The Australian Open: where to stay and other recommendations

Are you ready for the Australian Open to begin? With the qualifying rounds underway, the main draws of the first Grand Slam of the season will kick off this Sunday, January 14. This year, an additional day of competition has been added, so for tennis lovers, 15 days of top-notch tennis are about to unfold at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia.

What is the Australian Open?

The Australian Open is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments held annually. The other three are the French Open (Roland Garros), Wimbledon, and the US Open. The Australian Open takes place in Melbourne. This year the grand final is on January 28.

This tournament is known as the first Grand Slam of the year, marking the beginning of the tennis season. It attracts some of the world's top tennis players, and participants compete in various categories, including men's and women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

The tournament has become one of the most prestigious events in international tennis.

Do I need a visa to go to the Australian Open?

Yes, you will need to apply for a visa to enjoy the Australian Open, since the country requires you to have an Australia visa to enter the country. 

Where to stay to enjoy the Australian Open?

There are multiple places to stay to enjoy the Australian Open.  Melbourne offers a range of lodging options to suit different preferences and budgets. Some popular areas to stay in Melbourne to enjoy the Australian Open are: 

• Melbourne CBD (Central Business District). 
• Southbank.
• Richmond
• East Melbourne.
• St. Kilda.
• Docklands.
• Fitzroy.

If you don’t want to book the hotel or other accommodations on your own, the Australian Open offers travel packages. You can find packages that go from staying three nights during the tournament’s middle weekend, quarter-final, or final to custom itineraries with a minimum of three days at Melbourne Park. 

Some of the best well-renowned hotels are Park Hyatt Melbourne, Crown Promenade Melbourne, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Pullman Melbourne Park, the Royce, Ritz-Carlton, InterContinental Melbourne. These are to name a few hotels in the area, but you can check more lodging options in webpages like Tripadvisor and Booking.

How can I get to the Australian Open? Flight options

Getting to the Australian Open is usually done by plane. You can find multiple options to fly  into Tullamarine Airport (MEL), also known as Melbourne Airport, which is the primary international and domestic airport in Melbourne. 

From there you will find multitude transport options to the city center of Melbourne. Tullamarine Airport is approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles) northwest of the Melbourne city center. To go from the airport to your accommodation, you will find different options such as airport shuttles, taxis, or ride-sharing services.

Some of the best advice regarding flight options to Melbourne is to book well in advance. During the Australian Open there is the highest transit and demand to fly into this airport. Another recommendation is to stay in Melbourne for more than just the tennis tournament. Melbourne is one of the major cities in Australia and a vibrant modern and elegant metropolis. Known for its cultural diversity, arts scene, and food, Melbourne stands as a unique destination that any traveler will love.