Transport, tickets, restaurants, music and bars: everything you need to know about the 2024 Australian Open

From which Aussies are playing, to how to get to Melbourne Park and where to eat and drink when you arrive, here’s our ultimate fan’s guide to the Australian Open.

Alex de Minaur No.10

Men

Alex de Minaur No.10

Alexei Popyrin No.43

Max Purcell No.45

James Duckworth No.96

Jason Kubler No.112

Mark Polmans No.156

Adam Walton No.156

James McCabe No. 278

Women

Ajla Tomljanovic (protected ranking No.33)

Kimberley Birrell No.117

Olivia Gadecki No. 121

Taylah Preston No.203

Daria Saville No.195

Aussie rising star Alex de Minaur. Picture: Getty Images

ENTRANCES TO THE AO

Garden Square entrance behind tram stop (recommended for access to Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena)

Grand Slam Oval entrance on Olympic Blvd (recommended for access to John Cain Arena)

City entrance (recommended for access to the AO Ballpark presented by Emirates)

TRANSPORT AT THE AO

TRAMS

AO patrons can enjoy free tram travel on the day of their attendance on route 70 and route 70a trams between stop D6-Flinders Street West and stop 7C MCG 4-7/John Cain Arena from Sunday 14 January to Sunday 28 January.

The tram stops right at the Garden Square entrance of the Australian Open.

TRAINS

Fans can access the AO by train either stopping at Flinders St station or Richmond station.

Each station is a short walk to Melbourne Park.

Last trains at both stations are around midnight.

TAXI AND RIDESHARE

There are taxi and rideshare ranks outside Melbourne Park on Olympic Blvd., near the Grand Slam Oval entrance of the Australian Open.

There is also a taxi rank at Flinders St station.

BICYCLE

Bicycle parking facilities are provided at the underpass intersection of the William Barak Bridge and Entrance A, and at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Batman Avenue. 

Siblings Noah and Neriah, who are both ballkids at this year's Australian Open. Picture: Josie Hayden

TRAVELLERS AID

Travellers Aid Australia will work with Tennis Australia to provide support for people living with disabilities, or experiencing other mobility challenges, who wish to attend AO24.

Travellers Aid can provide support getting to and around the AO24 event. Support is provided from Yarra Tram stops, and the accessible carparking at the National Tennis Centre.

TICKETING

Tickets for Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena from Ticketmaster.

The famous Ground Pass is back, with no change to the price from last year.

$59 for the first week, and $29 for the second week.

TOP AUSTRALIAN RESTAURANTS AT THE AO

Rockpool Bar & Grill

Stokehouse

Victoria By Farmer’s Daughter

Maha Restaurant at the Superbox

Penfold’s Restaurants

There will be plenty to do and see around Melbourne Park during the Australian Open. Picture: Getty Images

GRAND SLAM OVAL

Will be a meeting place once again with big screens to watch the tennis and plenty of space to have a drink and relax.

Food and drink outlets include:

Terrazza Aperol

Canadian Club Cabana Bar

Easeys burgers

Fishbowl

Light Years

Morning Market

Peroni Capri Beach Club

Pinki Ji

Salamatea

Squealing Pig Bar

Stalactites

Tanqueray Gin Bar

GARDEN SQUARE

A new shade structure has been built for Garden Square, always a popular spot for fans to sit back and enjoy the tennis and now it’s even better.

Food and drink outlets include:

Baltar Bar

Cambio De Tercio

le Kiosque by Piper-Heidsieck

Lygon St Italian

Tanqueray Gin Bar

Garden Square is a popular spot to sit back and enjoy a game. Picture: David Crosling

RETAIL AT THE AO

The AO Flagship Shop at Centrepiece on the RLA Terrace will have everything AO related you need.

Nearby Ralph Lauren, New Balance and Chemist Warehouse all have stores nearby.

Relax after some shopping for a glass of champagne at the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar.

MUSIC

This year the AO Finals Festival is bigger and better and has moved to JCA Arena.

The lineup as follows:

Thursday January 25, 2024 – AO Pride

Co-headliners Peach PRC, Yaeji [USA]

With Special performance by AO24 Pride Ambassador Tash Sultana

Support by Anesu, Djanaba, DJ Luv You

Saturday January 27, 2024 – Women’s Final

DMA’s, Ruel, The Jungle Giants

Supported by Tia Gostelow, Mell Hall

Sunday January 28, 202 – Men’s Final

Groove Armada (DJ set)[UK], Rudimental [UK]

Supported by Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir, Latifa Tee, Cooper Smith

Tickets via www.ticketmaster.com.au

There will be plenty of refreshments for tennis fans. Picture: David Crosling

AO COURTSIDE BAR

A new addition to the Australian Open, the AO Courtside Bar will change how fans watch tennis.

Situated next to Court 6, fans can have a drink and something to eat while enjoying the Grand Slam tennis.

Over two levels, the AO Courtside Bar is a first for tennis and the Australian Open.

FUSION FEAST

Bringing the heat to John Cain Arena with a talented line-up of chefs dishing up a vibrant pan-Asian feast. Guests can explore food stations featuring dishes from some of Melbourne’s top chefs and restaurants including Ross Magnaye from Serai, Jessi Singh from Daughter In Law, Diana Chan, Kantaro Okada from Hareruya Pantry, and Scott Lord from Moonhouse.

AO SPECIAL DAYS

Emirates Day Tuesday Jan 16

First Nation’s Day Wednesday Jan 17

Hot Shots Tennis Day Thursday Jan 18

Peroni Super Saturday Jan 20

Kia Day Sunday Jan 21

All Abilities Day Tuesday Jan 23

AO Pride Day Thursday Jan 25

Former Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury with his wife Alex and their children, Jax, 6, and Darcy, 4, at the Australian Open Ballpark. Picture: Mark Stewart

AO BALLPARK PRESENTED BY EMIRATES

THE AO Ballpark presented by Emirates is back for another year of fun for the kids. Situated at Birrarung Marr, the Ballpark will have a number of rides and activities that are perfect for the kids in between the tennis.

WESTERN COURTS

As well as some great tennis on the Western Courts with views of Melbourne in the background, there are some fantastic food outlets to enjoy a bite to eat.

Frankie Cox will bring her hugely popular salad bar Green-On to the AO, offering fans nourishing and tasty salad bowls and loaded sweet potato fries, while Charlie Carrington’s Little Havana will be serving up delicious Cuban sandwiches.

BAR ATRIUM

For the first time the two story Bar Atrium is open to the public for walk ins. Sit back, enjoy the best view from Melbourne from the Australian Open, and enjoy a cocktail or two.

Melbourne chef Tom Sarafian has created a beautiful menu for Bar Atrium, including a sit down brunch menu in the morning.

The book the brunch at 10.30am, go to ticketmaster.com.au