For the second year in a row, Melbourne, Australia, has been named the world's most liveable city, so it's no wonder the bustling metropolis has become a staple of many Australia tours. The country's second most populous city, this southeastern tourist hub has a long list of attractions, but you can't leave Melbourne without visiting Federation Square, which can take up an entire day of your tour on its own.
Opened in 2002, Federation Square is located in one of the busiest parts of the city, and has gained notoriety across the globe for its collection of unique architecture, including the instantly-recognizable Australian Center for the Moving Image, a unique celebration of motion that is equipped to play every film, video and digital format. Additionally, The Atrium, with its glazed walls and roof, is not only an architectural icon, but a hub of art galleries, specialty shopping and dining.
Of course, one-of-a-kind buildings are not the only thing that drew 9 million visitors to Federation Square in 2011, the destination is also a hotbed of music, arts and culture, hosting cultural events virtually every day of the week. If your tour of Australia happens to take you to Federation Square on a Thursday night, it's critical that you check out Late Night Thursdays, when the square showcases everything from the latest films to wine tastings to workshops. Events are hosted throughout the square, including at The Atrium, ACMI and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Perhaps most importantly, you should make a point to stop by one of the many cafes and bars that are strewn throughout Federation Square. Among the most popular is The Cafe at Beer DeLuxes, which is conveniently located inside The Atrium.
