January in Melbourne; world class tennis in a city where you’ll love it all

Melbourne hosts the first Grand Slam event of the tennis calendar from January 17 to 30. Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka are set to defend their titles. Watch Australia’s darling, current World Number one, Ash Barty, compete on home soil. Get up close to the action, watch on-screen and enjoy the hospitality at a satellite site, or take the opportunity to explore the host city and nearby attractions.

Up close

If you’ve never seen the live action, January is the time to take advantage of reduced COVID restrictions and head to Melbourne Park for a day of play. Australian Open (AO) tickets are available for a range of budgets; day ground passes, box seating, and add-on experiences like wine and food by Guy Grossi or Rockpool. Discover your options at Ticketmaster.

All new AO Beach House

Celebrating Melbourne’s bayside location, AO Beach House offers an alternative venue for the serious and not-so-serious tennis watchers. On the northern side of Melbourne Park, the new off-court viewing area offers big screens, food, drink and a wellbeing program of meditation, yoga and Pilates.

Host your own AO party

Now that you can have guests at home, gather your sport-loving friends for a day of tennis, food, drinks and companionship. Check out your live streaming options at tennis.com.au.

Get out and about

Make the most of your stay by experiencing the Melbourne sights and surrounds.

The weather in January is great and there’s so much to do and see. Small group tours are a stress-free, convenient and fun way to explore and you can meet people from all over the country. Leave your car and the related stresses behind; watch the scenery instead of the road.

Single day tours are an excellent way to get a taste of what Melbourne has to offer. The In and Around Melbourne six hour tour takes in Melbourne landmarks, the iconic Brighton beach and historic Williamstown.

For those in need of retail therapy the Chadstone Shopping Experience visits Australia’s largest shopping centre, boasting over 500 stores, including premium and designer brands.

Head further afield

The Mornington Peninsula lies to the east of Port Phillip Bay, and connects to the western Bellarine Peninsula via the Sorrento/Queenscliff ferry. Mornington Peninsula and Around the Bay showcases the highlights of the bay in a single day tour.

Beyond the Bellarine Peninsula is Victoria’s famed Great Ocean Road. The One Day Great Ocean Road tour covers Fairhaven and Bells Beaches, Loch Ard Gorge, the 12 Apostles, a drive through the beautiful Otway forest and much more. The seaward views from the Great Ocean Road are world renowned.

A Victorian favourite with children is Sovereign Hill. Based on the Gold Rush era of the 1850s, costumed characters guide you through this immersive experience. The Sovereign Hill and Ballarat Wildlife Park tour also includes a wildlife experience.

The picturesque town of Daylesford is Melbournian’s favourite weekend getaway destination. See why on the Mt Macedon Ranges and Daylesford Tour. Visit the famous Hanging Rock, take in the views from Mt Macedon and enjoy the galleries, dining and eclectic shopping in Daylesford.

For an exceptional food and wine experience, you can’t beat the Yarra Valley Gourmet Wine, Lunch and Gin Tasting tour; wine tasting, lunch and a visit to the famous Four Pillars Gin Distillery. Don’t forget the cellar doors – a crisp white or a G&T is the perfect refreshment for watching a tennis match on a smaller screen.

January in Melbourne; come for the tennis, stay for the city and surrounds.

What’s your favourite place to visit in Melbourne when you come for the tennis?

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