Melbourne Park is home to the National Tennis Centre and other major sports arenas, a conference and events center and several smaller show courts. Apart from witnessing major tennis matches, you can also cheer on basketball and netball games, among other sports, at its Hisense Arena and Margaret Court Arena. If you love music and festivals, get tickets for big-name concerts or other mass events in the Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena.
The precinct is run by the Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust and has been host to the Australian Open since 1988. Each January, this Grand Slam tennis tournament attracts thousands of tennis fans. All arenas have retractable roofs, making tournaments and concerts possible year-round.
When no mass events are on, book in for a behind-the-scenes experience. Daily guided tours take you through the backstage areas of the Australian Open. See the Rod Laver Arena, the control room, the players’ change rooms, the Walk of Champions exhibit, the Davis & Fed Cup rooms and the rooms where all press conferences are held.
Visit the very court where the longest final in Grand Slam history took place, the nearly 6-hour match between Djokovic and Nadal in 2012. In the National Tennis Centre, rent a court to hit a ball yourself or brush up your skills by signing up for a private or group coaching.
Melbourne Park is next to Yarra Park, home to the sports stadiums of Olympic Park. Together, these parks form the Melbourne Sports and Entertainment Precinct. Cross the railway via the pedestrian bridge to get to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, also known as AAMI Park, is also next door. Afterwards, take a stroll in the adjacent Royal Botanic Gardens and have a picnic by the Yarra River.
On-site parking in Melbourne Park is limited and relatively expensive. It’s recommended to walk or take a train, bus or tram from the nearby Melbourne city center. The Richmond and Jolimont train stations both service the complex. You can even get here by water taxi if you book ahead. After a concert or a special event, you can take a cab from the dedicated taxi rank next to The Oval on Olympic Boulevard.
