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Things to do in Melbourne
Federation Square

Federation Square, Melbourne: Hours, Address, Federation Square Reviews: 4/5

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Federation Square

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Federation Square
4
2,861
#52 of 757 things to do in Melbourne
Art Galleries • Civic Centres
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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 heart of Melbourne, pulsing and beating every day with colourful, vibrant, intriguing events, festivals, screenings and more. There’s a reason Fed Square (as the locals call it) hosts over 2000 events and 8 million visitors a year – whether it’s a hectic and bustling cultural food festival, a relaxing cinematic screening, a vibrant and inspirational art installation or a thrilling live performance, Fed Square constantly proves and proves again why Melburnians call it the heart of their city. Major popular attractions include the exhilarating and fascinating art at the Ian Potter Centre, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Melbourne's limited edition reproduction of the famous "Fearless Girl" and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Whatever your interests, there’s something for you at Fed Square. Swing by at any time, or check out fedsquare.com/events to plan ahead.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Tours & experiences
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The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
5,533 within 5 kms
Roule Galette Melbourne
576
0.2 km$ • Dessert • French • Cafe
Eau De Vie
803
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Bar • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
The French Brasserie
692
0.4 km$$$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Chocolate Buddha
702
46 m$$ - $$$ • Sushi • Asian • Korean
Straits Cafe Melbourne
262
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • International • Australian • Vegetarian Friendly
Il Solito Posto
959
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly
Bistrot d'Orsay
483
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • French • Steakhouse • European
Philippe
245
0.4 km$$$$ • French • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Ganache Chocolate
261
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe
Bowery to Williamsburg
308
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
1,340 within 10 kms
Melbourne Visitor Centre
1,307
53 mVisitor Centres
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
780
0.1 kmSpeciality Museums
ACMI
1,466
87 mSpeciality Museums • Science Museums
St Paul's Cathedral
1,416
96 mHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Flinders Street Station
1,746
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Hosier Lane
2,012
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Forum Melbourne
102
0.2 kmTheatres
The Ian Potter Museum of Art
53
0.1 kmArt Museums
Melbourne Festival
10
67 mCultural Events
Cathedral Arcade
29
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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Popular mentions
4.0
2,861 reviews
Excellent
1,176
Very good
1,194
Average
384
Poor
69
Terrible
38
Daniel F
4 contributions
Flinders
Feb. 2022 • Friends
This place is fantastic and always remind me a lot of things.
I been there many times and I have good memories, also very good for give someone as a address .
I love it
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia9,765 contributions
Christmas Decorations
Dec. 2021
It is that time of the year for Christmas decorations and presenting the atmosphere for the festive season.

My wife and I visited this place to have a look on our way to the various gardens across the Yarra River.

Federation Square is a popular meeting spot because it is across the road from Flinders Street Train Station.
Written 17 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
S4nnyBunny
Melbourne1,875 contributions
Excellent Christmas tree
Dec. 2021 • Solo
Excellent Christmas tree and display here, one that rivals Martin Place in Sydney. It’s a nice place to sit and relax, there’s the big tv also. The Ian Potter Centre is very underrated, under promoted but highly recommended. Perfect location as it’s across Flinders St Station, NGV and Yarra river to name a few. My only criticism is I wished it was maximised to the fullest, I wish there were more staged events and more buzz in general.
Written 15 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tommo
Melbourne, Australia45,613 contributions
Christmas ambiance
Nov. 2021
I visited during the day and unfortunately did not get to see the christmas lights at night which I imagine are quite good.

The huge christmas tree was up.

The location is good with seating, its near Yarra River and Southbank and surrounded by bars and restaurants.

Transportation is convenient as Flinders street Train Station is across the road as well as trams.
Written 23 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
EndlessTravels
Greater Melbourne, Australia35,310 contributions
Loved or loathed.. it’s still worth a visit
Nov. 2021 • Family
I personally love the design of Federation Square and it’s great to slowly see it return to life. It’s always great to visit at Xmas time as well.
Written 17 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia25,895 contributions
Destroyed By Dan
Jun. 2021
I think Federation Square is a great and interesting feature of Melbourne and if they opened it up to the river it would be outstanding asset but sadly, when visited it was essentially deserted at a peak time of day. understand change is always needed but the mess Melbourne is in at the moment and particularly around Fed Square and Flinders Street with tram tracks dug up, roads closed and a gigantic hole in the ground being dug for some train that may eventuate sometime years ahead or maybe never was depressing. Melbourne was a dump, with people sleeping the streets, and chaos in what was once a great city. Fed Square may come back but who knows when and by then the businesses will have failed and gone.
Written 28 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia10,447 contributions
Centre of the City
May 2021
Federation Square was designed to be a central square for Melbourne, where people could gather for events such as Chinese New Year and other community festivals. Since it opened in 2002, the Square has one a place in the hearts of Melburnians. This large open area of 3.2 ha (8 acres) hosts many facilities such as the NGV Potter Gallery, one of the best collections of Aboriginal art in Australia, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the Koorie Heritage Trust, plus many bars and eateries. Federation Square is opposite Flinders St Station, it's very easy to find
Written 9 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia38,950 contributions
Many attractions
Apr. 2021
We love going to Federation Square. It is like a point of reference. It's a place where people congregate. It's a spot for shows. There you feel as if you are at the centre of what is amazing in the city, and from there you can follow the trail to other places which are just as good. There are cafes, restaurants, museums, theatres, galleries, shops, and many other interesting sights. And just across the road is the famous Flinders station. Not to be missed.
Written 2 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
AndyJohn74
Sans Souci, Australia2,000 contributions
Rather quiet.
Jan. 2021 • Solo
Visited here coming from Flinders Station across the road. A few nice bars and eateries and plenty of seating and cushions around the site. It is bigger than it looks yet a bit quiet in the world of a pandemic.
Written 28 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
WinnonaTrey
Sydney, Australia5 contributions
Attractions and bars
Jan. 2021
Lots of good bars and attractions like ACMI and the Ian Potter Gallery. Not great for accessibility with the uneven stone.
Written 14 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Federation Square
Federation Square is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Federation Square tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 28 Federation Square tours on Tripadvisor
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