Melbourne Sights: The Federation Square

Melbourne's Federation Square is centered in the heart of Melbourne by the old Flinder Street Station. Its usages are many, and it can serve as a meeting place, a cultural attraction, a place to come for interesting experiences or for people who just want to chill out.

The characteristic Australian Centre for the Moving Image

When the Federation Square was redesigned in 1997 many of the citizens complained about the controversial design, but over the years the complaints have become less and less. Whether you like the modern design or not, the Federation Square definitely is worth the visit if you want to get a taste of the city's atmosphere.

A booth displaying cars from the 2014 Formula 1 Australia Grand Prix

Various events are held at the square, and it is a place where you can experience everything from beer tasting to rally cars and awareness-raising modern art.
When we were visiting the square they were displaying statues of running rhinos to rase awareness about the poaching of the magnificent animals. The exhibition was held outside, free for visitors 24/7. You can read more about this campaign here.

Run for your life

I was really impressed by how this public place used art to educate the visitors about the critical situation for these animals! I think it is crucial that more people get to learn about the rhinos and take a strong stance against the poaching (Did you know that a rhino's horn is made up of the same stuff as your fingernails?? Who would ever buy someones fingernails…).

Sitting on the rhino statues

One of the rhino statues up close

Writings on the ground

Another picture of the Fed Square

Art

Fed Square live

Sometimes they are having free concerts at the Fed Square, such as their live Thursday shows. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you can tell that people enjoy spending their leisure time here. Seems like a great place to go to both for tourists, and also for the citizens of Melbourne!

About Anette
Anette came to Japan as an exchange student in 2010, met the love of her life and got stuck. From her base in Tokyo she writes about her experiences as a full-time worker in Tokyo and about her travels in Japan and abroad. She's a free-spirited adventurer who enjoys both the great outdoors and her urban lifestyle.