soft natural drinks, with local, native ingredients too.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 5 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
2,882 reviews
Excellent
1,182
Very good
1,201
Average
389
Poor
70
Terrible
40
Christina C
Coquitlam, Canada6,336 contributions
Feb 2019
Federation square is located on Flinders Street, across from St. Paul Cathedral. It is a vibrant gathering place and a landmark of architecture. When we were there early in the spring of 2019, we were greeted by 2 ladies with red jackets who volunteered their time to help tourists like us at the square. The Atrium in the square has glass walls. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is an art gallery. ACMI - the most visited moving image museum in the world. And the Koorie Heritage Trust-displayed arts and artefacts of the indigenous people of Southeast Australia as well as cafes and bars. The square extended to the riverfront terrace. The view from there was great. We spent almost 2 hours there. If we had more time, we would have stayed there much longer. Happy Travelling!
Our hearts are heavy with the devastating wild fires in southeast part of Australia, the loss of human and animal life. Hope this crisis can soon be under control.
Our hearts are heavy with the devastating wild fires in southeast part of Australia, the loss of human and animal life. Hope this crisis can soon be under control.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saronic
Zurich, Switzerland29,093 contributions
Nov 2019
After having spent most of the day around buildings of Victorian times it was quite a change to walk up from Yarra river to the Federation Square with its architecture completely adverse to any sense of traditional orthogony, symmetry and harmony. I was fascinated though to look across the stone cobbled plaza, probably the largest in all of Melbourne, towards all these bizarre, cranked, but still aesthetical buildings, which surrounded it.
There are outdoor cafés, also by the Yarra river, but they were completely full, when I passed by late afternoon. Definitely another interesting corner of the fascinating city of Melbourne. As I read the square gots its name, because it was opened in the year 2001, thus 100 years after the creation of the Federation or the Commonwealth of Australia, marking its independence.
There are outdoor cafés, also by the Yarra river, but they were completely full, when I passed by late afternoon. Definitely another interesting corner of the fascinating city of Melbourne. As I read the square gots its name, because it was opened in the year 2001, thus 100 years after the creation of the Federation or the Commonwealth of Australia, marking its independence.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christoskontas 🇬🇷
Thessaloniki, Greece6,356 contributions
Dec 2019
Opened just in 2002, Federation square ably fulfils its brief to create a people friendly focal point that unites city and river. Its landmark architecture houses numerous outlets for Melbourne's famous cafe culture, shops, events venues, Australian Center for Moving Image and the Ian Potter Center which showcases Australian art. There is a tourist information center providing comprehensive guidance to Melbourne's sights and activities. Within a few meters towards the dock you will find really nice cafes and bars with river view, a floating bar and the Yara Cruise boats, which cruising upstream and downstream. At Christmas time people will enjoy the Christmas village with beautifully decorated festivals and activities mainly for children.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ivan V
Melbourne, Australia1,213 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Into The Wild Cartier
Panthere ade Cartier
There is currently a superb little exhibition on Cartier and the Panther theme showing in the courtyard at Federation Square. There are some exquisite pieces of jewellery on display and some fabulous photographs of Cartier’s creations. It reveals the history of the Cartier And is well worth a visit to before moves on.
Panthere ade Cartier
There is currently a superb little exhibition on Cartier and the Panther theme showing in the courtyard at Federation Square. There are some exquisite pieces of jewellery on display and some fabulous photographs of Cartier’s creations. It reveals the history of the Cartier And is well worth a visit to before moves on.
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,657 contributions
Mar 2020
In days gone by, the Gas and Fuel Corporation had two ugly buildings of brown brick occupying the site which is now Federation Square . Following their demolition, it was decided that Melbourne should have a civic space. The Square is 3.2 hectares (8 acres) , It was created in tones of brown and ochre to honour the Wurungeri people who once hunted here and fished in the Yarra River. The trouble was, no one particularly likes Federation Square. The NGV Potter Gallery has a marvellous collection of Australian Modernist painters and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) shows classic movies. The Koorie Heritage Trust is informative and there are any number of restaurants and bars which are popular, such as the Taxi Kitchen. Federation Square iis like a distant relative that has come to visit, but you can't get rid of.him.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
Sept 2022
Not sure how this has got such a high there are so many issues with this space.
So it's a big huge grey eye sore, much like the city of Melbourne itself so in that sense it's met it's goals.
The architecture looks like someone cut out random shapes from a piece of cupboard and glued them all together haphazardly and voila Fed Square. There's no theme, there's no rhyme, there's no reason.
It's a poor attempt at abstract art in the flesh and we've been living with the embarrassing consequences ever since.
In a city with variable weather and lots of rain, the only undercover bits of walkways.
Wind tunnels.
No shade.
The design and look and colors are just horrendous full stop ok.
It's taken me 20 years to figure out that the NGV is there and not in Carlton gardens.
They were going for Paris vibes or something but it's just a literal aesthetic joke.
The TV screen, public facilities and ability to mobilize, meet, sit, enjoy views or even have a kick of the footy all below average or non-existent.
Like 10 people can gather there if the soccer is on.
FFS FIX THE BLOOD FLOORING.
A mixed used multiple space with a below average gallery, a 7-11, a crap TV screen and some toilets hidden somewhere - That's what we as Australians are communicating to the guests in this state when they first arrive here and see that. Just horrendous.
Likes:
I like the name, at least.
It's still a public space for public use, fully expecting Chairman Dan's posters and government messages to start echoing out of the speakers soon and driving the 10 people trying to chill there out via insanity.
Multiple access points everywhere front and back, so you can get in and out easily.
There are some chairs to sit down and wifi, can see a good view of Flinders and Southbank while sitting.
It's the meeting place we don't deserve but we get and have been struck with for 20 years plus, I mean it's better than the nothingness than was there before (just) but as someone that lives in the city the constant second hand embarrassment that this empty grey oddly shaped window tunnel is a thing and we actually think it's 'good' is truly humiliating.
We can do so much better, and we need to. #rebuildredsquare
So it's a big huge grey eye sore, much like the city of Melbourne itself so in that sense it's met it's goals.
The architecture looks like someone cut out random shapes from a piece of cupboard and glued them all together haphazardly and voila Fed Square. There's no theme, there's no rhyme, there's no reason.
It's a poor attempt at abstract art in the flesh and we've been living with the embarrassing consequences ever since.
In a city with variable weather and lots of rain, the only undercover bits of walkways.
Wind tunnels.
No shade.
The design and look and colors are just horrendous full stop ok.
It's taken me 20 years to figure out that the NGV is there and not in Carlton gardens.
They were going for Paris vibes or something but it's just a literal aesthetic joke.
The TV screen, public facilities and ability to mobilize, meet, sit, enjoy views or even have a kick of the footy all below average or non-existent.
Like 10 people can gather there if the soccer is on.
FFS FIX THE BLOOD FLOORING.
A mixed used multiple space with a below average gallery, a 7-11, a crap TV screen and some toilets hidden somewhere - That's what we as Australians are communicating to the guests in this state when they first arrive here and see that. Just horrendous.
Likes:
I like the name, at least.
It's still a public space for public use, fully expecting Chairman Dan's posters and government messages to start echoing out of the speakers soon and driving the 10 people trying to chill there out via insanity.
Multiple access points everywhere front and back, so you can get in and out easily.
There are some chairs to sit down and wifi, can see a good view of Flinders and Southbank while sitting.
It's the meeting place we don't deserve but we get and have been struck with for 20 years plus, I mean it's better than the nothingness than was there before (just) but as someone that lives in the city the constant second hand embarrassment that this empty grey oddly shaped window tunnel is a thing and we actually think it's 'good' is truly humiliating.
We can do so much better, and we need to. #rebuildredsquare
Written 29 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback – although we're sorry to hear that you are not a fan of Fed Square.
If you're interested in learning more about the design and history of Fed Square, you can watch a short documentary where one of our original architects, Don Bates, talks about the design and what the design set out to achieve. Check out YouTube for 'A Short Film with Don Bates | 20th Anniversary'. He mentions in the video that the Transport building was actually not part of the original design, but was specifically built to prevent the rushing winds up the Yarra, so the Square is somewhat protected.
In 2019, Fed Square was formally listed in the Victorian Heritage Register, in recognition of its important status as a public space and for its historical, cultural, aesthetic, technological and social significance to Victoria.
Recently, we hosted public screenings of the Socceroos FIFA World Cup matches, attracting thousands of fans to gather to support their team. As a public square, we often do hold public screenings of significant matches and game so the public can gather to watch and cheer – including the Australian Open, the AFL grand final, the Olympics and other important events.
We also usually set out deckchairs and umbrellas so people can relax under some shaded areas, in the main part of the square.
If you're interested in finding out what goes on at Fed Square, you can always check our What's On events page on our website.
Written 1 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,293 contributions
June 2020
Due to corona virus and the building of the Metro Tunnel Federation Square is closed to all events but still open to walking or sitting down.. The Australian Centre for Moving Image is closed for renovations, the Ian Potter NGV Australia is closed due to corona and the Koorie Heritage Trust closed also due to corona. Easing of restrictions the bars are now open. The Fearless Girl statue is in front of the Hop Bar and Garden. The Koorie Heritage Trust previously was in King Street and is the only public collection in Victoria dedicated solely to Koorie art and culture comprising artefacts,pictures and photographs, as well as a Oral History Program and Reference Library.
Once Corona is finished it will get back to its usual events as every week there is usually something on
Once Corona is finished it will get back to its usual events as every week there is usually something on
Written 20 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K72
Melbourne, Australia3,082 contributions
Jan 2021
Wow, a Tuesday in January- sunny day and Fed Square was deserted. Like a ghost town! Post Covid, was surprised at how empty it was today. Ususally Fed Square is bustling. Not many of the restaurants/cafes were open today... possibly at night or on weekends in these crazy times. There's construction work going on at the front and ACMI hasnt yet re-opened...sign says Feb 11th.
The Ian Potter Museum was open and free to visit...
The Ian Potter Museum was open and free to visit...
Written 12 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,657 contributions
Sept 2022
Federation Square comes alive on New Year's Eve and Moomba, Melbourne's very own festival of fun. Otherwise, it can sometimes seem a bit dead. It does, however, have a number of important cultural institutions, such as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and the National Gallery of Victoria's Potter Gallery, which specializes in Australian art. It has one of the world's best collections of Aboriginal art. There are also several eateries scattered around the Square.
Written 18 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review!
We recommend people checking out our What's On section of our website before they plan their trip to Fed Square, if they're interested in timing their trip during a major event or festival. Fed Square has the capacity to have major events and host large crowds for big cultural moments and sporting matches, but these don't happen every day.
You can also sign up for our What's On e-news to keep up-to-date with what's happening in the Square, via our website.
Thanks!
Written 1 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Herman
Armidale, Australia479 contributions
Jan 2023
Just wandered around with two of my teenage sons just soaking up the atmosphere - very arty and with people sprawled out watching the Aussie tennis open on the big screen it did give it some extra buzz. Beautiful modern architecture, and just a totally cool place to be, surrounded with 1800s historic architecture as well. The gallery had an ongoing exhibition and all the walkways are air-conditioned! So much to see if you want.
Written 22 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Paul for your great review. Summer is a great time to come to Fed Square to catch the action from the Australian Open on the Big Screen, as well as visit ACMI, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and the Koorie Heritage Trust, with their daily free exhibitions. Glad you and your son had a fantastic time soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying all that's on at Fed Square.
Written 1 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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