Our AO Hacks series returns in the build-up to Australian Open 2026, offering handy tips and tricks to help you elevate your experience at Melbourne Park.
Why do you visit the Australian Open?
Everyone has a different answer. Whether it’s watching Carlos Alcaraz at Rod Laver Arena, catching Aryna Sabalenka on the practice courts, meeting friends on summer holidays, or taking the kids to a Night with Novak, the AO offers something unique to every fan.
In 2026, the Australian Open precinct is bigger and more immersive than ever. In addition to the action on centre court, here’s your guide to the 'worlds' that make up the site of the Happy Slam.
The Village
Sometimes, the most popular courts at the Australian Open are the ones without any matches being played.
Nestled between John Cain Arena and Kia Arena, The Village is where fans can get up close to Courts 16 and 17 to see the world’s best fine-tune their games.
With shaded viewing platforms, along with The Local serving up refreshing beverages and bar snacks, The Village is as much a hangout as it is a tennis hotspot.
Grand Slam Oval & Garden Square
Grand Slam Oval and Garden Square are two of Melbourne Park’s most beloved places.
If you’re after a livelier scene with tennis beaming on a big screen, Grand Slam Oval is the place to be. Enjoy live music, Melbourne’s edgiest local artists, and sample food and drinks from some of the city’s best restaurants and AO partner bars.
It truly comes alive after dark, and with nightly tickets from $19, it’s the ultimate spot for 5pm knockoffs.
Garden Square is for those seeking a more relaxed experience. It’s perfect for watching the biggest matches under the shade, cold drink in hand, surrounded by family-friendly fans soaking up the tennis.
AO Ball Park Presented by Emirates
For the young tennis fans, Ballpark Presented by Emirates is where the adventure begins. Packed with family fun, don't miss out on the Hot Shots Mini Courts, 2.5m and 6m Waterslides, Emirates obstacle course and baggage drop activities, live shows featuring favourites like Peppa Pig and Superman, and plenty more tennis fun.
If you’re planning a visit, kids go free on the first day of Opening Week (Monday 12 January) or come for Kids Tennis Day Presented by Emirates (Saturday 17 January) for exclusive one-day-only activities that take over the entire precinct.
Enter via the Birrarung Marr entrance, just a short walk along the Yarra.
TOPCOURT
It’s only natural to want to get moving after watching hours of Grand Slam action.
TOPCOURT, designed with Gen-Z fans in mind, is a space where sport, music, gaming, food and culture collide, giving fans the freedom to create their own unique experience.
Enter via the Birrarung Marr Middle Terrace with a Ground Pass ticket.
Courtside Bar
One of the most popular new spots at Melbourne Park, the Courtside Bar overlooking Court 6 is back for 2026 with increased capacity, enhanced tennis viewing and a mouth-watering bar menu.
A short turn from the Garden Square entrance, this is an elevated AO experience with a bird’s-eye view of the action.
RLA Terrace Shopping
Shopping at the Australian Open is a great way to stroll in the shade with a friend while picking up something special to remember the day.
There are two flagship AO shops on site – one below Margaret Court Arena and one at Centrepiece, which also features a gaming zone along with a full range of AO merchandise.
You can also pick something up in the smaller stores along the concourse, or in TOPCOURT and Ballpark.
Getting around with the AO 3D map
Melbourne Park is huge, and it's easy to get turned around.
Luckily, the precinct is designed for smooth navigation, and the digital map makes finding your way even easier.
Accessible via the AO App, the 3D map lets you plot the fastest route with stops along the way, as well as estimated travel times and distance.