Australian Open 2026: Your Ultimate Guide

The Australian Open 2026 will run from Monday 12 January to Sunday 1 February 2026, marking three weeks of world-class tennis and entertainment at Melbourne Park.

The Australian Open begins with Opening Week, running from Sunday 12 January to Saturday 17 January. Highlights include free kids’ entry on the first day, qualifying matches, live music each night, and the exciting new Million Dollar 1 Point Slam. Opening Week is a great way to explore Melbourne Park before the Main Draw begins

Watch the world’s top tennis players compete at the Australian Open, culminating in the final weekend (Saturday 30 January to Sunday 1 February) when the champions are crowned.

The Australian Open takes place at Melbourne Park, 40 hectares of parkland on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), nestled between the Royal Botanic Gardens and the bustling CBD.

Rod Laver Arena is the crown jewel of the event, the largest show court hosting the world’s best tennis players. Neighboured by Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena, the three venues can accommodate tens of thousands of fans, and their retractable roofs help shield spectators from Melbourne’s often harsh and unpredictable summer. Beyond the main arenas, the Australian Open features numerous show courts and outside courts, including Kia Arena and 1573 Arena, all accessible with a Ground Pass.

Public transport is the quickest and easiest option. Before you attend, plan ahead and allow extra travel time for any major disruptions.  Trains, trams, and buses run frequently, bringing fans to the heart of Melbourne Park. Richmond, Jolimont, and Flinders Street stations are all within a 10-minute walk of the entry points, while Tram 70 stops at the city entrance, just steps from the action.

For those preferring taxis, a rank is located next to Grand Slam Oval on Olympic Boulevard, close to all entry points. Rideshare services such as Uber have a designated drop-off and pick-up point outside John Cain Arena on Olympic Boulevard, providing a safe and convenient alternative.

Limited paid parking is available nearby at Yarra Park (MCG) on a first-come, first-served basis, with no pre-booking required. Public transport remains the quickest and easiest option, especially with extra train and tram services running throughout the tournament.

Tickets are now on sale to the public via Ticketmaster. Ground Passes for Opening Week start from just $10 for adults and $5 for kids, making it one of the best-value ways to experience the Australian Open.

Day sessions start from 11:00 am and night sessions from 7:00 pm. Each session requires its own ticket. During Opening Week, Ground Pass tickets include access to open practice sessions, music, and entertainment across the site.

Yes. A Ground Pass gives you access to John Cain Arena (subject to availability), outdoor courts, big screens, practice sessions, AO Ballpark, and festival zones like Grand Slam Oval and TopCourt. With expanded access in 2026, there’s more to see and do than ever before.

Yes. Simply scan out at the gates to receive a pass-out for same-day re-entry.

You can bring small bags, hats, sunscreen, and sealed water bottles. New shaded structures like The Highline and double-storey Grand Slam Oval make it easier to stay cool on hot days. Please read the Ticket Conditions of Sale and Entry and Melbourne Park AO26 Conditions of Entry before purchasing tickets and attending the event.

Yes, you can bring food and non-alcoholic drinks in sealed containers.

Yes, you might want to travel light, as the Australian Open 2026 has its biggest food lineup ever, featuring the first-ever Shake Shack in Australia, Garden Square newcomers like Hector’s Deli and Layla, and returning favourites like Peach Melbourne and Grey Goose Lemon Ace cocktails.

Yes. Expanded shaded seating areas and new elevated viewing platforms have been added, particularly The Highline and the revamped Courtside Bar zone.

Free water refill stations are located throughout Melbourne Park. Bringing a reusable bottle is highly recommended.

Yes. Melbourne Park is fully accessible with ramps, lifts, wheelchair seating, and accessible amenities. In-seat ordering and roving vendors have also expanded for easier access this year. Check out the Australian Open accessibility and inclusion resources.

A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available at the Eastern Plaza Car Park (Entrance D, Olympic Boulevard) and must be purchased in advance. Fans will be able to add accessible parking as an add-on while purchasing their tickets, or contact Ticketmaster for further assistance.

An accessible drop-off point is conveniently located near the Eastern Plaza Car Park (Entrance D, Olympic Boulevard). From here, fans are just a short distance from the Travellers Aid Buggy Station, which provides complimentary transfers to the Garden Square Entrance.

Yes, parent rooms, baby change facilities, and kids’ play zones like AO Ballpark presented by Emirates are available across the precinct.

The daily match schedule is updated on the official Australian Open app and website.

Yes, during Opening Week, fans can watch top players up close at Open Practice in Rod Laver Arena. It’s one of the best ways to see stars without an arena ticket.

Play continues under the retractable roofs at Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena. Outdoor matches may be paused or rescheduled.

Yes! Australian Open 2026 features its biggest family program yet, including free kids’ entry on day one, AO Ballpark with water play and mini courts, Kids Tennis Day on 17 January, and player racquet giveaways.

AO LIVE, the Australian Open’s 21-day music and entertainment festival, transforms Melbourne Park into a summer party hub alongside the tennis. Each night, fans can enjoy live performances, DJ sets, acoustic sessions and headline concerts across multiple stages – including Grand Slam Oval, Garden Square and John Cain Arena. AO LIVE runs throughout Opening Week and the tournament, with nightly music, afternoon acoustic sets, and five AO LIVE Presents headline concerts at John Cain Arena.

Headline acts for 2026 include: The Kid LAROI, Peggy Gou, Spacey Jane, The Veronicas and SOFI TUKKER, with more acts to be announced. See the full AO LIVE 2026 line-up.