Welcome to the Australian Open. Is anyone for Tennis? The Australian Open (AO) is played in Melbourne, known for its four seasons in one-day weather. So let’s just say you’d be mad not to channel your inner Girl Guide and ‘be prepared‘. I’m here to help you pack & prepare for a great day at the AO tennis!
As a veteran attendee of the Aussie Open for the past twenty-five years, let me escort you through what to bring to have a successful day at the tennis.
Or, for those of you in the depths of winter reading this from across the globe, come for a wander with me to Grand Slam Oval. It’s almost as good as being there!
What’s the weather like?
The Australian Open is held in the last two weeks of January; it’s Summer Down Under! Die-hard tennis fans know that almost anything can happen weatherwise.
Who remembers the dreadful years in 2020 that started with the much-publicised hazardous air quality during the Qualifying Tournament? Followed by tropical hail that dented our cars and broke friends’ skylights and car windscreens in the city. On Day One, the organisers dealt with a month’s rain in 24 hours. Oh, my Giddy Aunt, and then it got hotter!
Maybe I should pipe down; otherwise, I might put you off. However, to reassure you, the Aus Open is the best-prepared Grand Slam to shield spectators from inclement weather. It was the first Grand Slam tournament to introduce a retractable roof over its main court in Rod Laver Arena. This feature allows matches to continue even in the case of rain or extreme heat. Today, there are three stadiums: Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena and Margaret Court Arena, with retractable roofs.
How to plan & be prepared
- Check out the AO website and download the AO App. Both give you all the up-to-date information required.
- Under ‘VISIT’: you will find all the information you need regarding Ticket Info, Arrival & Gate Times, Tournament (with match schedule and played details, Smart maps, etc.
- Under ‘TOURNAMENT’: Check out both the Match Schedule and Practice Schedules. Know which courts your favourite players are playing on. Regarding match times, you need to check the Live Scores to work out match starting times.
- PRACTICE SCHEDULE shows where you can see players typically playing in the arenas. Last year we watched Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur. The good news is the times are fixed. It is a great way to see the top players without a stadium ticket.
- To avoid the crowds, consider attending the Qualifying Tournament. In 2024, 1,020,763 fans attended the main draw. It was the first time a Grand Slam tournament had over a million spectators through the gates. Gotta love that accessibility.
What to pack for the Aus Open
Here are things I always pack to ensure everything runs like clockwork!
- Empty water bottles; there are hydrating stations available across the site; fill up as you arrive, save carrying the weight from home.
- Towel to sit on those seats gets sweaty, even on lower temperature days.
- Cushion, if you arrive at Melbourne Park opening times, they will often give out free seat cushions, especially around the ANZ stand in the Fan Zone.
- Power bank, there are charging stations on-site, but who wants to miss play?!
- Sarong, useful to sit on, on the grass or as a coverup on extreme heat days.
What to wear at the Australian Open?
While there isn’t a strict dress code for spectators, unlike Wimbledon, where you may want to join the flowery summer dress brigade, or Roland Garros, where you will be in the back of your wardrobe searching for the chicest outfit you possess, at the Aus Open known for its vibrant atmosphere, anything goes!
The Melbourne crowd is loving and loud in all regards; you will probably have some great times people-watching and will spot lots of people in fancy dress!
You’ll likely spend a lot of time on your feet, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
Can I take my own food?
Yes, absolutely, you can! Of course, you can splash out and eat in one of the many eateries around the grounds, and as Grand Slams go, the food choices are not too bad, but as you would expect, it’s expensive.
We always pack a classic picnic during the day, and our nighttime go-to evening is usually sushi! Take loads of snacks.
Plan your transport
Melbourne Park, home of the Aus Open, has the best location of all the Grand Slams, centrally located in the city with easy public transport access.
AO Entrances
There are three fan entrances:
- Garden Square Entrance
- Grand Slam Oval Entrance
- City Entrance
AO Reserve guests can also enter the precinct from:
- AO Reserve & Partner Entrance presented by Marriott Bonvoy at Garden Square
- AO Reserve & Partner Entrance presented by Marriott Bonvoy at Grand Slam Oval
Arriving by Public Transport
Download Victoria Transport Metlink Journey Planner. Journey Planner provides detailed information on public transport and maps right across Victoria.
Tram
On hot days, take the tram (free from Flinders Street station with your Aus Open ticket). It will get you the closest to the courts at the City Entrance.
‘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, 12 January to Sunday, 26 January’.
Train
Richmond and Jolimont train stations are a 5-10 minute walk to Grand Slam Oval Entrance (recommended for access to John Cain Arena and the numerous food and beverage outlets at Grand Slam Oval.
This is usually a fun start, as the marketing freebies are often given out in these locations.
Rideshare
There are designated rideshare pick-up locations outside John Cain Arena along Olympic Boulevard and further along Olympic Boulevard near tram stop 7D. Just remember, if you are taking an Uber home, do not order your ride until you reach the pickup point to avoid those annoying waiting surcharges.
Water Taxi
If you are looking for a cool VIP way to arrive, what about a Melbourne Water Taxi? Water taxis deliver guests to a docking platform on the Yarra River opposite Rod Laver Arena. They can accommodate parties of up to 12 people and must be pre-booked. For more information or to make a booking, click here.
What to pack for the Australian Open tennis
How to pack and handle Extreme Heat days
Where to sit
Choose courts and matches wisely – find shade
Use the AO daily schedule (free with your 2025 AO Official Program purchase) to choose courts with shade options.
Arrive early. Get there as the gates open at 10 am to make the most of the coolest part of the day. Use this time to wander and pick up the freebie ANZ battery-operated fans, free sunscreen, and other cooling goodies at the Grand Slam Fan Zone as you pass through.
Upgrade to a stadium seat (ask for shade only) at the Ticketmaster ticket booths. Once the Extreme Heat Policy kicks in, the roof will be closed, making it relatively comfortable for those in Rod Laver, John Cain Arena, and Margaret Court Arena. Happy days!
Queue up for The People’s Court at John Cain Arena, where the retractable roof can be closed to cool things off! Free entry with a Ground Pass.
What to pack for the Australian Open tennis
Sun protection – sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, lip salve, a scarf to use as a coverup sun protection, and use the hydration stations for water and cooling.
Umbrella – you are not permitted to use an umbrella in the stands; however, if we get more rain or extreme heat, protect yourself from the elements as best you can.
Keeping cool – a towel to sit on, those plastic seats get so hot, you can also use your towel over your head (as modeled below!)
Freeze your water bottle before you go, wet a facecloth, freeze, and take ice blocks.
A fan: paper or battery-operated; you can usually pick these up from the fan zone, although some are a tad noisy! Paper fans are often given out at the Aperol drinks area.
Take food and snacks (no cans allowed), so you don’t need to give up a shaded seat to nip out for food.
What to do on Extreme heat Days
Enjoy the fan experience activities early in the day. Some of us remember the big queues for the L’Oreal facials and pampering tent back in the day. Many people have commented that there is much to see and do besides the tennis at the Aus Open. Aside from the Fan zone tennis-related activities, here are some great competitions to enter.
Buy an expensive ice cream at Rod Laver/Margaret Court/Melbourne Arena, sit on the floor in the air conditioning, and enjoy!
Seek out the hydration fans that spray water and enjoy!
Haha! It can be quite a game in more ways than one, packing for the Aus Open, but I wouldn’t miss it for the world!
What not to pack!
You can find the full list of AO25-Prohibited-items. Check this out. There may be some things you might be surprised at. You can’t bring your tennis racquet, nor your big flag, to cheer on your local national hero if over 180 cm, and leave your glass water bottle behind as no glass is allowed. You can’t bring in any alcohol, eskies, hampers, or containers bigger than 1.5 litres, which are not allowed.
Sunscreen is needed at the Australian Open, but the good thing is that Australians are well prepared with their slip, slap, slop policy.
The official sunscreen partner of the tournament is Bondi Sands, and you can find free samples of Bondi Sands sunscreen being given out throughout the tournament:
Across the 15 days of top tennis, we will give away over 500,000 FREE Bondi Sands Sport SPF 50 Wet Skin sunscreen samples from our three Game. Set. Protect. Sunscreen Stations, positioned around the Melbourne Park precinct.
Shopping
Most things you might need (like a Koala hat) are available to buy at Melbourne Park. The AO Fan shop is a good place to pick up a towel, cap, or your next tennis outfit. There is even a convenient pop-up Chemist Warehouse store on-site during the AO to ensure they have everything they need for a fun-filled day at the tennis.
AO Live
If you are joining the Australian Open from around the globe, you may not know that Melbourne Park sells an evening Ground Pass. It is quite the thing to join your mates down at Melbourne Park for a balmy drink in the grounds, mine is a Piper-Heidsieck, please.
AO LIVE will present a packed schedule of live music across the AO precinct over three weeks, including bands, solo performers and DJs,
What’s included in an AO LIVE Presents ticket?
John Cain Arena swaps tennis players for pop stars for the last three days. Tickets for AO LIVE Presents start from $89, including Ground Pass access for the whole day. These three massive days of entertainment are from 23 to 25 January. More information here at AO Live
Final thoughts o what to pack for the Australian Open tennis
Thank you for joining me for my guide on what to pack for the Australian Open tennis. I hope that by considering these items and tips, you will be well-prepared for an enjoyable experience at the Australian Open.
Packing smartly ensures you can focus on enjoying the thrilling matches, electric atmosphere, and world-class tennis on offer at Melbourne Park. I hope you will enjoy a fabulous wander at the Australian Open, enjoy the AO excitement as much as we always do, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Game, set, match!
Follow us on Social Media: Find more photos and stories on Instagram throughout the tournament @littlewanderingwren
Further tennis reading
Little Wandering Wren completed her Fan Slam in 2023, attending all four Grand Slams across the globe. You can read more here:
The Wimbledon Championships and how to be part of it in 2025
How to enjoy ace days at Roland Garros
I hope you have the best time at the tennis! Please leave a comment and share any additional tips you might have about what to pack for the Australian Open tennis.
11 comments
What a useful post if you’re lucky enough to be on the spot. Sadly I’m just watching the stats but enjoying it all the same!
Hi Karen – you would have loved the stats of Federer saving 7 match points today, had us all gripped here. Such a lovely two weeks here in Melbourne although nothing gets done except watching the tennis!
That hail looked scary.
Yes, Liz, it made a huge noise for sure! Did you see the large Hail iceball I had on my Instagram stories? Wild or what! Luckily there was no tennis matches that day!
Wren x
Glad to hear fire relieving rain has arrived in Austrzlia, but I’m sure the hail wasn’t welcome. We’ve had episodes of damaging hail in Colorado so I know how destructive it is.
Enjoy the open! I attened a few tennis opens in New York and they were always very exciting
Oh, Pat, I’m sorry to hear about your damaging hail.
I would love to go to the US Open, we love cheering for our American players. I’m hoping to get there this year myself. Fingers crossed.
Wren x
I am so jealous! I love tennis and always try to get to Wimbledon but it is very, very difficult to get tickets as you have to enter a ballot forthem. Watching the AO means I am sleep deprived at the moment as it is midnight here before the matches start. Enjoy!
Hello, Marie Yes we are so, so lucky here in Australia with our Aussie Open. You can get Ground Pass tickets on the day. We’re all about the party atmosphere here.
Wimbledon has always been very exclusive! It will be interesting to see how it goes now they have gone for an on-line ballot (closed already for Wimbledon 2020!)
I hope you get some sleep, but if it helps, nothing gets done here either when the tennis is on. Happy watching.
Wren x
Enjoy!
Awesome photos! So many people enjoy their tennis matches! I think that’s too many people for me 🙂
It’s delightful to see you at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week!
My Corner of the World
Wow! – that’s a lot of tips. I hope you have a fantastic time and that the weather is more kind than it has been.
Hugs, Andrea