Federation Square

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


The beating heart of Melbourne is a great place to eat, drink, sightsee or just watch the world go by.

”Fed Square”, as it’s known locally, is a magnet for Melbourne society. There’s always something happening in the city’s main public plaza, from early morning tai chi classes to international sports events on the big screen.

First-time visitors should head straight for the Melbourne Visitor Centre, where you can join a free guided tour or pick up a map to explore the area at your own pace. Here you can also find out about forthcoming events and activities and get information about public artworks and other attractions.

One of the most striking features of Fed Square is its uncompromisingly modern architecture, which contrasts sharply with the surrounding Victorian-era buildings. Take time to explore the striking glass-and-steel Atrium, home to the National Gallery of Victoria’s pioneering Ian Potter Centre, the first major gallery in the world dedicated exclusively to Australian art. The Deakin Edge theatre offers stunning views across the Yarra River, as well as a programme of musical and theatrical performances, while the Zinc on the riverfront is a dramatic setting for special events, banquets and exhibitions. The Australian Centre for the Moving Image, meanwhile, shows popular and arthouse films, and showcases the latest in gaming technology.

During major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Australian Football League final, Fed Square is packed with sports fans catching the action on giant open-air screens. At other times, people flock to the many cafes and bars to eat, drink and catch up with the rest of the world from the biggest free Wi-Fi site in Melbourne.

Fed Square is on the corner of Swanson and Flinders streets, flanked by Flinders Street Station and the Yarra River. Public transport by tram, bus or boat is plentiful, and there are pay car parks as well as secure bike racks and rentals nearby.

Plan a trip to see Fed Square

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
CitiClub Hotel Melbourne
Aussie Escape Apartments - Skyline Collins Tower
Melbourne Corporate Stays – Docklands Waterfront

Tours & day trips

See all 312 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 98 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 68 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 25 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Fed Square Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

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

The Langham, Melbourne

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

Dorsett Melbourne

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

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

Atlantis Hotel, Melbourne

4 out of 5
300 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Atlantis Hotel, 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 mix of shopping, art, and theatre, making it a must-visit destination. You can explore the nearby galleries, enjoy live performances, and shop at unique boutiques. Convenient tram stops provide easy access to this cultural hub, ensuring you can effortlessly immerse yourself in the local scene. Whether you're after a cultural experience or a leisurely day out, Fed Square has something for everyone.

Shopping

At Fed Square, you'll find unique gifts at Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, just 161m away. For a broader shopping experience, visit Melbourne Central, 966m away, or explore the vibrant Queen Victoria Market, 1.6km from Fed Square, where you can discover local produce and crafts.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, located 1.6km from Fed Square, buzzes with sports energy, perfect for an exhilarating day. Sidney Myer Music Bowl, just 805m away, offers vibrant concerts in a lush setting. The Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, 3.2km away, is great for families seeking fun and fitness.

Adventure

The Tan Track, located 1.6km from Fed Square, offers a fantastic outdoor experience for walkers and joggers. For a scenic hiking adventure, the Merri Creek Trail, 4.8km away, features beautiful views. For a unique perspective, hop on Melbourne Seaplanes, 8.0km from Fed Square, for an exhilarating scenic flight.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Fed Square by catching a show at the Regent Theatre, only 322m away. For a casual drink, visit Young & Jackson's, just 161m away, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere. Don't miss the Melbourne Arts Centre, located 483m away, for more cultural experiences.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Fed Square

Fed Square in Melbourne offers a vibrant mix of attractions, from urban parks and historic universities to bustling streets. It's the perfect spot for culture seekers and families alike. Explore the rich local heritage, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and consider nearby hotels for a comfortable stay. With plenty to see and do, Fed Square is a must-visit destination for any traveller looking to experience the heart of Melbourne.

  • Rod Laver Arena: Located just 805m from Fed Square, Rod Laver Arena is a premier entertainment venue renowned for hosting tennis tournaments and concerts. The vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly events make it an ideal spot for a fun outing.
  • Collins Street: A mere 644m away, Collins Street is Melbourne’s iconic shopping precinct. With its stunning architecture and a blend of high-end boutiques and cafes, it offers a quintessential city vibe perfect for a leisurely stroll.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Situated 1.6km from Fed Square, this state-of-the-art facility hosts various events and conferences. Its modern design and business-oriented environment make it a hub for professional gatherings.

Best time to go to Fed Square

The best time to visit Fed Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Fed Square falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Fed Square falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

To save money on your trip to Fed Square, consider visiting from May to June or August for lower accommodation rates. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to filter your hotel options by budget and location, and look for package deals that combine flights and hotels for extra savings. Don't forget to explore the free activities around Fed Square, and take advantage of public transport for affordable travel around Melbourne. Keep an eye out for cheap hotels and free cancellation options to secure the best rates.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the most affordable options and special deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Fed Square hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.