There’s a lot to love about the Australian Open; the matches, the players, the colour, the atmosphere, the entertainment, the fan experience and more.
As the first grand slam of the year the Australian Open always delivers top tennis matches, unexpected upsets and drama. Along with the tennis, the Australian Open offers entertainment galore, which adds to the atmosphere and ensures that everyone has a fabulous day out.
The Australian Open is the first grand slam of the year
The links in this article will enhance your AO and Melbourne experience.
Getting Tickets
You can’t enjoy the event if you can’t get tickets! But one of the awesome things about the Australian Open is that tickets are easy to get and in previous years, with the exception of the middle Saturday, you could even buy them on the day.
Read my Tips for Buying Australian Open Tickets
Find out about Australian Open Memberships and the member ticket pre-sale.
The Lead Up to the Australian Open
There is a frenzy of tournaments leading up to the Australian Open, held in Australia and other countries.
Here’s a quick review:
- Who won what: Tournament winners leading up to the 2014 Australian Open
- Men’s Tournaments in Aus and NZ prior to the 2014 Australian Open
- Women’s Tournaments in Aus and NZ prior to the 2014 Australian Open
Lleyton Hewitt at the AAMI Classic
Andy Murray at the AAMI Classic
Juan Monaco at the 2014 AAMI Classic
Roger won the RF and Friends exho v Tsonga
Hewitt, Tsonga, Laver, Federer, Roche and Rafter
Grigor Dimitrov
View more photos from events leading up to the 2014 Australian Open:
- Men at the Brisbane International 2014 – Roger, Lleyton, Feli and More
- Women at the Brisbane International 2014 – Serena, Maria and More
- AAMI Classic Fan Day
- Djokovic v Monaco AAMI Classic Exhibition Match
- Hewitt v Murray AAMI Classic Exhibition Match
- Roger and Friends Charity Event
This article will be useful too: 8 Tips for Staying Fit and Healthy During the Australian Open
Getting to the Australian Open
One of the great things about the Australian Open, especially compared to the other grand slams, is the central location, which makes it really easy to get to.
Train at Flinders St station
Read these articles to learn about the different ways to get to the grounds, and how to work Melbourne’s public transport system.
- Melbourne’s Public Transport Ticketing System (myki cards)
- Getting around Melbourne
- How to Get to Melbourne Park
Myki card readers on trams
At the event
You can see a huge amount of tennis at the Australian Open, especially in the early rounds, but be prepared for a long and often extremely hot day.
- What you can, and can’t, bring to the Australian Open
- AO Essentials
- Useful iPhone Apps
- Maps of the Grounds
There are practice courts where you can see players practicing. A practice schedule is published each day on the AO website and at the grounds.
The Practice Courts
Enjoying Melbourne
In 2012 the Global Livability Survey ranked Melbourne as the world’s most livable city.
I’ve lived in Melbourne for nearly 25 years and I love living there. It’s clean, safe, friendly and overflowing with great places to eat, drink and enjoy.
While visiting Melbourne, if you need help or directions, just ask someone nearby. Generally people are happy to help and if they’re going in the same direction they’ll even walk you to the place you’re looking for.
Overseas visitors often comment on how friendly and obliging Melburnians are. My theory is that it’s such a nice city to live that everyone who lives in Melbourne wants visitors to have the best possible experience.
Here is some info on places to enjoy while you’re not at the tennis. Many of them have Australian Open specials and will be showing tennis on TV.
- Snapshot of Melbourne’s Neighbourhoods: Where to Eat, Drink and Play Part 1
- Snapshot of Melbourne’s Neighbourhoods: Where to Eat, Drink and Play Part 2
Melbourne street art
Having coffee is a major Melbourne past time
For more information about Melbourne visit:
Enjoy your Australian Open experience! If you have further questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
Until next time
Grand Slam Gal