The Australian Open, much like many things in Australia, is colloquially and affectionately known as the Happy Slam – named so for its calm and positive experience and uniquely Aussie flavour. With a fortnight of world‑class tennis, it’s Melbourne at full volume. Think buzzing arenas, headline concerts after dark and a city that pairs fine dining with laneway cool.
If you’re eyeing the Australian Open as a proper summer escape, it runs from 12 January to 1 February 2026 at Melbourne Park. The opening week spans 12–17 January 2026 (including qualifying, charity matches, open practice sessions and Kids Tennis Day), the main draw starts Sunday 18 January, and the women’s and men’s singles finals are set for Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February, respectively. Let’s see what is on offer, so that you can make your Happy Slam stay one to remember down under.
Essentials of the Australian Open 2026
- Where you’ll be: Melbourne Park – home to Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena. If Australian Open tennis hospitality is on your wishlist, look at AO Reserve for prime lower‑bowl seats paired with proper dining rather than just a lounge and a lanyard.
- The vibe: AO is a festival as much as a Grand Slam. In 2026, AO LIVE stretches to five nights; The Kid LAROI, Peggy Gou, Spacey Jane, The Veronicas and SOFI TUKKER are already on the board, which means you can plan tennis by day and a proper show after dark.
- Tickets & timing: 2026 dates are set, and general tickets opened in October 2025. Lock in sessions early – night tickets are popular for cooler temperatures and marquee matches.
- Practicalities: Bring only one small bag per person that can fit under your seat; small plastic drink bottles and food in permissible packaging are allowed (no glass; large containers not permitted). Always check the latest Conditions of Entry before you go.
Quick tips for AO first‑timers (and VIPs)
Short version: wear a hat, reapply SPF and bring a refillable plastic bottle for the water stations. If you like to stretch your legs, pick Aisle Seating at checkout where available – it’s a small quality‑of‑life upgrade.
If you want more tips for the Australian Open tennis, aim for a day session mid‑week to roam the outside courts, then a night session for a marquee match and a cooler breeze.
Getting to Melbourne with Ease (and with style)
For private flyers, Melbourne gives you two excellent gateways:
- Melbourne Airport (MEL/Tullamarine) – the international hub ~21 km from the CBD, with the impressive Melbourne Jet Base: a purpose-built private terminal offering 24/7 runway access plus on-site customs and immigration for discreet, fast transfers.
- Essendon Fields (MEB/YMEN) – Melbourne’s primary business jet airport, ~13–16 km from the city, with multiple FBOs (ExecuJet, Melbourne Corporate Jet Centre/Platinum Business Aviation Centre) providing VIP lounges, concierge and quick kerb-to-aircraft service.
If you’re planning private flights to Australia, AirX will match the aircraft to your party – long‑range jets for non‑stops, or VIP airliners when you’re travelling as a group – and line up the ground transfer so you roll straight into the hotel or the AO precinct:
- Private jets: Long‑range comfort for small groups with lie‑flat seating and a tailored schedule — ideal for nonstop or one‑stop routes to Australia.
- VIP airliners for larger groups: For larger parties, wide‑cabin layouts with separate zones and full‑service dining — perfect for teams and entourages.
- Commercial VIP solutions: Premium cabins on scheduled carriers with itinerary flexibility and concierge support end‑to‑end.
Stay in Melbourne’s Top Hotels During the Open
Below are five luxury favourites close to the action. Prices swing with demand (AO is peak season), so treat the Euro figures as indicative snapshots taken from public rates as of Oct 2025 – it might be higher across the tournament window.
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne (CBD)
Expect sky‑high views across the city and a sense of theatre at the signature restaurant on level 80 – a dramatic spot for a pre‑ or post‑match dinner.
- Average price per night: €330–€420 per night (based on recent listings from ~£288–$351)
- Distance from MEL: ≈21–24 km to the CBD
Crown Towers Melbourne (Southbank)
A resort‑style tower with a showpiece pool and day spa, plus instant access to the Crown dining precinct – ideal when you want big‑name restaurants within a short stroll.
- Average price per night: €250–€600+ per night (public range $210–$651)
- Distance from MEL: ≈21–24 km
The Langham, Melbourne (Southbank)
Classic riverside elegance with gracious service and that famous afternoon tea, all an easy walk to the arts precinct and river promenades.
- Average price per night: €160–€260+ per night (recent listings from $168+).
- Distance from MEL: ≈21–24 km
Park Hyatt Melbourne (Parliament/Collins East)
Grand, residential‑style interiors beside Fitzroy Gardens create a calm, unhurried base between day and night sessions.
- Average price per night: €190–€260+ per night (recent listings from $205+)
- Distance from MEL: ≈22–25 km
Design‑led rooms and lively public spaces make this a nightlife‑friendly choice, perfectly placed for laneway dining and late‑night cocktails.
- Average price per night: €220–€300+ per night (recent listings from $232–$239+)
- Distance from MEL: ≈21–24 km
Why distances look similar: Most top hotels sit in the CBD/Southbank, and Melbourne Airport–CBD is ~21 km. Transfer times vary with traffic so allow longer pre-concert or post-match.
Beyond the Court: Eat, Sip, Celebrate
AO LIVE turns the precinct into a party – book your tennis by day and live music by night (John Cain Arena hosts the big acts). Expect 2026 shows from The Kid LAROI, Peggy Gou, Spacey Jane, The Veronicas and SOFI TUKKER, with more to follow.
Within the grounds, the Open keeps levelling up food and drink, from pop-ups by cult names to signature cocktails, with 2026 set to feature brand tie-ins and returning favourites across the precinct.
Step outside the gates and you’re in laneway‑dining heaven: tiny doors, big flavour and a bar scene that knows its way around a martini. For a quintessential night, graze the lanes off Flinders Lane before finishing with martinis at Caretaker’s Cottage, freshly crowned Best Bar in Australasia and placed No.19 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2025.
Tips for Australian Open Tennis — Doing It the Smart, Stylish Way (save this bit)
- Plan your sessions: Day tickets get you sun-splashed tennis and access to the wider precinct; night sessions deliver marquee matches in cooler temps and an easy segue to AO LIVE.
- Beat the heat: Bring a hat, wear light fabrics, and reapply SPF. There are sunscreen stations and water points around the precinct.
- Know the rules: Bags must be A4 size or smaller (or fit under your seat). Small soft-plastic water bottles and food in permissible packaging are fine; glass and oversized containers are not.
- Hospitality for impact: If this is a client-hosting trip, look at AO Reserve for lower-bowl seats with premium dining, as it sells quickly for key rounds.
How AirX Makes It Effortless
From private flights to Australia with direct access to Melbourne’s VIP terminals to door‑to‑door logistics, AirX adds a dedicated Concierge and convenient support: chauffeured luxury cars or helicopter transfers, personalised planning and swift coordination so every hand‑off feels seamless.
Onboard, trained cabin crew deliver fine‑dining menus tailored to your preferences, luxurious cabins stocked with high‑end amenities, thoughtful touches for families and a warm welcome for pets. We can also assist with bookings near Melbourne Park and arrange last‑mile transfers, so you move from jet bridge to baseline without friction – ask us how we can help.
Enjoy Luxury at the Happy Slam
Australian Open 2026 blends elite tennis with a citywide celebration, premium seats, live music, five-star stays and a dining scene made for post-match storytelling. Lock in your sessions, pick your hotel, and let AirX orchestrate the journey end-to-end. We’ll get you from jet bridge to baseline with immaculate timing and all the style that Melbourne offers, and you deserve.
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