ZINC at Federation Square takes conferences of up to 500 people in theatre layout, gala dinners of 500 and standing receptions of up to 1,100, on the north bank of the Yarra River in central Melbourne. The venue opened in 2002 together with Federation Square and has since been refurbished. A soundproof operable wall splits it into two studios, each with its own entrance, so it works for large and mid-size events alike.
Seminars and company events
The events team handles conferences, seminars and presentations, breakfasts and lunches, networking evenings, award nights and gala dinners, product launches and trade shows, end-of-year parties and fundraisers. The open floor leaves room for a large stage and breakout zones, and the venue has its own audio-visual setup. For larger programs, other Federation Square venues can be added for plenary sessions, breakout talks, green rooms or outdoor events, among them The Edge, a glass-walled theatre, the Atrium, The Edge Terrace and River Terrace. Floor plans of ZINC and both studios are available as a PDF.
Weddings and receptions
Ceremonies can be held in The Edge with views over the river, on the Riverside Deck among elm trees, or in Studio 2, with the reception in Studio 1, so guests stay in one place for the day. Receptions are served at round tables with plated dishes or at long tables. The team supports cultural ceremonies such as Chinese tea ceremonies, Jewish chuppah settings, Indian Saptapadi rituals, Greek dancing and Lebanese drums, and it arranges hotel rates and private transfers for guests.
Rooms and capacities
The full ZINC space covers 693 sq m and takes 500 for a banquet, 500 in theatre style and 1,100 for a cocktail event, with a cocktail bar, a foyer and two private outdoor decks over the river. Studio 1 covers 419 sq m and takes 190 banquet, 240 theatre or 500 cocktail, entered through a daylit foyer. Studio 2 covers 275 sq m and takes 130 banquet, 140 theatre or 200 cocktail, with its own riverside entrance and a deck facing Princes Bridge and the Arts Precinct. Belgian linen drapes dress the divided rooms.
Catering
ZINC's own kitchen team is led by head chef Chris Henderson, in post since 2019. The cooking is seasonal and works with local suppliers such as Cape Grim beef, Yarra Valley caviar and Spring Creek barramundi. Menus, drinks and service are built for each event rather than sold as fixed packages, and event menus can include charcuterie, cheese and oyster stations. The marble cocktail bar serves a wine list that leans toward Europe, along with beer, spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks.
Getting there
The venue is at the corner of Birrarung Marr Walk and the Russell Street Extension, Melbourne 3000. Flinders Street Station is about 300 m away, trams run close by, and there are car parks nearby.
