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Federation Square

Corner Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia (Melbourne CBD)
61 3 9655 1900
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As featured in Melbourne for free
Ranked #51 of 171 attractions in Melbourne
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 young children, Activities for older children
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561 reviews from our community

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Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 May 2013 NEW

Great place to meet, chill out, people watch and so much more. Transport is good. Can be hot on a hot summer's day. As with all big city attractions be cautious in the very late hours. Overall excellent to meet, relax and take a photo.

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See 10 more reviews by LamaTemple40 for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013

Lots to see, do and variety of places to dine. Close to public transport and so a great place to arrange to meet someone in Melbourne as it is a central location.

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See 7 more reviews by Heather F for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

Just a great place to hang out, to eat, to drink or to see a concert. Love it! My favourite places are ACMI, BMW Edge and Transport bar

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See 7 more reviews by Darren W for Melbourne
Sydney, Australia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013

It's a beautiful area, central to mostly anything and if not then central to a huge tram stop. REALLY liked the concept of the chairs and fold out lounges the council had put in, really made it nice

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See 6 more reviews by marnijacobson for Melbourne
Melbourne
Top Contributor
56 reviews 56 reviews
33 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

Took my oversee visitors around Melbourne and they squealed with delight at Fed Square in particular. Such a great mix of old and new and lovely to be sandwiched in between great art and treasures.

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See 12 more reviews by Marina007Melbourne for Melbourne
Australia
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

There are a variety of restaurants and exhibition spaces. The ACMI Australian Centre for the Moving Image, I think, has important movie screenings from their archives and other importnat exhibitions are always held there BUT it's a strange layout. It's not easy to find your way around and the entrances to many places involve a lot of walking. Poorly designed... More

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See 4 more reviews by marilena999 for Melbourne
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013 via mobile

Nice place to spend a little time And have lunch with a great vire of The river before you go sightseeing....

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See 3 more reviews by Pldiamantino for Melbourne
Michigan
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

This is the first place to go when you arrive in town. There are exhibits, most are free but the ones that cost are worth it if it's your area of interest. Cafes are wonderful, lots of public space and toilets, easy to find then from there you can find everything else.

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See 9 more reviews by Sintita for Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
16 attraction reviews
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

I have attened a number of events held in Federation Square, including cultural festivals, music concerts, live art displays and New Years eve - all of which Federation Square is the perfect place. During the football season, as well as in the summer Federation Square provideds free deckchairs to watch the big screen. The area also hosts a large number... More

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See 24 more reviews by Samicus for Melbourne
Melbourne
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

We often walk around fed square, people watching and enjoying a drink or two. there's always something on the big screen and it has a distinct vibe of its own.

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See 11 more reviews by LeeW27 for Melbourne

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