There’s something distinctly cool about Melbourne. It’s in the great restaurants, the clothes, that hint of the European, and the culture. You can even see it in the architecture.

Like a lot of the world’s most famous architectural masterpieces, Melbourne’s Federation Square was met with controversy when it opened in 2002, but a few years, on its distinctive look has made it an instantly recognisable Melbourne landmark.

Paved in sandstone cobbles from WA’s Kimberley region, with galvanised frames and transparent plates, the square makes a bold architectural statement. But whether you find it pleasing to the eye or not, you’ll find a large array of cultural attractions both inside and underneath the square's fractured jutting angles and open ochre-coloured plazas.

You can hire a bike or go on a bike tour of Federation Square and its surrounds. The square is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Flinders and Swanston Streets and opposite Flinders Street Station and St Paul’s Cathedral. It links the historical central district of the city with the Southbank District. Because the square rises to a gentle incline above street level, you can get some spectacular views of the city, Southbank and the Yarra River.

Go see an outdoor performance or exhibition at the Square – because of its versatile layout, large super-screen and stage, there is always something on.

Culture vultures should flock to the Ian Potter Centre. Part of the National Gallery of Victoria, the centre is home of the world’s largest collection of Australian art. Be inspired by Australian art from the Colonial period and the Heidelberg School through to contemporary art. There’s also a suite of galleries dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art.

If you’re a movie buff, you’ll love The Australian Centre for the Moving Image. It features a ‘screen gallery’ exhibition space that shows work designed for the screen. Keep an eye out for special exhibitions on cinema greats. You can also see a diverse range of films at the cinemas in the complex as there are film festivals, curated seasons and regular themed programs held all year round. Stop by at the ACMI lounge for a quick meal before the screening or drop by afterwards with friends so you can discuss the film over a few cocktails.

Melburnians are equally passionate about sport and culture so it’s no surprise they have married them both in Champions: The Australian Racing Museum. It’s the only place where you can view the Australian Racing Hall of Fame and it houses a fine collection of racing memorabilia so you can learn all there is to know about the history of that event that stops the nation – the Melbourne Cup.

From the Square, catch a tram to Melbourne’s shopping precincts. Try finding a bargain in Bridge Rd, Richmond where there are designer factory outlets or head to Chapel St, Prahan if you feel like spoiling yourself. Melbourne prides itself on its superb gourmet fare, so dine at Lygon Street for Italian, or go to Little Bourke Street for Chinese eats.

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• Nearest City:Melbourne
• Nearest Airport:Melbourne
• Distance to Melbourne Airport:20kms

Local Attractions in the Area

• Food & Wine
• Art & Culture
• Shopping
• Activities & Attractions

Helpful Links for the Area

• Citysearch Melbourne
• Visitor Information Centres
• Lonely Planet Melbourne

Seasonal Events

• Melbourne International Arts Festival: October
• Arts & Culture Events
• Melbourne Food & Wine Festival: March
• Food & Wine Events
• Spring Racing Carnival: Oct/Nov
• Sporting Events
• Hallmark Events