The Australian Open is now spread over three weeks. AO 2025 is the biggest and best it’s ever been. The Happy Slam, as the players call it, welcomed over one million fans in 2024. Opening week is our chance to step inside Melbourne Park, look around and suss out our favourite places on and off the courts. Here’s your guide to what to see, do, and love at this year’s event.
Won’t you take a wander with me and I’ll show you around?
What to See, Do, and Love at the Australian Open Tennis 2025
The Australian Open is more than just a tennis tournament—it’s a celebration of sport, culture, and entertainment set against the vibrant backdrop of Melbourne. Whether you’re a lifelong tennis fan or a first-time attendee, the 2025 Australian Open promises excitement on and off the court.
1. Watch World-Class Tennis
- Main Draw Matches: Watch the world’s best players compete for glory, from first-round clashes to the finals at Rod Laver Arena.
Practice Courts: Get up close to your favourite stars as they warm up for their matches.
- Qualifying Tournament: Catch in action rising stars and future champions without the big crowds, as well as returning stars on the comeback trail. For all the details on the Qualifying Tournament in Opening Week, which is, in my view, still a hidden secret, check out www.littlewanderingwren.com/why-you-will-love-the-Australian-Open-Tennis-Qualifying-Tournament.
2. Explore Melbourne Park’s Fan Experiences
- Grand Slam Oval: a fan favourite for pop-up bars and eateries, watch the action on a large screen. This year, you can choose from Squealing Pig Wines, The House of Peroni, Aperol Terrace, Red Bull Rally Station, Canadian Club and more.
- Garden Square: Enjoy live music, deckchairs, big screens, and the iconic AO letters for photo ops. New this year is the interactive M&M pop up store outside Court 3
3. Savor the Food and Drinks
- Gourmet Dining: Melbourne’s top chefs and restaurants bring their best to the AO. From fine dining to food trucks, there’s something for everyone.
- Refreshing Beverages: Sip on signature cocktails, local Swines, and craft beers while soaking up the summer vibes.
4. Immerse Yourself in Melbourne’s Culture
- Art Installations: Capture colourful and creative backdrops unique to the AO.
- Live Performances: Enjoy daily concerts and roving entertainment from local and international artists.
- Family: The AO is great for kids; besides watching tennis, you’ll find interactive games and activities. Check out the new Top Court area.
- TopCourt: offers a fresh fan experience at the tennis with cutting-edge immersive gaming, play zones, live music and DJs on the decks, plus the hottest trends in fashion and beauty.
5. Shop for Souvenirs
- AO Merchandise: Take home exclusive 2025 Australian Open apparel and memorabilia.
- Player Gear: Pick up tennis essentials and gear inspired by the pros.
6. Tips for Making the Most of Your Day
- Plan Ahead: Book tickets for your favourite matches and check the schedule for special events.
- Stay Sun-Smart: Bring sunscreen (or collect free giveaways at booths across Melbourne Park or top up at the Bondi Sands deckchairs and sunscreen area in Grand Stand Oval), a hat, and a reusable water bottle. Check out our court directory below and shade.
- Explore Beyond the Courts: Melbourne’s cafes, laneways, and attractions are just a tram ride away.
7. Love the Atmosphere
What makes the Australian Open truly special is its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific, where fans worldwide come together to celebrate their love for tennis. You really won’t be out of place if you dress up in colours to support your home nation, or to wear a hat with tennis balls on it!
The crowd’s energy, the thrill of the matches, and the unbeatable Melbourne summer vibes make this event unforgettable.
8. What to pack for a great day at the Tennis
We have written extensively on what to pack for the Australian Open here.
9. My pick for the best AO Instagram places
I have really enjoyed wandering Melbourne Park and trying to work out what will be amongst the most popular photos shared in 2025. You can find the following
- Big tennis ball – inside AO Shop outside Margaret Court Arena
- The Ralph Lauren tennis racquet is behind Ralph Lauren’s pop-up store at Rod Laver Arena.
- Rod Laver statue at Yarra River end of Rod Laver Arena
- Rod Laver Arena sofa at Garden Square exit of Rod Laver Arena
- Roving tennis balls across the site
- AO Champions scoreboard between Rod Laver Arena and Garden Square
- AO Big Screen in Grand Slam Oval
8. Spectators in AO main store in Centrespace (see photo below)
9. Any of the bars in Grand Slam Oval
10 Large AO sign outside Rod Laver Arena on way to Garden Square
11. AO Hits Different sign overlooking Grandstand Arena.
Courtside Australian Open 2025
The three courtside arenas are ticketed. You can buy tickets via Ticketmaster, and a Ground Pass entry allows access to all other courts.
Ticketed Courts
Rod Laver Arena – Retractable, covered roof, top seeds and top Australian Interest play here
Margaret Court Arena – Retractable, covered roof; some say the best matches are played here during week one.
John Cain Arena – Retractable, covered roof, known as the peoples arena, a livelier atmosphere, this is where Nick Kyrious loves to play amongst his peeps! There are seats available on the day for those with a Ground pass who obtain an Arena Pass:
Join the virtual queue by scanning the QR code displayed at John Cain Arena. Select the number of people in your group (up to 4), and you’ll receive a text message when Arena Passes are available. After that, you’ll have 10 minutes to claim your passes. Read more here
Kia Arena – I love this open-air arena; sit on the side nearest the train tracks for the early morning shade.
Free to enter with a ground pass admission ticket:
Court 3 – Another excellent arena where we have watched some of the toughest battles over the years!
1573 Arena You will find shade cover if sitting at the top of the grandstand.
Court 5 shaded covered seating on one side only
Court 6 Grandstand seating and covered viewing also from the adjacent Grey Goose Courtside Bar pavilion.
Court 7 Stadium covered seating on both sides.
Court 8 Seating one side only.
There is no Court 9
Courts 10 & 11 There is seating on one side and no covered seating.
Court 12 & 13 You can find seating on both sides of the court.
Court 14 Seating both sides of the court. Covered seating is extensive on the far city side of the court.
Court 15 was found behind Court 14 at the far end of Rod Laver Arena, with Stadium seating on one side of the court with one row of seats on the opposite side.
Courts 16 & 17 are found beside Kia Arena and are often used for practice matches.
Spectator Etiquette at Australian Open 2025
When did spectator etiquette fly out the window? In my opinion, it wasn’t helped by the ruling in Rod Laver Arena that people did not need to wait until the end of play to enter or exit the arena for food or drink – surely a commercial decision! Haha, maybe I’m just being too Wimbledon for the AO crowds. Fans are certainly more relaxed here.
So I’m probably preaching to the converted here, but late arrivals disrupt players and fellow spectators on the smaller courts. So, any chance we can wait for a changeover to enter?
- Show appreciation for great play from both sides—sportsmanship is key.
Game, Set, Love!
The Australian Open is always an incredible experience. From world-class tennis to unforgettable fan experiences, there’s so much to see, do, and love. Whether you’re cheering courtside or exploring Melbourne Park, this year’s tournament is not to be missed. We hope this guide gives you ideas for what to see, do and love at the Australian Open 2025. Anyone for tennis?!
Little Wandering Wren completed her Fan Slam in 2023, attending all four Grand Slams across the globe. You might also enjoy the following further tennis reading:
The Wimbledon Championships and how to be part of it in 2025
How to enjoy ace days at Roland Garros
Hello – Crazy Tennis Mum here!
