The Australian Open is starting soon, and when you’re not watching your favourite tennis stars compete, there’s lots of things to do around the courts. Play your own games, listen to live music, visit on themed days and more! Ground Pass tickets start from $49, and gives you access to plenty of fun things around the precinct, as well as the outdoor courts, if you’re keen to pop by and soak in the vibes. For matches, you will need to purchase a ticket to Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena or John Cain Arena. The Australian Open is on from Monday January 12 until Sunday February 1. Keep reading to get an idea about all the ace things you can do when you visit around the precinct, and further out around Melbourne.
The best things to do at the Australian Open and in Melbourne
1. AO Hilltop
No tickets? No problem! Wander over to AO Hilltop and soak up the tennis vibes for free at this spot on Birrarung Marr. Watch the action on the big screen, sip on delicious drinks and vibe to live DJ sets. The Canadian Club Racquet Club is open from 12pm until end of play, from January 18 to February 1. The festivities will kick off with a set from Young Franco on the 18th.
2. AO Live
Love music? Then you can’t miss AO Live. Taking place over multiple nights, you can look forward to exciting performances from artists like The Kid Laroi, The Presets, Spacey Jane, The Veronicas, Peggy Gou, Reneé Rapp and more. You’ll find the sets in either John Cain Arena or TOPCOURT. Check it out on select nights from January 13 to February 1. See the line-up here.
3. TOPCOURT
After its debut last year, TOPCOURT is coming back to the Australian Open. This vibrant precinct will return with a reimagined stage for more live music and entertainment, as well as POP and Pickleball courts, fresh activations and even Australia’s first ever Shake Shack outlet. Find these famous burgers and shakes right here in Melbourne.#
4. AO Ballpark
Keep the whole family entertained with a trip to the AO Ballpark. This space for kids will have fun stage shows featuring characters like Paw Patrol and Peppa Pig. There’s also fun games and activities like a waterslide, an airport obstacle course, mini tennis courts and more. This space is open until 7pm each day of the season. Learn more here.
Go beyond the Ballpark for even more family fun on Kids Tennis Day. Taking place on Saturday January 17 for Kids Tennis Day, this special day will include character appearances, dinosaurs, activities and more. See what’s happening here.
5. The Village
Located between Kia Arena and John Cain Arena, you’ll find The Village. Get an up-close view of your favourite tennis players as they practice. This space will also host Pickleball come-and-try sessions for all fans during finals weekend.
7. Food and drink
You’ll find plenty of delicious things to eat and drink from vendors around Melbourne at the Australian Open. Highlights include:
TOPCOURT
- Shake Shack – try burgers and shakes from this popular global franchise for the first time in Australia. You’ll also find it at John Cain Arena.
Garden Square
- Hector’s Deli – this popular spot is bringing their famous sandwiches to the Australian Open for the first time.
- Layla – Chef Shane Delia is bringing a menu of Middle Eastern-inspired flavours.
- Entrecôte – try their French Mitraillette Baguette or their Echeeseburger and frites.
Grand Slam Oval
- Ho Jiak – discover a playful take on Malaysian classics.
- Stalactites x Taverna – treat yourself to Greek food in this exciting dining collab.
- D.O.C – sink your teeth into street food style pizza slices.
Western Courts
- Match Ready Food & Drinks – this new fast-service concept is curated by Japanese eatery Suupaa. Think sandos, noodles and fried chicken.
AO Ballpark
- Wonder Pies – find nostalgic Tuck Shop family favourites.
6. MECCA
Forgot to wear sunscreen? Head to Melbourne Park and grab some sunscreen from the pop-up, three-storey MECCA Pro Shop, or from an SPF Hut or an SPF Studio space. You’ll also find express touch-up stations, exclusive products and skincare education. Learn more here.
8. M&M’s Pop-Up Store
Australia’s only M&M’s Store is coming to Melbourne as part of the Australian Open. Mix and match your favourite colours from the chocolate wall, and find two AO exclusive shades. You’ll also find limited-edition merch, character meet-and-greets and fun photo moments. It’s open daily in Garden Square.
9. Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day
Named after Australian tennis legend and First Nations ambassador, this day will feature plenty of First Nations music, art, food, language and storytelling. Check it out on Wednesday January 21.
10. Pride Day
Pride Day is back at the Australian Open on Friday January 30. Celebrate your authentic self at this bright and fabulous day for the LGBTQIA+ community. See live matches at the Glam Slam, enjoy live entertainment and fun activations.
11. New Balance pop-up at Fed Square
Head to Fed Square and have fun with special events in a pop-up space from New Balance. Get your nails done with a look inspired by Coco Gauff, meet-and-greet cricket legend Pat Cummins, get a mullet like Jordan Thompson, play arcade games and more. This space will open for two weeks, starting on January 15.
12. AFLOAT
AFLOAT will soon transform into a floating tennis club. Grab a bite to eat or something to drink, watch a live match on screen, then check out their 20+ metre long tennis court. Le Club Lacoste Melbourne will run from January 16 to February 1.
13. Ballers Clubhouse
To celebrate the Australian Open, Ballers Clubhouse in Melbourne CBD is serving up free drinks and more to the first 100 people each night. This experience costs just $6 per person, and bookings are available from January 13 to February 1. Learn more here.
14. Rooftop Racquet Club
Rooftop at QT is celebrating the season with Rooftop Racquet Club. Play in the pop-up pickleball court, sip on cocktails like the Match Point Paloma and graze on share plates. On Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to late, and Sundays from 3pm to 6pm, there will also be DJs playing laid-back beats. The Rooftop Racquet Club is on from January 8 to March 1.
15. Riverland Bar
Just a short walk away from the action, Riverland Bar is gearing up for tennis season with Aperidisco. Kick back by the Yarra and sip on Aperol Spritz, or two cocktails with an Aperol twist. Feast on Loaded Italian Chips while you’re there, watch a tennis match on the big screen and dance to DJs from Thursday to Saturday. This summer takeover is on from Monday January 5 to Sunday February 8. Learn more here.
To see what else is happening at the Australian Open, click here.