Federation Square is a multi-purpose outdoor cultural landmark, tourist attraction and entertainment destination located on the edge of the Yarra River in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.  The area, often abbreviated Fed Square, features outdoor areas that can be used for events like festivals, protests and gathering with friends or family members.http://www.visitvictoria.com/displayobject.cfm/objectid.000D6046-A24A-1DDA-8A7480C476A90000/ 

Many buildings also sit in or around Federation Square such as locations for shopping and dining, plus other attractions like the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, part of the National Gallery of Victoria, and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.http://www.visitvictoria.com/displayobject.cfm/objectid.000D6046-A24A-1DDA-8A7480C476A90000/ 

The roots of Federation Square date back to 1901 when the six British colonies joined together to create the Commonwealth of Australia.  The story of that federation is celebrated in Federation Square and is explained to visitors of the attraction in informational text and photo displays around the area.http://www.fedsquare.com/index.cfm?pageID=466 

The actual construction of Federation Square was completed in October 2002, and the site was visited by roughly six million people in the first year.http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/10/1065676160184.html   A total of A$394 million was used to construct the area, with proposals to increase that amount for a possible expansion of the attraction.http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2002/04/26/1019441302940.html http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/bold-vision-for-fed-square-east/story-e6frf7kx-1225942971393 

Parking for cars is available for a fee at Federation Square by accessing the public lot from Russell Street or Batman Avenue.  The area also features a number of bike racks for cyclists and can be accessed using public transportation with the Melbourne Metlink system.http://www.fedsquare.com/index.cfm?pageID=360 

There is no cost to enter Federation Square; however, many of the nearby attractions, such as the museums, may require an entry fee.  The park is open around the year and does not close.  Information on upcoming events and festivals at the attraction are listed on the official website of Federation Square for those planning a visit.http://www.fedsquare.com/index.cfm?pageID=451