Federation Square

Found right at the core of the city, the hub of 'Fed Square' (as it's known to locals) is famed for its controversial architecture, which provides a strong contrast with the Victorian and neo-Gothic design prominent in the area. The public square is bordered by Flinders Street Station, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Yarra River.On arrival in Federation Square, you'll be struck first of all by the sharp angles and deconstructionist design of buildings such as The Atrium, The Edge theatre and the Zinc function and event centre. The underground Melbourne Visitor Centre is the best place to come for information on the square’s wide variety of attractions and it provides maps, free guided tours and the opportunity to pick up some good souvenirs of your time in Melbourne. This is also the place to find out about the many top quality events taking place on the square, which can range from edgy, modern artistic installations, to sunrise tai chi classes.The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) offers visitors the chance to see modern movies and classics alongside the latest in the world of gaming technology. Then you can check out the best of Australian art in the National Gallery of Victoria's Ian Potter Centre.Sports fans will be delighted with the gigantic television screen, which shows big events such as the FIFA World Cup and the grand final of the Australian Football League (AFL), when thousands of fans flock to Federation Square. If it's a quieter day, you can take a photo of yourself on the big screen instead!A wide selection of cafes and eateries can also be found here, whether you want a cup of coffee or a full meal, and the square is also the largest free Wi-Fi hotspot in Melbourne. This fascinating public space is located at the junction of Swanston and Flinders streets, and the central Flinders Street Station adjoins the square. The range of transport options include tram, bus, boat and rental bicycles and there is also pay car parking available.