It contains 17 levels and covers 35,000 square metres. The building has been described as the most technologically advanced courthouse in the country. All the Courts are provided with facilities for high technology litigation support and for video-conferencing. The building, which is located on top of the Flagstaff Station, has been built with the public as its priority. It embodies a philosophy that emphasises light, access and visibility.
All Federal courtrooms have natural light.
Some have direct views of the Flagstaff Gardens and views have been achieved in others through the use of specially designed mirrors and windows. The building overlooks historic Flagstaff Gardens at the northern end and Little Lonsdale Street and the city skyline at the southern end. The development of the building involved an unprecedented and very successful dialogue between the judiciary, the architects and the Attorney General's department. The Federal Court in Melbourne had previously used the historic former High Court building at 450 Little Bourke Street since the High Court vacated it in 1980.