Federation Square Area

Address: Corner Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Website: https://fedsquare.com

Hours: Open public space (accessible 24/7); venues inside have separate hours.

Admission: Free (public square).

Federation Square is a public cultural precinct in central Melbourne, Victoria, comprising civic buildings, galleries and a large open plaza. It opened in 2002 and is intended as a gathering place for cultural events and public programs.

The precinct houses the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), galleries, cultural organisations and a visitor centre, alongside restaurants and event spaces. The open plaza features a prominent outdoor LED screen and is used regularly for festivals, live broadcasts and community events.

Developed as a major civic project on a former transport and industrial site beside the Yarra River, the square opened to the public in 2002 and has hosted national celebrations, cultural festivals and civic gatherings since then.

Federation Square occupies the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets in downtown Melbourne, directly opposite Flinders Street Station and adjacent to the Yarra River.

• Opening and location: Opened in 2002, the precinct is directly opposite Flinders Street Station and forms a major civic and cultural hub on Melbourne’s Yarra riverbank.
• Events and viewing: The large open plaza and public screen make it a focal point for free public events, festivals and major civic broadcasts, especially in evenings and during events.

What to See#

• ACMI: ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) - a public museum and gallery for film, television and digital culture located within the precinct.
• Public plaza and screen: Federation Square plaza and forecourt - a large open public space used for festivals, screenings and civic events, equipped with a large outdoor LED screen.
• Cultural and visitor facilities: Koorie Heritage Trust and visitor facilities - cultural organisations and a permanent visitor information centre located within the precinct buildings.

Immediately opposite Flinders Street Station and a 5-10 minute walk from Southern Cross Station. Tram routes that stop nearby include those along Flinders Street and Swanston Street.

• Time a visit for sunset on the Yarra River side for great city views, and check the events calendar - Federation Square often hosts free concerts and screenings.
• Enter from Flinders Street Station for the classic cinematic approach: the square opens up directly opposite the station concourse.