Every January, Melbourne comes alive with the buzz of the Australian Open (AO): two huge weeks of tennis, sunshine, and festival energy that flows through Melbourne Park. With upgraded arenas, new dining precincts, and a packed entertainment program, AO 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. For those who are flying in for a bucket list tennis trip or just planning a summer weekend in the city, this guide covers everything you need to know.
When is the Australian Open 2026 and what’s the schedule?
The AO 2026 runs from 12 January to 1 February 2026 at Melbourne Park. The tournament kicks off with Opening Week (qualifying rounds, practice sessions, and fun pre-event extras), then the main draw begins in mid January. Day session matches typically start from 11:00 AM, while big night sessions usually begin around 7:00 PM. The daily match schedule is updated in the official Australian Open 2026 website.
How do I get to Melbourne Park – public transport, trams, and shuttle tips?
Getting to Melbourne Park is straightforward thanks to Melbourne’s excellent public transport. Trams 70 and 70a run from the city (Flinders Street) directly to the AO precinct and for ticket holders, these trams are free on AO days. If you prefer trains, Melbourne’s Richmond or Jolimont stations are a short walk away, making it easy to skip parking hassles.
Which tickets should I buy – Ground Pass, RLA, or outer courts?
It all depends on the experience you’re after. Choose from:
Ground Pass one day from $49. The best value ticket at the AO. You’ll get access to outdoor courts, entertainment zones, food precincts, and live music. Great for families or full day exploring. For this ticket type, you can either get a oneday pass or for an extra $50 you can purchase a 7-day pass. Great value if you ask us.
Rod Laver Arena (RLA) from $85. This is the big one — your chance to see the hottest names in tennis. Fantastic atmosphere and worth the investment if you want a big-match moment.
Margaret Court and John Caine Arena from $69. Still premium match viewing but with slightly cheaper prices. Excellent for early rounds.
Tickets for the different arenas all come with reserved seating, so you don’t need to arrive right at opening. All ticket information can be found here.
What off court experiences and festivals are at AO 2026?
AO isn’t just about tennis: it’s a full summer festival. There will be live music, pop-up events, and street food trucks all across Melbourne Park. There are also family-friendly areas (like AO Ballpark and Grand Slam Oval), plus interactive spaces and entertainment perfect for non-tennis fans or anyone wanting to soak up the atmosphere between matches. For those looking to enjoy some live music, this year the AO Live festival, located in Melbourne Park, will be featuring multiple headline acts including The Kid Laroi, Spacey Jane, Peggy Gou, plus heaps more!
Where to eat, drink, and explore around Melbourne Park?
Just outside the tennis courts you’ll find plenty of food trucks, places to grab a drink, and Australia’s first ever Shake Shack, which are all ideal for grabbing something quick between matches. If you’d rather explore the city, Melbourne’s CBD is just a short tram or train ride away and it offers everything you’d need, like buzzing laneways, top cafes, and great pubs and bars Many visitors combine their AO day out with a bite in town or a stroll along the Yarra, all made easy thanks to the regular local transport.
Biggest matches and players to watch
AO 2026 is shaping up to be huge with big names chasing the title. Keep your eyes on defending champ Jannik Sinner, and other big names like Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Novak Djokovic. Not to forget our Aussie favourite Alex De Minaur, who always draws massive home crowd energy. Expect tight early round battles on the outer courts and blockbuster showdowns in Rod Laver Arena. Finals weekend is where it all peaks with packed stands, high energy night sessions, and the kind of atmosphere that gets you involved.
Make your AO 2026 trip easy – book your stay close by
For visitors travelling in for the Australian Open, having a stress-free home base makes all the difference. Just a short ride from Melbourne Park, ATVM offers comfy, self-contained cabins and easy access to both the Tullamarine airport and city. If you’re planning to catch the action this January, ATVM is the perfect place to wind down after a big day at the courts. Book your stay early to lock in good rates and ensure you’re staying somewhere relaxed and convenient during AO 2026.