The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is almost here in Melbourne, and there’s lots of cool events on that will get your adrenaline pumping. Whether you were lucky enough to snag a ticket and get amongst the action at Albert Park, or you’d prefer to watch the race on TV, there’s plenty of fun activities and things to do around town. The Grand Prix is on from Thursday March 13 to Sunday March 16.
Here are some cool events in Melbourne to check out during the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
Listen to live music at the Crown Lakeside Festival
After watching the races in Albert Park, stick around in the evening and have fun at the Crown Lakeside Festival. From Friday night to Sunday night, there will be performances from The Living End, Spiderbait, Tones and I, Baker Boy, Anna Lunoe and Fatboy Slim. Learn more here.
Treat yourself to some delicious food
With heaps of pop-up restaurants from some of Melbourne’s favourite venues at the Grand Prix, you certainly won’t go hungry. Grab a bite to eat or find something to drink from popular places like MoVida, 400 Gradi, The Espy, Biggie Smalls, Lune Croissanterie, Hella Good, Mr. Miyagi, Brunetti Classico and much, much more.
Find fun for the whole family at Pit Stop Park
Racegoers of all ages will find plenty of exciting things to do at Pit Stop Park. Located on the Golf Course side of Albert Park, this precinct is packed with fun activities like a Ferris wheel, a LEGO space, stage shows, freestyle motocross stunts, a Padel Court, an Innovation Hub and more. See more here.
Relax with a beauty pit stop
Zoom over to the MECCA MAX Beauty Pit Stop Station and enjoy a complimentary eye makeover. There will be a photo zone for you to show off your look, as well as products to purchase and a lounge area to unwind. You’ll find it at the Melbourne Junction precinct.
Stay safe in the sun with free sunscreen and a complimentary skin check
La Roche-Posay and Skin Check Champions will bring their mobile skin check clinic to the Australian Grand Prix. Trained nurses will provide full-body skin checks in private rooms. There will also be free sunscreen for everyone. They’re open from 10am to 5pm on Thursday, and from 9am to 5pm from Friday to Saturday. Learn more here.
Have fun at the F1 Melbourne Fan Festival
Didn’t get tickets? That’s ok! You can still have a great day out at the F1 Melbourne Fan Festival. Look forward to experiences and activities for all ages, including Virtual Driver Selfies, a dedicated games zone, food trucks and more. The festivities will take place at Melbourne Park Oval from Wednesday March 12 to Sunday March 16.
See what’s happening at Crown Melbourne
There’s a whole stack of events at Crown Melbourne for you to try during the Grand Prix. On the Riverwalk, you’ll find racing simulators, supercar displays, entertainment and merchandise. You’ll also find a screen to catch the action as well as driver Q&As and DJs. In the Atrium, you’ll also find a VR Pit Stop Experience, and photo ops with a Formula 1 car. During the four days, there will also be roving entertainment, such as a Crown Pit Crew, stilt walkers and flash mob dancers. More info here.
Zoom over to the Grand Prix Street Party at Middle Park Hotel
Have fun moments away from the track at Middle Park Hotel. For four thrilling days, you’ll catch the Grand Prix on a grand screen, and enjoy live music, DJs, drinks and more. This party will run from Thursday March 13 to Sunday March 16.
Hitch a free ride with a supercar
After a sell-out season last year, the popular Jack’s Rides experience is back for more action. Book a complimentary ride in a luxury McClaren supercar, and either arrive or leave Albert Park in style. Each car features on-board headsets, so you can feel like a race driver. Each passenger will also receive a complimentary Jack Daniel’s cocktail. Rides are available in pairs from either The Espy in St Kilda or Crown Melbourne. These thrilling rides are available between 12pm and 10pm from Friday March 14 to Sunday March 16. Bookings are available from 9am on Friday March 7.
Join the Jack’s Garage party at The Espy
Jack Daniel’s is transforming The Espy into a pit stop party with Jack’s Garage. Look forward to performances from Rum Jungle, Brad Cox, Durand Jones & The Indications and Nina Las Vegas. You’ll also find McLaren memorabilia, such as driver suits and a replica F1 car. Stay cool with whiskey cocktails while you’re there. It’s on from March 13 to 16. More info here.
Sip on drinks after the race at Rooftop at QT
After watching the race, head over to the rooftop of QT Melbourne for the daily afterparty, Club 1959. Sip on signature serves from Glenfiddich, see Aston Martin F1 Team racing gear worn by Fernando Alonso, and listen to DJs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Entry is first come, first served, and if you don’t have ticket to the Grand Prix, you can rock up from 3pm to watch the race on the big screen. This event is on from Thursday to Sunday, and doors close at midnight.
See a showcar and more at Culture Kings
There’s something cool to discover every day of Race Week at Culture Kings. Enjoy a Grand Prix Watch Party and find your fit with F1 merch from Ferrari, Mercedes Benz and more. More info here.
Try a prix-fixe menu at The Royce Hotel
The Royce Hotel has teamed up with Champagne Taittinger to celebrate the Grand Prix. Head to the Showroom Bar and Restaurant and indulge in a limited-edition menu before or after heading to the track nearby. Sip on champagne and indulge in a two-course offering. Choose between rock lobster roll, sous vide free-range Hazeldene chicken or a Black Angus burger, followed by petits fours. This menu is available from March 10 to 16. Learn more about the hotel here.
Find plenty of merch at Pit Stop Melbourne
Duck into the basement of the Block Arcade and find a massive range of Formula 1 merchandise, such as clothing, accessories, souvenirs and more. Find officially licenced goods from your favourite racing teams, and have fun playing on the F1 simulator. Pit Stop Melbourne is open daily, with extended hours during race week. Learn more here.
Catch the action at Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park
Right near the track, the Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park, you’ll find a number of cool activations to check out. See three vintage F2 and 3 cars on display in the lobby. Unwind with a spritz in the Chandon Garden at the Windows restaurant, and enjoy premium wines, tapas and cold brews from Heineken at Mortimer’s Bar. There will also be mineral water from Perrier as well as coffee from St Ali at the cafe. For a nice escape, pop into the Business Lounge and recharge in the Kit Kat Breakzone. See more here.
Build a fun time for yourself at this LEGO experience
Rush over to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre and check out their F1-themed Build The Thrill event. See a 3D LEGO F1 car, then grab a Pit Pass, pick a team and build a Minifigure driver. Create a custom LEGO F1 race car and take part in the race. This experience is available from March 13 to April 27. There’s also a night for adults only on March 14. See more here.
Dance the night away at the Ms Collins afterparty
Head to Ms Collins and celebrate the end of the Grand Prix by checking out the House of 10 Afterparty. The night will run from 8pm till late on Sunday March 16, and the dress code is understated luxury or elevated eveningwear. See more here.
