Amid streams of energetic patrons, sunny summer day sessions and the excitement both on court and off, it is easy to become swept up in the buzz at Melbourne Park during the Australian Open.
For some, winding down and enjoying the AO within more relaxed and less lively surrounds on the precinct provides a necessary refresh.
These are our top five suggestions to bring some chill time to your AO 2024 experience.
Relax at Garden Square
The hugely popular space in front of Rod Laver Arena will be reimagined at AO 2024 when it is shaded for the first time, allowing patrons to take in all the action on the big screen with greater protection from the sun.
Some of Lygon Street’s most iconic European-inspired food outlets will provide a great range of dining options to feast on while resting and resetting here.
The Australian Open’s Customer Experience Strategy and Design Manager for Precinct, Olga Grueva, says Garden Square is likely a better option than Grand Slam Oval if you wish to avoid peak crowds.
“Garden Square will have a new shade canopy spanning the whole circle so people will actually be able to stay longer and unwind,” Grueva says. “It's the kind of spot to go and catch your breath, grab a bite to eat and not have the mass crowds.”
To the northwest of Garden Square – you head right after entering through the Garden Square Entrance – patrons can stake out a spot at the new Court 6 Courtside Bar.
MORE: AO Courtside Bar offers fans brand-new experience at AO 2024
“We're going to have a DJ there but it'll be more chilled so the vibe will come down a bit,” Grueva says.
“This is where you want to watch tennis, while still being able to chill and relax.”
2. Sensory Rooms
Tucked away from the busy hustle and bustle, patrons have the chance to reset and stimulate the senses at the calming Sensory Rooms.
The Australian Open can be action-packed with huge crowds and a lot of noise, so the Sensory Rooms will come as a welcome reprieve for the neurodiverse community.
Sensory Rooms will be found at the AO Ballpark and at John Cain Arena for patrons with sensory needs.
3. Cool down and refresh
Staying cool and hydrated is key to any AO visit and fortunately there are ample free drinking fountains to fill your water bottles across Melbourne Park.
You can also do this by seeking out mister fans and extra shaded areas for 2024.
“Water is available throughout, and water misters are everywhere, so there are cooling zones all across the precinct,” Grueva says.
“When you get off the tram and through the new Garden Square Entrance it’s even more welcoming the moment you walk in... To the right is where you will find the big water misters.”
If mist-blowing fans, thirst-quenching drinks and ice cream still aren’t quite cutting it with the kids, they can cool off at AO Ballpark’s Splash Zone, which features a range of water-based activities, including a waterslide.
Enter under the water misters through the AO Ballpark archway.
4. Gather on the AO Pride Green
If unable to pull up a seat under the shade in Garden Square, the grassy knoll, just a short walk from there to the western side of Show Court 3, is set to take on a colourful transformation as the AO Pride Green.
Situated off the end of Tanderrum Bridge near MCA, it is a perfect spot to take a break and find a patch of grass on which to eat, drink and watch live action on the big screen.
The AO will become a celebration of pride, inclusion and diversity on AO Pride Day on Thursday 25 January, making AO Pride Green a welcoming space to wind down.
5. Take the City Entrance along the Yarra River
If arriving at Melbourne Park from the city, Grueva advises taking the City Entrance for patrons who wish to avoid packed trams and the busier Garden Square and Grand Slam Oval entrances.
“It’s actually a really beautiful route (via Birrarung Marr) and only a nine-minute walk from Flinders Street Station to the ticketed entrance, and you've got the option of stopping off at AO Hilltop, which is free to access,” she says.
“We've got live entertainment and the Canadian Club Padel Court this year, which is all free, before ticketed patrons can come through the City Entrance.”
