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Federation Square

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cassarilda
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4 out of 5
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2
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Editor Pick

Federation Square

  • November 27, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by LenR from Townsville, Australia
Federation Square

Federation Square has become the heart and soul of Melbourne since it opened about five years ago. Designed as a public civic centre and meeting place, the square links Melbourne's central business district north of the Yarra River to the river itself and the extensive world-class gardens and parklands across the other side. With its striking architecture and startlingly unusual layout, Federation Square is, to me, quite a dazzling place when things are happening but it sometimes lacks warmth when things are quiet.

The open square is the focal point for all of Federation Square's events, festivals and activities, and is capable of holding up to 10,000 people at one time. Paved in Western Australian sandstone cobbles, the square rises in a gentle incline above street level offering spectacular views of the City, Southbank and the Yarra River.

As well as the open space, Federation Square brings together a creative mix of attractions. These include The Ian Potter Centre, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Champions: Australian Racing Museum & Hall of Fame, National Design Centre and the Melbourne Visitor Centre, along with 15 restaurants, cafes and bars, various function centres, and smart shopping opportunities. You can enjoy a guided tour of the area at 11am and 2pm Monday to Saturday.

The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is the world's first major gallery dedicated exclusively to Australian art. It is a spectacular showcase comprising over 20 galleries housed within a landmark architectural complex. It presents the history of Australian art from the Colonial period and the Heidelberg School through to contemporary art, and includes photography, prints and drawings, fashion and textiles, decorative arts, and a suite of galleries dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. It is a ‘don’t miss’ attraction.

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image is dedicated to the moving image in all its forms - from early cinema to the latest digital media - and offers a unique experience for both an Australian and international audience. You discover the world of the moving image in the high-tech galleries, cinemas and studio spaces – from more than a century of film to the latest computer games and the digital art of the future.

Champions Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame is the new hub for Australian horse racing. Champions is a permanent home for the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and hosts touring exhibitions, houses a fine collection of horse racing memorabilia and features state-of-the-art interactive and multimedia attractions to inform and entertain.

The National Design Centre (NDC) showcases Australian design across all its disciplines. It is a resource centre, gallery space and retail outlet and is open to the public 7 days a week.

Before leaving check out the 450 seat indoor amphitheatre situated at the river end of the Atrium. The BMW Edge has been designed for music, small to medium scale theatre, comedy, talks and presentations, launches and cabaret. You may be surprised what is on.

From journal Marvellous Melbourne

Federation Square

  • January 5, 2003
  • Rated 3 of 5 by cassarilda from Perth, Australia
Absolutely excellent . . . make sure you go into the buildings! They look cool from the outside, but what's contained inside is fabulous!

There are three main buildings and each has its separate themes, and they are all great! I would definitely suggest it . . . I didn't get a chance to spend as long as I would have liked, but I will definitely go back.

From journal My week in Melbourne

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