Are you a tennis fan or maybe a fanatic? Do you want to visit all of the Grand Slam tournaments around the world and haven’t yet been to the Australian Open? 2026 is the year!
The Australian Open Extended Dates
The dates of the Australian Open tournament have not changed since 1987, with the exception of 2019 due to the covid pandemic. In 2024 the tournament has been moved by one day to begin on a Sunday in the hope that long matches won’t finish in the early hours of the next day.
The ABC in Australia reported that this change also meant that both Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena would each feature a minimum of two matches each day.
What that meant for the fans was, no more late nights, less sleep, so they could enjoy the sessions more. The tournament became 15 days long rather than 14.
Tennis fans at Rod Laver Arena watching the Australian Open. Photo Credit – Visit Victoria
Your Journey to the Event
There is nothing like walking from the CBD or close by, to the Arena. If you choose to stay in the Central Business District (CBD) you get to enjoy the walk along Birrarung Marr to the tennis stadium. It is a nice easy 25 minute walk that’s a great way to start your day.
You can walk through Birrarung Marr and enjoy the artwalk and the bridge with its stories. Then around the edge of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), famous for cricket, naturally, as well as Australian Rules Football. This is an icon in Melbourne and yes, it’s technically just another sports stadium, but that’s not the way you see it as you walk along the path.
Take a Tram
One thing to consider is if you chose a hotel close to public transport you can take the tram to Rod Laver Arena. If you stay in the central city area and close enough to the #70 tram your Open ticket gets you free tram travel on the day of your Australian Open attendance.
What’s a tram, you ask? If you think of the trolley cars in San Francisco, then you’re on the right track. Trams are a great way to get in and around the broader Melbourne region during a visit. Not only do you get to experience the fun of going to the tennis with other fanatical fans, but you get to enjoy life with the locals.
Start up a conversation. You’ll be surprised who you will met and what you get to know about Melbourne on your visit. I’ve had some of the most amazing conversations, when I was living in Melbourne and on my way to work. Fans were coming from all over the world to attend the Australian open, and it was fun talking to them about their favorite players.
Places to Stay
I would highly recommend staying in, or close to, the CBD so you can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy all that Melbourne city has to offer during the Open tournament.
There are many of the brand name hotels you are used to here in the USA such as Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott. Melbourne also has a number of boutique hotels that offer different levels of service. Depending on what you want your total experience to be like you are sure to find a hotel that matches your needs.
The Yarra River in Melbourne Photo Credit: Visit Victoria
The atmosphere in and around the main court is fun and exciting. Not only can you see games on Rod Laver Arena itself, but you will also want to see games on the outside courts too.
You will find that the Australian crowds love tennis and will get behind certain players. Do you have a favorite that you are hoping to see?
Fans in the Fan Zone at the Australian Open Tennis. Photo Credit – Visit Victoria
Part of the fun of being in the stands watching the games, is getting caught up in that atmosphere. There is nothing like being with a bunch of Aussies that LOVE their tennis.
Whilst going to the tennis will be your main focus you won’t want to miss other things in and around Melbourne, during your stay. Why not create an entire trip that includes the Australian Open, one you will never forget.
Plan your trip for 2026 or beyond
Its time to plan that trip to see the Australian Open at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. From January 12 to February 1st, 2026 Melbourne CBD will be a buzz with tennis fans attending the event.
Depending on what part of the tournament you want to see there are minimum of three night packages available. If you want to wait till later in the tournament to see the stars battle it out in the finals then the minimum stay is five nights for a semi-finals and finals package.
Who do you hope to see?
How many games do you want to watch?
What do you want your Australian Open experience to be like?
Some things to think about when planning your trip to the Australian Open Grand Slam in Melbourne Australia.
Other things to visit in and around the City.
Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar Photo Credit: Visit Victoria
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Photo Credit: Visit Victoria
Queen Victoria Night Market Photo Credit: Visit Victoria
We Can Plan Your Entire Australian Trip
During our introductory call we will work discuss with you which games you want to attend, whether that’s through the qualifying rounds, semi finals or finals.
We are here to make the entire Australian Open experience as easy as possible for you including finding the best accommodation to meet your needs, and providing the best end to end experience possible, including transfers to and from the airport.
Not only do we provide you with base information, we also add in our own tips and tricks having lived in Australia, and Melbourne for many years.
We’ll help with arranging other experiences while you are visiting Melbourne, Victoria and Australia on your trip. If you want to experience the Australian Open in 2026, or beyond, reach out and lets get you down there.