Free day between matches
A half-day in the city and a long lunch.
- Half-dayPuffing Billy steam train
- EatQueen Victoria Market
- FreeSt Kilda pier penguins at dusk.
Australian Open 2027 in Melbourne: weekend guide and things to do
17 to 31 January 2027 · ExpectedMelbourne, AustraliaGrand Slam
Australian Open means days in Melbourne with a match or session and plenty of time either side. This guide covers rest days, evenings, family outings and rainy-day backups.
Know before you go
- A ground pass gets you into outside courts and the big screens; night sessions on Rod Laver Arena run late.
- January heat can pass 40°C: the extreme heat policy can stop play on outside courts.
Airport to Melbourne Park
Melbourne airport (MEL) has the SkyBus to Southern Cross in 20 to 30 minutes.
Melbourne Park is a 15-minute walk from Flinders Street; free trams run along Swan Street and Olympic Boulevard during the event.
Public transport directions to Melbourne Park
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Southern Cross and the CBD west | Chain hotels near SkyBus. |
| Mid-range | Southbank and St Kilda | River or beach, trams to Albert Park. |
| Splurge | Collins Street | The "Paris end" grand hotels. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Ibis Melbourne Hotel and Apartments
- Mid-range: Novotel Melbourne St Kilda
- Splurge: Crown Towers Melbourne
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual tournament stay schedule for 17 to 31 January 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Full day out of town
The best use of a two- or three-day gap.
Before an evening session
Keep it light and close to the venue.
- Easy outingLaneways and coffee walking tour
- EatChin Chin
Family day
Something everyone can do, kids included.
- Family pickPhillip Island penguin parade
- FreeRoyal Botanic Gardens.
Rainy or very hot day
Indoor backups.
- Rain or heat backupMCG tour and sports museum
- Rain or heat backupMelbourne Museum.
Evening after the match
Dinner and something after dark.
- After darkRooftop bars and the laneways.
- EatPellegrini's
Family-friendly picks
- Melbourne Zoo.
- Scienceworks.
- SEA LIFE Melbourne.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Rooftop bars and the laneways.
7 tours worth booking for Australian Open
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Puffing Billy steam train | Half day | Families, Tired legs |
| Hot air balloon at sunrise | Half day | Everyone |
| Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles | Full day | Families |
| Yarra Valley wine tour | Full day | Food lovers |
| Laneways and coffee walking tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| MCG tour and sports museum | Half day | Families, Bad weather |
| Phillip Island penguin parade | Evening | Families |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- NGV.
- ACMI screen museum.
- Melbourne Museum.
Getting around on event days
- Trams are free in the CBD zone; Myki cards elsewhere (contactless rolling out).
- Tap on with a contactless card on trains, trams, buses and ferries in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide.
- Uber, DiDi and taxis are easy; distances outside the centres are long.
Day trips from Melbourne
- Great Ocean Road: 2 hours
- Phillip Island: 2 hours
- Yarra Valley: 1 hour
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Australian Open.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Australian Open 2027?
The next edition is 17 to 31 January 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Melbourne Park?
Melbourne airport (MEL) has the SkyBus to Southern Cross in 20 to 30 minutes. Melbourne Park is a 15-minute walk from Flinders Street; free trams run along Swan Street and Olympic Boulevard during the event.
Where should I stay for Australian Open?
For most visitors the best base is Southbank and St Kilda: River or beach, trams to Albert Park.
What can we do between sessions at Australian Open?
Good short outings in Melbourne include Laneways and coffee walking tour, MCG tour and sports museum, Puffing Billy steam train. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Australian Open?
Family-friendly picks: Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles, Phillip Island penguin parade, MCG tour and sports museum. Melbourne Zoo.
How far is Melbourne Park from Melbourne centre?
About 2 km in a straight line. Melbourne Park is a 15-minute walk from Flinders Street; free trams run along Swan Street and Olympic Boulevard during the event.
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