Australian Open 2026
19 January – 1 February 2026. Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia.
The Happy Slam. The first Grand Slam of the year, played under the blazing Melbourne summer sun — and sometimes moonlight. Two weeks of world-class tennis, a vibrant fan atmosphere, and one of the world's great sports cities as your backdrop.
Tournament Schedule
Two weeks of Grand Slam tennis — with intensity building through the draw towards the finals weekend.
All 128 singles players in action across every court. Grounds passes give maximum access — intimate outer court tennis and close-up player encounters.
Australia Day falls on 27 January — a public holiday that creates an electric crowd atmosphere. Third round matches with the field narrowing to 32.
The best 16 players per draw battling for semi-final spots. Rod Laver Arena at full intensity — night sessions are unmissable.
Women's Final: Saturday 31 Jan. Men's Final: Sunday 1 Feb. The climax of the Happy Slam — book flights and hotels 6–12 months ahead.
Venue Guide — Melbourne Park
Melbourne Park is one of the world's great tennis complexes — three show courts with retractable roofs, dozens of outer courts, and a vibrant public fan precinct.
Rod Laver Arena
Centre CourtCapacity: 14,820
Centre court and the showpiece of Melbourne Park. Retractable roof — play continues in heat and rain. Home to the biggest matches from the fourth round onwards and both singles finals. Night sessions here are iconic.
John Cain Arena
Great SightlinesCapacity: 10,500
The second show court with excellent sightlines from every seat and a vibrant atmosphere. Hosts top seeds from the early rounds. Great alternative to Rod Laver Arena at a lower ticket price.
Margaret Court Arena
Intimate FeelCapacity: 7,500
The third show court — intimate and close to the action. Retractable roof. Often used for mixed doubles, juniors, and early-round singles matches. Underrated by fans who go straight for the main arenas.
Outer Courts
Grounds PassCapacity: Varies
Walk-up access on a grounds pass (~AUD $30). Week 1 outer courts feature top-100 players at close range — stand at the fence and watch professionals serve at arm's length. Some of the best value in all of sport.
Garden Square & AO Fan Precinct
Free with PassCapacity: Open area
The public fan zone at the heart of Melbourne Park. Giant screens, live entertainment, food and drink stalls, sponsor activations. Free to enter with a grounds pass — the social hub of the whole tournament.
Getting to Melbourne
Melbourne Airport (MEL) is served by direct flights from major hubs across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
SkyBus runs 24/7 between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Southern Cross Station in the CBD. From there, free Zone 1 trams or a 15-minute walk reach Melbourne Park.
Getting Australian Open Tickets
AO tickets go on sale via Tennis Australia each October. Act fast — Rod Laver Arena evening sessions and finals tickets sell out within hours.
The primary route. Tennis Australia typically opens the ticket sale in October each year. Session tickets (day/night) for Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena, and Margaret Court Arena. Finals tickets are the hardest to secure — set a calendar reminder for the exact sale time.
Available on the gate for approximately AUD $30/day — no booking required. Access all outer courts, the Garden Square, and giant screens. Week 1 grounds passes are outstanding value and available throughout the first week. One of the best-value experiences in professional sport.
Day sessions typically start at 11am, night sessions at 7pm. Night sessions on Rod Laver Arena are the premium experience — major matches under the lights in a full stadium. Night session tickets are the first to sell out, especially in the second week.
For sold-out sessions, authorised secondary market platforms offer resale tickets. Expect a premium above face value, especially for Rod Laver Arena night sessions and finals weekend. Use reputable platforms — avoid street touts.
Find event tickets worldwide
Browse millions of tickets for sports, concerts, theatre & more
Melbourne City Guide
Melbourne consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities. Beyond Melbourne Park, the city rewards exploration — make the most of your trip.
Yarra River Precinct
Walk along Southbank in the evening with the Melbourne skyline lit up behind you. Outdoor restaurants, bars, and the Arts Centre — a perfect post-match wind-down.
Federation Square
Melbourne's cultural hub directly opposite Flinders Street Station hosts free AO-related entertainment and big-screen broadcasts during the tournament. A natural meeting point.
Laneways & Coffee Culture
Melbourne is obsessed with specialty coffee. Degraves Street and Centre Place are the epicentre — narrow laneways packed with cafés, street art, and brunch spots. Mandatory.
St Kilda Beach
Jump on tram 96 from the CBD (20 minutes) and cool off at Melbourne's iconic beach suburb. Luna Park, the Esplanade, fish & chips, and a beach walk make for a perfect rest-day activity.
Queen Victoria Market
One of the Southern Hemisphere's largest open-air markets. Go in the morning for fresh produce, coffee, and local food stalls. A short tram ride from the CBD — ideal before an afternoon session.
Crown Casino Complex
The entertainment precinct on the Yarra River, a 15-minute walk from Melbourne Park. Restaurants, bars, and live entertainment — popular with AO fans for evening sessions or the morning after a final.
Where to Stay in Melbourne
Book accommodation early — Melbourne hotels fill up fast during the AO, especially in the CBD and Richmond. The earlier you book, the better the rate.
CBD / Southbank
The most convenient base — a 15–20 minute walk to Melbourne Park or a short free tram ride. Wide range of hotels from budget to luxury. Fills up fast once the AO draw is announced.
Richmond
A hip inner-city neighbourhood just east of the CBD with great restaurants and cafés on Swan Street. A 10-minute tram ride to Melbourne Park — close to the action with a neighbourhood feel.
St Kilda
Melbourne's famous beachside suburb. Great atmosphere, Acland Street café strip, and Luna Park. Around 30 minutes by tram to Melbourne Park — ideal if you want beach and tennis.
Airport Hotels (MEL)
Stay near Tullamarine Airport on arrival night only. SkyBus to CBD takes 30 minutes. Practical if your flight lands late — shift to CBD or Richmond from Day 2.
Community
Australian Open Fan Tips
Five things every AO attendee should know before arriving at Melbourne Park.
January in Melbourne can reach 35–42°C. The tournament has an Extreme Heat Policy that can suspend outer court play. Bring a wide-brim hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and consider a small handheld fan. Rod Laver and John Cain arenas have retractable roofs and air conditioning.
Evening session tickets (usually starting 7pm) are significantly cooler than day sessions and have a fantastic electric atmosphere under the lights on Rod Laver Arena. If you can only attend one session, make it a night session on Rod Laver.
For around AUD $30 (approximately USD $20), a grounds pass gives you access to all outer courts, the Garden Square, fan precinct, and big screens. Week 1 outer courts feature elite tennis at arm's length. One of the best-value days in professional sport.
When Australia Day falls during the second week, the local crowd surges. Expect face paint, flag capes, loud Australian support, and a carnival atmosphere throughout Melbourne Park and the city. Night sessions on 27 Jan are especially memorable.
Do not spend every meal at the venue food stalls. Melbourne consistently ranks among the world's best food cities. The laneways, Richmond's Swan Street, Fitzroy, and St Kilda offer extraordinary restaurants and cafés — budget an evening or two for proper exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Australian Open 2026?
The Australian Open 2026 runs from 19 January to 1 February 2026 at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia. The Women's Singles Final is on Saturday 31 January 2026 and the Men's Singles Final is on Sunday 1 February 2026.
How do I get Australian Open tickets?
Australian Open tickets are sold via Tennis Australia's official site (ausopen.com). The main sale typically opens in October each year. Options include: (1) Session tickets — day or night sessions on Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena, or Margaret Court Arena; (2) Grounds passes — around AUD $30/day, giving walk-up access to all outer courts and public areas, no booking required; (3) Finals tickets — the most sought-after and sell out fastest, book immediately when the sale opens; (4) Secondary market via authorised resellers such as TicketNetwork for sold-out sessions.
What is the best way to get to Melbourne Park?
Melbourne Park is a 15–20 minute walk from Flinders Street Station, or accessible by tram. The free Zone 1 tram network covers the Melbourne CBD — catch tram route 70 or 75 from the city centre and alight at Melbourne Park stop. Ride Share and taxis are also popular for evening session attendees. SkyBus runs from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to the CBD in around 30 minutes.
What is the weather like at the Australian Open?
The Australian Open is held in Melbourne's summer — temperatures range from a comfortable 25°C to extreme heat events above 40°C. The tournament has an Extreme Heat Policy that can suspend or reschedule play when conditions become dangerous. Rod Laver Arena and John Cain Arena both have retractable roofs for shade and cooling. Night sessions are significantly cooler and highly recommended. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated on hot days.
Find event tickets worldwide
Browse millions of tickets for sports, concerts, theatre & more