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More than just a tennis tournament, the Australian Open is a summer festival that takes over the city. World-class sport, live music, incredible food and long, warm evenings combine to create an atmosphere you don’t get anywhere else in the country.
Whether you’re a lifelong tennis fan or simply looking for a great summer escape, Melbourne in Australian Open season delivers.
The Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, sitting alongside Wimbledon, Roland-Garros and the US Open - but it has a personality all its own.
Held at Melbourne Park, the event is known for:
You can watch the world’s best players on centre court, then wander to an outdoor screen, grab a drink and soak up the atmosphere long after the matches finish.
The Australian Open doesn’t stay contained within the stadiums — it spills into the streets, laneways and neighbourhoods across Melbourne.
Melbourne’s food scene is already strong, but during the Australian Open it levels up. Restaurants, bars and pop-ups lean into summer menus, extended hours and event-driven experiences. From rooftop drinks to riverside dining, the city knows how to do long summer nights well.
January is peak festival season in Melbourne. Alongside the tennis, you’ll find live music, outdoor cinema, exhibitions and late-night events happening across the city. It’s easy to build an itinerary that mixes sport, culture and downtime.
Melbourne is compact and well-connected. Trams, walking paths and bike-friendly streets make it easy to move between Melbourne Park, the CBD, Southbank and nearby neighbourhoods without much planning.
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One of the reasons people return to the Australian Open year after year is that you don’t need to be a hardcore tennis fan to enjoy it.
The grounds feature:
You can dip in and out, catch a few sets, then explore the city - no rigid schedule required.
The Australian Open attracts visitors from across Australia and around the world, so planning ahead is key. Tickets, accommodation and transport all book quickly, particularly for popular sessions and finals week.
If you’re travelling from interstate, securing your plans early gives you more choice and flexibility.
👉 If you’re looking for a relaxed, affordable way to get to Melbourne, Firefly Express offers interstate coach travel to Melbourne during peak events
Even beyond the Australian Open, Melbourne in January offers:
Add one of the world’s biggest sporting events into the mix, and it’s easy to see why the Australian Open remains a highlight of the Australian summer.
When is the Australian Open 2026?
The Australian Open is held each January, with official dates confirmed closer to the tournament.
Where is the Australian Open held?
The event takes place at Melbourne Park, just east of Melbourne’s CBD.
Do you need to be a tennis fan to enjoy the Australian Open?
No. The Australian Open is designed as a full entertainment experience, with food, live music, big screens and open spaces alongside the matches.
Is Melbourne busy during the Australian Open?
Yes. It’s one of the city’s busiest and most exciting times of year, which is why booking tickets, accommodation and transport early is recommended.
How can I travel to Melbourne for the Australian Open?
Melbourne is accessible by plane, train, car or coach. Firefly Express operates interstate coach services for travellers looking for a comfortable alternative to flying.
