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Nestled in the heart of Melbourne is Federation Square, one of the main squares the city, sitting on the corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Street, in the central business district.
The square is famous for its iconic buildings, restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as being a popular venue for events and festivals.
It’s a bustling place, with a hubbub of people 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, flocking to this modern piazza to explore its wonders and attractions.
But why is this place so well known? And what are some of the best things to do in Federation Square? In this guide, we share everything you need to know about this area of cultural significance.
History of Federation Square
It was just a square. An open square with a bunch of elaborately designed, albeit attractive and interesting, buildings surrounding it.
We had arrived during the middle of the day and Fed Square was relatively empty and seemed a little lackluster.
Melbourne doesn’t have the visual wow factor, so you’re forced to dive deeper into its soul. Once you do that, you find yourself slowly slipping into LOVE.
Contrary to what you might think, Federation Square, or Fed Square as the locals call it, is a relatively modern attraction in Melbourne.
Its construction began in 1997, and it was officially opened on December 12, 2002. It was designed to be a vibrant public space that would reflect Melbourne’s diverse cultural heritage and contemporary spirit.
The design was established by a competition, which was won by a team of architects led by Lab Architecture Studio.
The winning design was inspired by the idea of a “city square for the 21st century,” and features two open squares (St. Paul’s Court and The Square) plus a covered space called the Atrium.
The Atrium is one of the major public spaces in the precinct populated with galleries, specialty shopping and cool cafes.
The design is characterized by its bold, angular architecture and its use of a variety of materials, including concrete, steel, and glass. The concrete deck in which it’s built on sits above one of Melbourne’s most busy railway lines.
The square caught the attention of the Victorian Heritage Register, making it the youngest building to receive heritage status in the country.
Fed Square has quickly become a popular destination for visitors to hang out. Encompassing the size of an entire city block, it’s firmly established as Melbourne’s meeting place.
Surrounding the square is a number of cultural institutions and attractions.
Where is Federation Square?
The complex of buildings at Fed Square forms a rough U-shape around the main open-air square.
Occupying roughly a whole urban block, it takes up prime real estate right on the banks of the Yarra River and sits directly opposite iconic Flinders Street Station and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Things To Do In Federation Square, Melbourne
Fed Square is home to a number of cultural institutions, including the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, the Australian Cinémathèque, and the City of Melbourne Library.
Here are some of the most popular attractions and things to do there…
1. Do early morning Tai Chi
I walked down from our apartment at Southbank for a free Tai Chi class at 7:30am.
A small group of people keen on opening up their energy points to the chi gathered at Fed Square. It was a peaceful, relaxing and warm atmosphere.
I was a bit uncoordinated, but didn’t feel like anybody cared. It was about your own Zen experience, not anyone’s perceptions of you.
My attitude towards Federation Square had suddenly shifted.
I was learning that Fed Square is an example of what happens when a city cares about its community.
It adds vibrancy and experiences that cause people to be happy and return again and again. And many of it for FREE!
2. Take Advantage of free events and activities in Federation Square, Melbourne
At Fed Square, you get free Wi-Fi, free daily health and wellness classes, museums and galleries, rooftop honey bees and gardens, restaurants and bars that have deals, and free sports on the BIG five-storey TV screen – we were there during the Australian Tennis Open.
One of the events became our favourite. The I’m-falling-in-love-with-Melbourne sesh was Fed Square Live which celebrates Melbourne’s top acoustic acts in a series of free outdoor concerts on Thursdays through the summer.
Oh, and it comes complete with free beach chairs spread out in front of the stage.
Fed Square is buzzing with festivals and fun.
From the live sporting events on the big screen like the AFL Grand Final, Tennis Open and the Formula One Grand Prix, to the quieter moments when people laze around on those beach chairs soaking up the atmosphere, and if Melbourne is playing nice, the sun.
And if you’re lucky, you can stumble upon an entertaining performance from a busker, which kept our kids amused for 30 minutes.
3. Kick back at Transport Hotel
We could sometimes be found in the Transport Hotel, where the Transport Public Bar features an amazing beer garden that overlooks Fed square and the stage.
They often have deals on drinks, and the food isn’t half bad!
We enjoyed Sunday carafes of white sangria and jugs of cider on special offer – a deal that is a little hard to ignore.
And Craig kept going back for the happy hour – $5 pints of James Boags Draught, accompanied by the perfect beer o’clock dish – nachos!
4. Check in at the Melbourne Visitor Centre
The Melbourne Visitor Centre is located underground with its entrance at the main corner, drop in for some free info.
We always recommend new visitors to a city visit the Visitor’s Centre for ideas on what to do, learn how to get around, and pick up a map of the city.
In fact, you can sometimes find deals and information about local events – which is great for tourists who are new to Australia.
5. Admire the artwork at the National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s oldest art museum, and is known for its diverse and impressive collection, spanning centuries.
In particular, it has a vast collection of European masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Gogh, and Monet.
There is also a particularly wide selection of Australian art, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people art.
6. Admire aboriginal art at Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Another art gallery worth checking out is the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, a world-class art gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art.
It’s part of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and houses a huge collection of art from the traditional owners of Australia, from the colonial period to the present day.
See everything from stunning paintings, sculptures, and textiles.
7. Pop into ACMI (The Australian Centre for the Moving Image)
The ACMI is worth a look. It’s Australia’s national museum of screen culture. It doesn’t just feature film and TV, but videogames and digital art too!
Its permanent exhibition, Screen Worlds: The Story of Film, Television and Digital Culture, is free!
8. Catch up on emails at Riverland Bar & Cafe
Need to catch up online? Why not grab a seat and a coffee at one of the cafes on the square with your laptop and access the free Wi-Fi.
Just don’t expect to get much work done with all the people watching and distractions on the big screen.
Right below Fed Square we also frequented the Riverland Bar & Cafe, which is an iconic Melbourne bar located on the banks of the Yarra in the historic Federation Wharf vaults.
On a nice day it’s hard to find a better setting for a beer on the river.
9. Go for a walk along the Yarra River
When you’re done with all these attractions in Fed Square, just walk down the stairs to enjoy a stroll along the Yarra River.
You can make a stop for the kids to stop in for a play at Birrarung Marr the free playground, or attend a free art class at Art Play. The girls loved creating Universes outside in the garden.
One other highly recommended place you must see nearby is Hosier Lane in the arts precinct, made famous for its sophisticated urban street art (graffiti lined walls). Hosier is literally a 60-second walk away.
Final Thoughts
Federation Square grows on you the longer you are in the city and the more chances you get to experience the space and the various events.
If we were locals, I know it’s a place we’d frequent often, especially on those special occasions. It’s one of those places that you go from nah, to LOVIN’ it.
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