Federation Square

The heart of Melbourne

Embraced by some of the world's most stunning architecture, Federation Square - or Fed Square as it's known by the locals - is brilliantly positioned in the centre of Melbourne on the busiest intersection in town, across the road from Flinders Street train station and at one of the most prominent sections of Melbourne's busy tram network.

With three unique galleries and museums located at Fed Square, you can explore Australia's artistic and cultural history:

• The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, home to the National Gallery of Victoria's collection of Australian art with 20 galleries across three levels housed in this landmark architectural complex.
• ACMI: Australian Centre for the Moving Image, where you can explore the moving image in all its forms and the wonders of more than a century of movies in Australia's best digital cinemas.
• Champions: The Australian Racing Museum, home to the nation's finest collection of racing memorabilia, and the only museum of its kind devoted to horseracing in Australia.

Fed Square is also home to SBS, Australia's national multicultural and multilingual public broadcaster and the Melbourne Visitor Centre, and there is an ever-evolving range of restaurants, cafes and bars.

Always open and completely free, ArtPlay provides creative arts opportunities for children. It's located in a large red brick railway building in Birrarung Marr Park, just next to Fed Square, and is surrounded by a large purpose-built playground.

Young Voices of Melbourne on the Federation Square Stage. Festival Melbourne, cultural festival held during the Commonwealth Games (2006).

Photo: Jeff Busby