Fed Square Tours and Activities

Federation Square featuring street scenes, a city and modern architecture
Federation Square showing modern architecture, a square or plaza and a city
Federation Square which includes nightlife, a city and modern architecture
Fed Square
Federation Square featuring a square or plaza as well as a large group of people


See the edgy architecture of Melbourne’s main civic space, a great place to take in an event, explore a museum or simply people-watch.

Federation Square is the main civic center and public space of Melbourne. Known affectionately as “Fed Square,” it’s located in the heart of Melbourne and is flanked by Flinders Street Station, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Yarra River. Federation Square is best known for its controversial architecture, which stands in stark contrast to the stately Victorian and neo-Gothic buildings that surround it. The bold, angular structures alone make Federation Square a great place to visit.  

Begin your Fed Square visit at the underground Melbourne Visitor Centre to pick up maps, join a free guided tour of the square and shop for quality souvenirs. Ask the friendly volunteers about upcoming events in the square. Federation Square plays host to an extensive and eclectic program of events, avant-garde public artworks, and activities, such as early morning tai chi classes.

Back at ground level, explore the deconstructionist zinc, glass and sandstone architecture of The Atrium, The Edge theater and the Zinc function and event center. Catch a movie and discover the latest in gaming technology at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), then immerse yourself in Australian art at the National Gallery of Victoria’s Ian Potter Centre.

In the main open-air plaza, snap a photograph of yourself on the enormous television screen. This screen televises major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and the grand final of the Australian Football League (AFL), drawing thousands of sports fans to the square.

Fed Square has numerous bars, cafés and restaurants, and offers the biggest free Wi-Fi site in Melbourne. The square is located on the corner of Swanson and Flinders streets in downtown Melbourne, just across the road from the city’s busiest railway hub, Flinders Street Station. The square is easily accessible by tram, bus and boat, and offers user-pay car parking and secure bicycle racks and rentals.

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Best Lodging Options Near Fed Square

The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

4 out of 5
589-599 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
Dorsett Melbourne

Dorsett Melbourne

4 out of 5
615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
Dorsett Melbourne
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

4 out of 5
131-137 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Fed Square

Fed Square in Melbourne offers a vibrant blend of activities for tourists, including trendy bars and charming cafes perfect for relaxation. Visitors can enjoy engaging tours of the area, explore nearby shopping options, and catch performances at local theatres. With its lively atmosphere and cultural significance, Fed Square promises a delightful experience filled with reviews from fellow travelers highlighting its appeal.

Shopping

Discover fantastic shopping at Southgate, just 322m from Fed Square, offering a vibrant mix of family-friendly shops and eateries. Melbourne Central is a mere 966m away, boasting a diverse range of stores. If you're up for a drive, check out Jam Factory, located 3.2km away.

Recreation

Explore Marvel Stadium for an energetic atmosphere filled with sports events. Enjoy outdoor concerts at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, perfect for leisure and entertainment. For family fun, visit the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, which offers various aquatic activities and facilities.

Adventure

The Tan Track, located 1.6km from Fed Square, offers invigorating outdoor vibes perfect for a refreshing run or walk. For a scenic adventure, explore the Fitzroy Aboriginal Heritage Walking Trail, 3.2km away, showcasing stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage. Experience breathtaking views with Melbourne Seaplanes, 8.0km from Fed Square.

Nightlife

Experience Melbourne's vibrant nightlife at Fed Square! Catch a show at the Regent Theatre or Forum Melbourne, both offering family-friendly entertainment and a touch of romance. For a more laid-back vibe, grab a drink at Young & Jackson's pub, where the atmosphere is lively and welcoming.

Find the best attractions near Fed Square

Fed Square in Melbourne is a vibrant hub filled with street art, urban parks, and historic universities, perfect for culture seekers and families alike. Visitors can explore various attractions, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and experience the unique charm of the area. With plenty of activities nearby, there's no shortage of things to do around Federation Square, ensuring a memorable visit to this iconic Melbourne destination.

  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Experience the thrill of Australia's sporting culture at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, located 1.3km from Fed Square. This historic stadium is a hub for cricket and Australian rules football, offering guided tours that delve into its rich history and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Situated 1.6km away from Fed Square, this bustling venue hosts a variety of business events and conferences. Its modern architecture and extensive facilities make it a key player in Melbourne's business landscape, showcasing the city's commitment to innovation.
  • Rod Laver Arena: Just 805m from Fed Square, Rod Laver Arena is home to the Australian Open and a variety of entertainment events. Its family-friendly environment and exciting atmosphere make it a perfect spot for an unforgettable night out.

Best time to go to Fed Square

Visitor numbers around Fed Square is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Fed Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Fed Square

Visiting Fed Square in Melbourne can be budget-friendly with several savings tips. Enjoy free entry to Fed Square and nearby attractions like Melbourne Central and Crown Casino. Consider visiting during the cheaper months of May to June or August, and aim for a stay on Monday for lower accommodation rates. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and sort options by price for the best deals. Bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can also lead to significant savings. Look for discount hotels and flexible booking options to maximize your travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Fed Square are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Fed Square is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Fed Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Fed Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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