There are only four Grand Slam tennis tournaments in the world, and one of them happens to be in one of Australia’s best cities, Melbourne! The Australian Open is one of the highlights of the Aussie tennis calendar, where you’ll get to see some of the world’s best tennis players in action, and explore all Melbourne has to offer while you’re at it.
So whether you’ve already got Australian Open tickets or you’re just visiting for the summer, we’ve put together a handy guide to the tournament, where to stay and anything else you might need to squeeze in during your trip.
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Australian Open in Melbourne
Not only is the Australian Open the best Grand Slam tournament of the year (in our opinion), it’s also the first. It’s held at Melbourne Park every January, with the closing stages usually stretching into early February. If you’re booking a trip, make sure you check the tournament calendar before booking your flights! You’ll find the latest info on the official Australian Open website, including how to buy your tickets!
The Rod Laver Arena is the most famous court, but there’s loads more going on across the grounds. Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena and the outdoor courts will have a lot of matches, and maybe you’ll spot some up-and-coming tennis champs too. There’s day and night sessions, so you can choose between a full day of tennis or enjoy evenings under the lights.
Make a Day of It
Definitely leave time between matches to take a look around. The AO Melbourne has everything from entertainment areas to food stalls and loads of places to settle down and watch the matches on a big screen. In the past there’s been live music and family activities at Ballpark, plus official shops where you can pick up some tournament merch.
Fancy watching the players prepare? Look at the practice schedule for the chance to see training sessions and warm-ups. It’s a bit of a different experience from watching a match, and you’ll really get to see those balls fly!
Remember to check out the fan zones to get in on the hype. If a trophy photo is on your AO wish list, check whether a Meet the Trophies experience is available. It’s definitely worth capturing!
Who Could You See?
It’s always gonna be the big stars, as the AO in Melbourne gathers the best players in the world every year. For Aussie tennis fans, you could see names like Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin, Ajla Tomljanović and Maya Joint. Some other big international names include Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek.
You’ll be able to find the player list nearer the time and check the daily order of play before choosing a session. We know buying a ticket doesn’t guarantee you’ll see your faves, but you could be in with a good chance!
Choosing Your Tickets
A Ground Pass is the best option if you want to explore the grounds and watch tennis on the open courts. This is also an option if the arena tickets sell out. For a particular arena, look at reserved-seat tickets and check exactly which session they cover. A little word of warning though: ticket access varies. A Ground Pass won’t give you a reserved seat, and some of the entertainment needs a separate booking. Double-check what your ticket includes so you’re not left disappointed.
Where to Stay Near the Australian Open
If you’re looking for accommodation near the AO, going central will be much easier. You can get to Melbourne Park quickly, go for dinner after and go back to somewhere comfy.
If You’ve Got Tickets
Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel is a handy choice located at 60 Market Street in the CBD. There are studios and 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, and inclusive Wi-Fi ready to share your snaps of the tennis!
There’s also an indoor heated lap pool, a relaxation pool with jets, a sauna and a gym. And with the Oak & Vine restaurant downstairs, you’ve got somewhere to eat close by for an easy bite.
To reach Melbourne Park, home to the Australian Open, walk towards Flinders Street Station and through Federation Square and Birrarung Marr. You’ll want to allow about half an hour from the hotel, depending on your entrance and how fast you walk! But if you don’t feel like walking, no worries. Special AO trams are put on, but vary each year, so check the arrival guide on the official website before travelling.
Choosing a train ride is a great alternative too. Head to Flinders Street, Richmond or Jolimont and walk from there.
If You’re Coming Without Tickets
You don’t need a courtside seat to enjoy the Melbourne Open or the city by itself. Stay central, and make the most of it by visiting cool neighbourhoods like Fitzroy and its trendy brunch places and vintage stores or checking out unique museums like ACMI or the Australian Sports Museum. And don’t forget to plan your itinerary and pick Melbourne Accommodation & Hotels that suits your needs and plans to get the ideal base for your sightseeing routes. FYI, another of our top picks is Oaks Melbourne on Collins Suites, which come with everything you might need to enjoy your stay, from easy access to Marvel Stadium and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to heaps of onsite leisure facilities.
And if you fancy catching a match over a drink, find out where it's showing on the big screen. Just remember that you'll need a valid ticket to enter the AO precinct, but finding a pub showing the match won't be a problem.
Things to Do Beyond the Tennis
The AO Melbourne is a big draw to the city, but there’s so much more to Melbourne than just tennis. Leave a few gaps in your itinerary. We reckon you’ll fill them quickly!
Get Stuck Into the Food Scene
You can’t visit Melbourne without spending some time in its cafés. Start with a laneway coffee, and wander to find somewhere for brunch before you spend the rest of the day exploring. Degraves Street and Centre Place are good starting points for a stroll. For dinner, we really recommend Chinatown or a visit to Southbank if you fancy a meal near the river. You don’t have to plan every mouthful, but book ahead if there’s a restaurant you’ve got your heart set on. January’s a really busy time, so be prepared to wait for a walk-in!
Have a Night Out
If you’re hyped up after a great match, go and enjoy some of the nightlife. Melbourne has rooftop bars, live music venues and plenty of places for a late drink. You could stay in the CBD or head to Fitzroy for a change of scene. Check opening hours and gig listings before you turn up, especially if your tennis session finishes late, which can and does happen regularly.
Explore Some Art and History
If you fancy a few hours indoors, put the National Gallery of Victoria on your list. Its two main sites are NGV International on St Kilda Road and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square. Check the NGV visitor guide for exhibitions and ticket requirements. Melbourne Museum is another option if you’re keen on history and natural science. Or keep things simple and stroll along the Yarra and spend some time in the Royal Botanic Gardens. We love a slower afternoon in the city.
Visitor Tips
Getting Into the City
Flying into Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine? The SkyBus Melbourne City Express connects the airport with Southern Cross Station. From there, Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel is about a ten-minute walk. Taxis and rideshares are alternatives if you’ve got loads of luggage. Allow for traffic rather than counting on a fixed journey time.
Arriving by rail? Check your station name! Southern Cross is the main arrival point for regional and interstate trains, but Melbourne Central is a separate city station. So where you go from there depends on which one you arrive at.
Pack for a Long Day
Take your comfy shoes! You’ll also want to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle (check entry rules!) and maybe a light layer for the evening. Check the weather, bag restrictions and gate times before leaving your hotel so you’re not caught out. A charged phone is handy for tickets and schedules too, and a power bank in case your battery dies.
Try not to squeeze in dinner reservations too tightly around a match. Tennis finishes when it finishes! Trust us, we’ve been there.
Head Beyond Melbourne
Already know the city? Or want to ditch the crowds? Treat yourself to a day away from AO Melbourne and explore further afield.
We reckon the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles are spectacular, but be warned, this is a big outing. It’s about a four hour drive each way to the Twelve Apostles, so you might want to think about an overnight stay. A guided day tour is another option but maybe do an organised trip to save the hassle.
Phillip Island is a top choice for wildlife fans. The Penguin Parade takes place around sunset, but book in advance. Pack something warm and plan for a late return to Melbourne.
To Wrap It Up!
Big tennis matches, great food and summer evenings in the city? There’s plenty to love about the Australian Open in Melbourne.
We reckon the best way to go is to book your tickets and accommodation early and leave time to explore. With an Oaks base in the CBD, you’ll have somewhere comfortable to come back to when you’ve had your fill of tennis. For the day, at least!
