Sport
AO2024
Are you travelling interstate for the Australian Open? Here’s what you need to know
Are you ready?
If you don’t call Melbourne home but are a big tennis fan and plan on travelling to the Australian Open, here’s everything you should know.
Melbourne is kicking off the 2024 Grand Slam run once again with the Australian Open. The city has held the annual event since 1972, and in 2024 the tournament will be played from Sunday 14 January until Sunday 28 January across the stunning Melbourne Park precinct.
If you’ve attended from interstate in previous years, then you’ll know the basics. However, this year AO has upped its game, and there are new activations, tickets and food options fit for every budget and every kind of tennis fan.
What ticket options are available?
Tickets for the Australian Open 2024 are now on sale, and there is an option for everyone!
Ground Pass
Valid from open until close, the Ground Pass lets you bounce between different areas of Melbourne Park and explore everything the precinct has to offer. Shop and eat at Grand Slam Oval, catch the early rounds of tennis, or grab a lounger and watch on the big screen. 7 day Ground Pass tickets are also available, giving you access to all the fun from 22 – 28 January.
Rod Laver Arena Tickets
Select either a day session or night session on the day of your choice to experience the biggest and best up close. Named for Australia’s Grand Slam icon, Rod Laver Arena plays host to the biggest names in tennis every day of the Australian Open. With nearly 15,000 seats, including accessible spaces, it’s the largest arena at the AO and the place where many historic stories begin. Additionally, you can also purchase your RLA reserved seat alongside a range of dining experiences and fan walk-on experiences.
Margaret Court Arena Tickets
If you’re a keen tennis fan, Margaret Court Arena is the place to experience the thrill and agility of world-class tennis. With room for 7,500 spectators, it’s the arena to see new emerging tennis stars and well-established champions up close. Select either a day session or a night session on the day of your choice.
John Cain Arena Tickets
Brace yourself for electrifying vibes and an unforgettable atmosphere in John Cain Arena, aka the ‘People’s Court’. This 10,500-seater brings you close to big tennis stars with daily sessions until Monday 22 January.
On Court Seats
Take a seat, but not just any seat! With on court seats being only the start of a day dappled in luxury, from first serve to match point enjoy direct access to a private champagne bar the Dressing Room; take a culinary adventure at a premium restaurant of your choice, delight in a drink at the coveted Atrium Bar, and immerse yourself in a true VIP experience. Find out more about premium experiences on offer here.
Women’s Semi Finals & Final Tickets
The AO23 Women’s Final promises to deliver an epic showdown. Whether it’s a young first-timer or a previous Grand Slam Champion – we know that history will be made. You can purchase Women’s Semi Finals, or Final Tickets now. If selecting a women’s final ticket, this also includes access to the Women’s Doubles Final.
Mens’ Semi Finals & Final Tickets
Players reaching the AO Men’s Semi-finals will leave everything on the court in the penultimate match to Grand Slam glory. While there’s also nothing quite like being there in person at Rod Laver Arena to see the Final and witnessing the crowning of a new or returning Grand Slam Champion. If selecting a Men’s final ticket, this also includes access to the Men’s Doubles Final – secure your spot now to see the story unfold!
Head to ticketmaster.com.au to secure your tickets now.
How to get to the Australian Open?
So, now you’ve got your ticket and made your way to Melbourne, but the day approaches, and you aren’t too sure how to make your way to the Melbourne Park precinct. Luckily there are a couple of options for transport to the Australian Open, and you can make a choice depending on your day and personal preferences.
There are four entrances to the Australian Open, not including entrances for premium experience guests, and all are accessible. See the precinct map here for more detail.
Walking
Depending on where you are staying and what you prefer, from many parts of Melbourne, you can easily walk to the Melbourne Park precinct. You can easily follow the directions on maps on your mobile device to make your way to the tournament on foot.
Tram
If you’ve got yourself a ticket to the Australian Open, then you’ll be able to enjoy free travel on route 70 and 70a trams between stop D6 – Flinders Street West and stop 7C MCG 4 -7/ John Cain Arena from Sunday 14 to Sunday 28 January.
Please note: There is no direct access to the precinct via stop 7C MCG 4-7/John Cain Arena, as Practice Village Entrance will not be operational in AO24. The closest entry points to John Cain Arena are Richmond Entrance and Grand Slam Oval Entrance.
Travelling to City Entrance: For patrons travelling to City Entrance, we recommend you take the Route 70 or Route 70a trams to Stop 7A William Barak Bridge then walk to City Entrance.
Travelling to Garden Square Entrance: For patrons travelling to Garden Square Entrance, your best options are to take Route 70 or Route 70a trams to Stop 7B Rod Laver Arena/MCG gates 1-3.
Train
Melbourne’s train network is an easy and simple way to get to the Australian Open. Most hotels throughout Melbourne are within walking distance of a train station. Remember that you need a valid Myki card to travel on trains within Melbourne.
Travelling to City Entrance: Patrons can catch a train to Flinders Street Station and then walk to Birrarung Marr to City Entrance.
Travelling to Garden Square Entrance: Patrons can catch trains to Flinders Street Station, Jolimont Station or Richmond Station and then take a tram to Garden Square Entrance.
Last train services: The last train services depart Flinders Street Station at approximately 12 midnight during the week. The Night Network will operate on weekends, with trains departing hourly all night from Flinders Street Station. For train, tram and bus details, please call 1800 800 007 or visit ptv.vic.gov.au.
Taxi
If you would prefer not to use public transport, you can always travel via taxi from your accommodation to the tournament and back. A taxi rank is located on Olympic Boulevard, adjacent to Grand Slam Oval. This is for use by taxi vehicles only. Patrons exiting via City Entrance (Birrarung Marr) can utilise the taxi rank located at Flinders Street Station.
Rideshare
If you prefer not to use a taxi or public transport, then one of the many ride-shares available in Melbourne can take you to the tournament and back. There are designated rideshare pick-up locations outside John Cain Arena along Olympic Boulevard and further along Olympic Boulevard in front of the outdoor courts near Richmond Entrance.
You can find more information about how to get to AO24 here.
What is available on the ground for you to enjoy?
While we all know the AO is all about tennis, there is still so much more for you to enjoy throughout the Melbourne Park precinct. Across the whole tournament, there is so much for tennis fans to do once they’ve watched their favourite players battle it out.
AO Courtside Bar
The AO Courtside Bar is all new for the 2024 event, an epic two-story structure that will overlook Court 6 – raising the bar in the entertainment and lifestyle stakes. Grab a seat and enjoy a beverage from the delicious drinks menu and a gourmet bar bite from Sydney’s Joel Bennetts, with DJs on hand to entertain during Opening Week.
New look Garden Square
Home to the Australian Tennis Hall of Fame, Garden Square is getting a revamp with an incredible new shade pavilion to be constructed over the grass viewing area. Pull up a deck chair, grab a drink and enjoy the tennis action on the big screens in this upgraded tennis oasis.
Culinary Experiences
Luckily for those travelling from interstate, the AO is putting on a stellar line-up of some of Melbourne and Australia’s most in-demand restaurants and bars to deliver world-class culinary experiences to the AO in 2024.
The popular Bar Atrium will be open to the public for AO24, expanding on last year’s offering, serving up a three-course Bar Atrium brunch featuring Lebanese-inspired mezze dishes curated by Melbourne Chef Tom Sarafin. Bar Atrium will transform as the sun sets for their ‘After Eight’ experience, dishing up a selection of bar snacks and cocktails.
Rockpool Bar and Grill, Penfolds’ Restaurant and Stokehouse are all returning for AO24 with their elevated premium dining experiences. As well has the popular Rod Laver Arena restaurant and bar Superboxes by Shane Delia’s Maha and famous Melbourne cocktail bar Nick and Nora’s.
Fusion Feast is set to spice up John Cain Arena with a host of chefs dishing up an exciting Asian feast. Garden Square will also be the location of a European marketplace with some of Melbourne’s best-known Italian eateries coming to the party with a variety of mouth-watering offerings. Among the many other delicious offerings served up across the precinct, Grand Slam Oval once again host a diverse lineup of food and beverage offerings.
Looking for premium experiences to enhance your AO24? Find out more here.
After an AO Travel Package with accomodation, flights and tickets? Head here.
With so much to do at the Australian Open and so much to see all around Melbourne, you will no doubt have a busy trip ahead of you! For more information about tickets, head to ticketmaster.com.au
The Australian Open 2024 will transform Melbourne Park from Sunday 18 January until Sunday 28 January. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.com.au.
