Melbourne is set to host the Australian Open (AO 2025), the first Grand Slam of the year. The iconic blue courts of Melbourne Park will showcase the world’s top tennis talent, including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Coco Gauff. This year’s edition promises thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. But there’s more to Melbourne than just tennis—dive in and explore the best events in Melbourne during the Australian Open!
Everything you need to know about the Australian Open
The 113th edition of the Australian Open kicks off on Monday, January 6, with exhibition matches and concludes on January 26, with the much-anticipated Men’s Final. The first six days feature exhibition matches—a fantastic opportunity to see top players in action at more affordable prices. The qualifying rounds begin on January 8, followed by the main draw matches starting January 14.
Matches will be held at Melbourne Park’s iconic venues: Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena, with sessions divided across the day and evening. Ticket prices vary depending on the court, session, and ticket type. Ground passes, for example, grant access to the grounds and outdoor courts but don’t include reserved seating in the main arenas.
There’s more to the Australian Open than tennis—Melbourne Park buzzes with exciting events and experiences throughout the tournament, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
All the competitions in the Australian Open
The Australian Open showcases a variety of competitions across several categories. While men’s and women’s singles are the primary draws, you can also watch doubles, mixed doubles, junior championships, wheelchair tennis, and legends events, featuring former tennis stars. Each competition promises thrilling matches and unforgettable moments for tennis enthusiasts.
Australian Open events and experiences
The Australian Open offers much more than world-class tennis, with a dynamic lineup of events and activities to enhance your experience. Music lovers can enjoy live performances from top artists and bands at the AO Live Stage Concerts, adding a vibrant soundtrack to the tournament. Families won’t want to miss Kids Tennis Day, featuring child-friendly performances, character appearances, and thrilling arena spectaculars perfect for the youngest fans. This year also debuts the TopCourt Experience, a blend of sports and entertainment where fans can try their hand at interactive gaming, padel, table tennis, basketball, and more.
Melbourne’s biggest attractions
While the Australian Open might be the highlight of your trip, Melbourne offers a wealth of touristic points to explore in between matches. Federation Square is a favorite among both locals and tourists. It’s the perfect spot to relax, people-watch, or explore galleries and exhibitions. Here, you’ll also find the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and The Ian Potter Centre, which showcase fascinating aspects of Australian art and culture. Another must-visit location to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere is the Queen Victoria Market, a hub for shopping and local delights.
Art lovers should head to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), home to an impressive collection of art. Just a short distance away are the Royal Botanic Gardens, which offer a breath of fresh air right in the heart of the city.
For family-friendly adventures, don’t miss the Melbourne Zoo or the Melbourne Aquarium, where you can see up close wildlife and marine life. Lastly, for a view you’ll never forget, go up the Melbourne Skydeck and enjoy 360-degree vistas that stretch across the city’s skyline.
Other activities in Melbourne in January you can’t miss
Melbourne in January offers a huge amount of events and activities. Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Yayoi Kusama exhibition, featuring over 180 works in the largest display of the artist’s creations ever held in Australia. This must-see exhibition immerses visitors in Kusama’s distinctive and captivating world of art.
For a more relaxed outing, visit the Sunday Market at Southgate, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here, you can browse stalls brimming with unique crafts and handmade goods by local artisans, all while enjoying live entertainment along the Yarra River.
Are you in the mood to party? The Melbourne Latin Summer Festival, running from January 10th to 12th, is the place-to-be. This event is a weekend-long celebration of Latin American art, culture, food, and entertainment, featuring live bands, a salsa dance championship, outdoor dance classes, cooking shows, DJ performances, and much more.
Which is the best way to explore Melbourne?
While enjoying the Australian Open, don’t limit yourself to Melbourne Park—take the opportunity to explore this magical city. There are many ways to get around Melbourne, but if you want to fully embrace the experience, hiring a car is the way to go. With a rental car, you can enjoy complete comfort and flexibility, avoiding last-minute setbacks and ensuring your trip is as smooth as possible.
Where can I find the cheapest car hire in Australia?
For the best car hire in Melbourne, we highly recommend CarJet. CarJet is a car rental comparison website designed to find the lowest prices on the market. Its intelligent search engine compares deals from top car hire companies in Australia, ensuring high-quality service at unbeatable prices.
