Federation Square

Federation Square is a new public square that was completed almost three years ago after over five years of construction. It is nestled in a corner block between the Yarra River and the bustling Flinders and Swanston Street Intersection. Although it has been riddled with many controversies ever since its inception, it has become a major tourist destination not only in Melbourne but also for the whole of Australia due to its unconventional design. It is the product of a contest where the design chosen was that of Lab Architecture Studio's Don Bates and Peter Davidson where the whole architectural structure is a U-shaped complex with an outback inspired slightly elevated plaza.

Refered to as Fed Square by locals it is home to several attractions. For the art enthusiasts, there is the National Victoria Gallery (NGV) Australia at the Ian Potter centre. It houses the largest and solely Australian visual art exhibit in the world as well as the National Design Center that provides resources, gallery space and a shop for buying Australian-made products. ArtPlay, on the other hand, is the children's art center where kids can attend school sponsored workshops during weekdays or have fun with their respective families.

With the advent of motion pictures and the new techniques that had developed over the years, people can find the Australian Center for Moving Image (ACMI) that pays homage to the genre -- from its inception up to the latest trends. For sports fans, specifically motorsports buffs, one might try to see the Champions Australian Racing Museum which is entirely dedicated to the sport.

As for dinning with a twist, visitors can drop by the Atrium. It features a combination of complex architectural designs that simulate a gallery of bars, shops, and cafes that will satisfy taste buds. Also, it serves as a passage way going to the Yarra River or the Main Square.

There are also dining options which face the Square with views of the Melbourne skyline. In the South West corner of Fed Square sits the building containing the spacious and crowded at times bar called Transport on level 1.

For people who want to experience high-quality but intimate entertainment, they may try the BMW Edge. It is an amphitheater that presents anything from concerts, small and medium-scaled theatrical productions, stand-up comedies, talks, presentations, lounge and cabaret. But for tourists who want to get close to fellow tourists or the locals, they may opt to go to The Square which can hold a 10,000 strong crowd capacity for festivals and other events involving huge numbers of participants.

For Companies or private functions, it offers a special function room called the The Big Group at the Champions. It can support anything from product launches, fashion shows or even wedding ceremonies or receptions with a unique, fashionable ambiance providing stunning views of the river, the Melbourne skyline and Federation Square itself.

First-time visitors may take advantage of the Fed Square's one-hour guided tour from Mondays to Saturdays at 11 a.m to 2 p.m, which covers a tour from the Melbourne visitor Center to the square. Indeed, this amenity makes the Federation Square a very accommodating tourist spot in Melbourne.