Fed Square, aka Federation Square, stands as Melbourne's go-to spot for cultural confluence and culinary delight.
The Birrarung land (around the Yarra River) has a rich and deep history as a meeting place spanning thousands of years. Today, it’s the home of Melbourne Arts Precinct with Fed Square as its hub of culture, cuisine, and creativity.
In February as Melburnians return to their offices and the CBD becomes a bustling hub of dining, drinking and recreation, Fed Square hosts the epic Summer at the Square program, featuring free live music from the likes of Budjerah, Sampa The Great and Six60, and a range of free blockbuster and silent films.
Hosting countless events every year and seeing over 100 million visits since its opening in 2002, Fed Square is central to Melbourne’s identity and creative scene. Beyond the allure of the programmed festivities, there’s an array of restaurants, bars, and galleries that collectively define Fed Square as a hotspot for those seeking an exceptional summer retreat, world-class art, irresistible food, and educational exhibits.
You can visit a rooftop bar, dine on crocodile, or time travel through an immersive art exhibition, and that’s just the beginning. Let’s check out some of the highlights of what’s on offer this summer.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Fed Square restaurants and bars
Taxi Kitchen
Located high above the city streets, you can’t miss Taxi Kitchen’s unbeatable 180-degree views of the CBD, Yarra River and the Arts Precinct. With a strong focus on sustainability, Taxi Kitchen offers a unique culinary experience with a distinctive fusion of Australian and Asian cuisine. What better place for after-work drinks, or to meet friends in the CBD for pre-drinks on a weekend?
Find out more here.
Mama’s Gozleme
The best part about flocking into the CBD this summer is the world-renowned range of cuisines Melbourne has to offer. One of the best experiences you can have is at Mama’s Gozleme, a taste of Turkey. Serving up delicious traditional Turkish flatbread and other popular street food, the cart, located on River Terrace, promises fresh and authentic flavours cooked on-site.
Find out more here.
Chocolate Buddha
Offering an array of sushi, bento, ramen and donburi, served on a sushi train, The Chocolate Buddha is a must-go restaurant with stunning views of the city skyline. The fast-paced atmosphere is the perfect place for a quick meal, with their recognisable bullet train getting your food to you fast.
Find out more here.
Victoria By Farmer’s Daughters
Victoria By Farmer’s Daughters is a brand-new restaurant – a must-try when you’re in the CBD – headed by Executive Chef Alejandro Saravia which rejoices in the fresh flavours and produce of Victoria. The farm-to-table experience is constantly evolving in accordance with what’s in season, bringing visitors back over and over again.
Find out more here.
Big Esso by Mabu Mabu
If you haven’t already tried Big Esso, round up your friends or colleagues and make a booking. Big Esso is an unmissable chance to relish in the flavours of Indigenous food and culture. The mission is to bring Indigenous cuisine to the masses and, in doing so, encourage conversation around Indigenous history and culture. In this spirit, all of the tables are communal – offering an unforgettable dining experience. The food is locally sourced and emphasises sustainability, showcasing a varied and distinctive menu.
Find out more here.
Fed Square Museums & Galleries
ACMI
Explore the world of film, video games, art and TV at the Australian Centre of the Moving Image (ACMI). General entry to ACMI is free, including the interactive exhibit The Story of the Moving Image, while special exhibitions like the exceptional Marshmallow Laser Feast are very affordable. Here, you are completely immersed in the exhibits using The Lens – a handheld device that allows visitors to interact with their surroundings.
Find out more here.
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Dedicated to exclusively Australian art, this national treasure showcases Australia’s artistic history and culture. From sculptures to fashion to photography, the exhibits are as enjoyable as they are enlightening.
Find out more here.
Koorie Heritage Trust
The Koorie Heritage Trust celebrates Koorie peoples (Aboriginal Australians from a region that roughly corresponds to southern New South Wales and Victoria) and their art and culture. The centre also offers an Oral History Program and a Reference Library, encouraging cultural education and awareness of the Koorie People’s rich and enduring history.
Find out more here.
This Summer, Fed Square beckons both locals and guests to savour the enticing flavours of world cuisines, revel in the artistic expressions that narrate Australia’s rich heritage and relish the communal spirit that permeates its spaces. So, as you step into this vibrant hub, let every bite, every sip, and every gallery exhibit be a reminder of Melbourne’s ceaseless vitality.
Find out what’s on at Fed Square here.
This article was made in partnership with Fed Square.
