Heading to Melbourne for the Australian Open? The tennis may be the main event, but there’s plenty more worth exploring beyond the courts. Melbourne Park sits within close reach of some of the city’s most famous attractions. If you have a few hours to spare or a full day dedicated to exploring the area, here are 10 of the best things to do near Melbourne Park.
1. Tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground
If one world-famous sporting venue isn’t enough, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is right next door to Melbourne Park. Better known simply as the MCG, this enormous stadium is one of Australia’s most celebrated sporting landmarks. Guided tours take visitors behind the scenes into areas normally reserved for players and officials, while the Australian Sports Museum inside the stadium adds interactive exhibits and sporting challenges. For anyone traveling to Melbourne because they love sports, this should be near the top of the list.
Location: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Avenue, Richmond, VIC 3002
2. Explore Melbourne’s Famous Laneways
Melbourne’s laneways are much more than shortcuts through the city. Head toward Hosier Lane, Centre Place and AC/DC Lane to discover colorful street art, tiny coffee shops, restaurants and hidden bars tucked between the buildings. The artwork is constantly changing, so even returning visitors can find something new. Best of all, exploring the laneways doesn’t require a full day, making this an easy activity to squeeze in before an afternoon or evening session at the Australian Open.
Location: Start at Hosier Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000
3. Take in the Views From Melbourne Skydeck
Want to see just how close Melbourne Park is to the heart of the city? Melbourne Skydeck sits almost 300 metres above Melbourne in the Eureka Tower, providing spectacular views across the city. The main observation deck is on the 88th floor, but thrill-seekers can take things further with The Edge, a glass cube that extends out from the building. Visit around sunset and you can watch Melbourne transform from day to night before heading to the tennis.
Location: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC 3006
4. Wander Through the Royal Botanic Gardens
Just south of Melbourne Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens are the perfect antidote to a noisy day in the stands. The huge 38-hectare gardens are filled with lakes, lawns, walking paths and thousands of plant species. You can simply wander with a coffee, pack a picnic or make the experience more memorable by taking an Aboriginal Heritage Walk. If you’re visiting in the height of Melbourne’s summer, it’s a lovely place to spend a slower morning before the day’s tennis begins.
Location: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, VIC 3004
5. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria
You don’t need to to be an art expert to enjoy the NGV. Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum regularly hosts major international exhibitions alongside its enormous permanent collection. The striking building on St Kilda Road is also close to Melbourne Park, making it particularly convenient for Australian Open visitors. General entry to the permanent collection is free, so it’s also an excellent option if you’re balancing expensive tennis tickets with a few budget-friendly activities.
Location: NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3006
6. Get Interactive at ACMI
Movies, television, video games and digital culture all come together at ACMI in Federation Square. Rather than feeling like a traditional museum, many of its displays are interactive, with exhibits exploring everything from cinema and animation to gaming and special effects. Its central exhibition is free, and Federation Square sits conveniently between Melbourne’s CBD and Melbourne Park. It’s an easy way to fill a couple of hours before heading to an afternoon or night session.
Location: Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
7. Walk Along the Yarra River and Southbank
Sometimes one of the best ways to experience Melbourne is simply to walk through it. Start around Melbourne Park and Birrarung Marr, follow the Yarra toward Federation Square and continue along Southbank, where you’ll find restaurants, bars and fantastic views back toward the city. Time your walk for late afternoon, stop somewhere along Southbank for dinner, and you’ve got a great way to spend the hours before an evening at the Australian Open.
Location: Start at Birrarung Marr, Batman Avenue, Melbourne, VIC 3000
8. Explore Federation Square
Sitting opposite Flinders Street Station, Federation Square is one of Melbourne’s best-known meeting places and an easy stop on the way to or from Melbourne Park. The distinctive square is home to ACMI, the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and the Koorie Heritage Trust, along with restaurants, bars and a busy calendar of events. It’s particularly fun during major sporting events, when the area can take on a lively atmosphere of its own.
Location: Swanston Street & Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
9. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance
For something completely different from the excitement of the Australian Open, head to Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance. The landmark was originally created to honor Victorians who served during the First World War and has since become one of the city’s most important memorials. Explore the exhibitions inside before heading up to the balcony, where you’ll be rewarded with impressive views toward Melbourne’s skyline. Entry is free, making this another worthwhile addition to your itinerary.
Location: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne, VIC 3001
10. Relax in Fitzroy Gardens
Located on the opposite side of the sporting precinct, Fitzroy Gardens offers a peaceful place to spend an hour or two away from the Australian Open crowds. These historic gardens feature tree-lined paths, fountains, flowerbeds and plenty of shady spots to escape Melbourne’s January sun. You’ll also find Cooks’ Cottage here, a centuries-old English cottage that was transported to Melbourne and rebuilt in the gardens.
Location: Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, VIC 3002
