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

If you only have a couple of days available in Melbourn and you want to get the most out of your time here their City Sightseeing buss is a great alternative for getting around to the major sightseeing spots. The ticket with the red busses gives you access to a tour that comprise of two routes; a city tour and a tour to the beach area of Melbourn known as St. Kilda.

Both of the busses have their main stop right by the Federal Square, and leave at approximately 1 hour (city tour) and 30 minutes (beach tour) intervals.

From the train station you walk straight ahead to get to the main bus stop

Melbourne is often referred to as Australia's chocolate capital, and you'll understand why when you discover the many luxurious chocolate stores spread throughout the city. To put it short: if you love chocolate you can't visit the place without trying some of their delicious sweets.

There are of course also various cafés that specialize in chocolate drinks and snacks. The most famous one among them is the Chokolait Hub located in the Hub Arcade (See map below).


In addition to a wide range of chocolate drinks they also serve chocolate cakes, fondues, chocolate gifts and you name it. This is definitely also a place to go for gift packages to bring home to friends.