Since 1988 the Australian Open has been played annually at Melbourne Park, specifically built to hold the tournament. Close to the Yarra River on Melbourne’s east, the Park is combined with Olympic park to host sporting events. Although it is most known for holding the Australian Open it also caters for international concerts and other sports such as ice skating, motorsport, cycling and even swimming (hosting the 2007 FINA World Swimming Championships). The Rod Laver Arena, named after the successful Australian tennis player, can hold 15,000 spectators, and is considered the “centre court”. Along with the Hisense Arena, the second largest court in Melbourne Park, the Rod Laver Arena has a retractable roof, the second grand slam tournament location to offer indoor play.
~ Getting There
~ Tickets
~ Transport Options
~ Melbourne Park’s Facilities
~ Staying near Melbourne Park
Getting There
Address: Batman Avenue, Richmond, Melbourne VIC 3121
Phone: (03) 9914 4400
[Get Directions]
Tickets
To enter Melbourne Park from the 18th to the 26th of January, a ground pass will cost you $29, the price drops for the rest of the competition to $19. An additional ticket needs to be bought once in the Park in order to get in to an Arena, which can range from $49 to $289, depending on the date and type of match you wish to see.
Tickets can be purchased at Ticketeck or from the Box Office at the Rod Laver Arena.
Transport Options
By Train:
The closest station is Jolimont Station, however Flinders Street and Richmond are also well within walking distance to Melbourne Park. There’s a pedestrian walkway through Federation Square that will take you straight to Melbourne Park.
For the latest train timetables, visit Metlink’s website.
By Tram:
Go Route 70 if you are able – between January 18th and 31st, tennis fans heading to the Australian Open can use this free shuttle tram. Visit the Free Shuttle Trams page on the Metlink website for more info on this service.
By Bus:
Route 605 operated by Eastrans will take you to Swan Street; only a short walk to Melbourne Park. Visit the Eastrans Journey Planner for latest timetables. There is also a Nightrider bus that runs from Federation Square on weekends. See the Metlink NightRider info to further plan your trip to the Australian Open by bus.
By Car:
There’s no parking at Melbourne or Olympic Parks during the Australian Open; however disabled parking is available on Swan Street. Fans are encouraged to seek public transport options.
Melbourne Park’s Facilities
The Australian Open can provide a great day out, and to top it all off you can stop in at the Cafe Arena. Found alongside the Rod Laver Arena, it provides much needed sustenance to avid tennis goers of the tournament.
Another great spot is The Grand Slam Oval, between the Rod Laver Arena and Hisensse Arena, which is a perfect place to spend the day if you do not want to venture into one of the courts. Equipped with big screens, bars and a varied line-up of entertainment, the atmosphere could not be friendlier.
Here is a list of what’s on offer:
- Jacob’s Creek Wine Bar
- Heineken Beer Garden
- DJs
- Australian Tennis Magazine photo booth
- Lacoste Clubhouse
Staying near Melbourne Park
If you are one of the lucky few to travel to Melbourne and watch the Australian Open, there are many places to stay with various qualities on offer to suit your specific needs.
Below are a few options we recommend offering proximity, style and comfort.
Mantra On Jolimont
[Get Directions]
Rating: Four-and-a-half stars
Address: 133 Jolimont Rd, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Phone: (03) 9940 2100?
Hilton On The Park Melbourne Hotel
[Get Directions]
Rating: Four-and-a-half stars
Address: 192 Wellington Parade, Melbourne VIC 3002
Phone: (03) 9419 2000
Mercure Melbourne Spring Street
[Get Directions]
Rating: Four stars
Address: 13 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9205 9999
The Hotel Windsor
[Get Directions]
Rating: Four stars
Address: 100-150 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9633 6000
