Your Ultimate What’s On Guide to the Australian Open 2026

The Australian Open has always been more than tennis, but in 2026 it’s firmly a city-wide takeover. From courtside dining and DJ-led lounges to rooftop rallies, beauty activations and riverfront pop-ups, Melbourne becomes a moving festival of food, fashion and culture for three summer weeks.

Whether you’re chasing the best bites inside Melbourne Park, planning pre-match drinks in the CBD or building a full day around the action, this is your guide to the experiences shaping Australian Open season beyond the baseline.

Australian Open 2026: Stylish Picks

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Lune’s Limited-Edition Tennis Ball Pastry

Lune has stepped onto the court with a cheeky one-week-only serve: the Tennis Ball pastry. Created for Incu QV’s Tuckshop in partnership with Nike, it’s a bright, playful nod to tournament season — flaky, zesty and destined to sell out before the first set’s finished. A must-hit stop between matches.

21st to 25th January

Incu QV Tuckshop, QV Melbourne

The Reusable Cup Taking Over the Australian Open

Melbourne’s summer rituals are in full swing, and KeepCup has timed its latest release perfectly. Launching during the Australian Open, the new Ace Range is inspired by tennis culture and designed for long days courtside, in the sun and on the move.

Crafted using cork and recycled tennis balls collected from European courts, the range blends thoughtful design with serious performance — spill-proof, durable and built to keep drinks at the right temperature through hours of play. It’s already been spotted in the hands of more than 75 Australian Open players, including Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff, making it one of the tournament’s most understated accessories.

Sustainable, practical and cool, this is reusable drinkware that serves up true style.

Available to purchase now via KeepCup.

Australian Open 2026: Elite Eats & Treats You Can Only Get Courtside

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M&M’S Brings the Sweet Stuff Back to the Australian Open

The Australian Open 2026 just got a whole lot sweeter. M&M’S much-loved pop-up store at Melbourne Park is returning to Garden Square for the duration of the tournament with exclusive treats, colourful photo moments and plenty of nostalgia.

This year’s activation ups the fun with M&M’S Spotto, encouraging fans across the AO precinct (and nationwide) to spot the iconic Red and Yellow characters or M&M’S logo to score free chocolate. On Thursday, 15th January, podcast favourites Toni & Ryan will bring the laughs with a fan meet-and-greet, a Spotto Cup showdown, and a special visit from the 2026 Australian Open Trophy.

Inside the pop-up, fans will find AO-exclusive pink and light blue M&M’S, limited-edition merch, the new Crunchy Cookie flavour and plenty of moments made for the camera — making it one of the most joyful stops at Melbourne Park this summer.

The 2026 Australian Open Trophy will be visiting the M&M’S Pop-Up Store from 4:15pm to 5pm on Thursday 15th January

M&M’S Pop-Up Store
Garden Square, Melbourne Park
Open from 15th January until 1st February 2026

TOPCOURT

Shake Shack: The global burger favourite makes its Australian debut at the AO, serving made-to-order Angus beef burgers, Cheese Fries and cult classics like the ShackBurger and Shroom Burger. Two AO-only shakes — Honey Macadamia and Choc Fudge Cookies & Cream — round it out.

Peach Melbourne: Inspired by the Peach Melba, this signature soft serve blends peach and raspberry for a cooling, fruit-forward hit. Find it at Court 3, Kia Arena and TOPCOURT.

Lipton Ice Tea: Official Ice Tea of the Australian Open 2026, pouring across the precinct, with Lipton Island at TOPCOURT serving AO-exclusive iced tea creations in a bright, alcohol-free setting.

GARDEN SQUARE

Hector’s Deli: The cult sandwich slinger brings its famous stacks and house-made sodas courtside, delivering serious lunchtime satisfaction.

Layla: Chef Shane Delia brings Middle Eastern-inspired flavours to the AO, with bold, spice-driven dishes designed for sharing.

Vic’s Meat: Vic’s answer to the great Aussie snag in bread, serving elevated sausage sandwiches with seasoned beef, onion and classic sauces.

Courtside Bar AO Frappé: A heat-day essential, available in coffee or chocolate flavours, blending vanilla soft serve, milk and ice. Canned for easy grab-and-go mornings.

Grey Goose Lemon Ace: A citrus-forward cocktail pairing Grey Goose vodka with passionfruit syrup and sparkling lemonade, finished with fresh mint.

Mindy Woods Popcorn Cart: Freshly popped popcorn dressed with Indigenous ingredients sourced from Bundjalung Country, delivering flavour with meaning.

GRAND SLAM OVAL

Season Chicken: Vietnamese-inspired fried chicken, with crispy tenders, a fried chicken sandwich and green papaya salad bringing crunch and brightness.

Ho Jiak: A playful, flavour-packed take on Malaysian favourites, designed for fast, satisfying eating between matches.

JollyGood: A straight-up Melbourne burger moment, serving classic cheeseburgers with nostalgic appeal.

Stalactites x Taverna: Two Melbourne institutions combine for fast-moving Greek favourites, from souvlaki to spanakopita.

D.O.C: Italian street-food-style pizza slices, ideal for quick refuelling without missing a changeover.

Fishbowl: Fresh poke-style bowls and salad boxes for lighter, balanced eating on warm days.

WESTERN COURTS

Match Ready Food & Drinks: A new fast-service concept curated with Japanese eatery Suupaa, serving sandos, noodles and fried chicken built for speed without sacrificing flavour.

AO BALLPARK (PRESENTED BY EMIRATES)

Wonder Pies: A nostalgic tuck-shop moment, bringing classic family favourites and comfort-driven pastry hits to the Ballpark crowd.

AO RESERVE

L’Enclume & Umbel: Simon Rogan brings his internationally recognised, produce-led approach to the AO, drawing on the same ingredient-driven philosophy that underpins his Michelin-starred restaurants.

Quay & Bennelong: Peter Gilmore presents refined Australian dining shaped by native ingredients, technical precision and long-standing relationships with growers and producers.

Agrarian Kitchen: Rodney Dunn and Severine Demanet bring The Agrarian Kitchen to Melbourne Park, with menus centred on seasonal Tasmanian produce and a focus on restraint and balance.

SK Steak & Oyster: The Brisbane favourite delivers premium steak and seafood to the AO Reserve, offering a classic, high-end grill experience.

Sushi Room: Shimpei Raikuni introduces his omakase-style sushi experience, defined by precision, technique and pristine produce.

Victoria & Farmer’s Daughters: Alejandro Saravia highlights Victorian producers through menus that reflect seasonality, sustainability and regional storytelling.

Caretaker’s Cottage: The award-winning cocktail bar brings its sharp, ingredient-focused drinks program to the AO Reserve, strengthening the precinct’s beverage offering.

Australian Open 2026: Courtside Action

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Grey Goose’s Courtside Bar Is Back (and It’s the Chicest Seat in the Stadium)

The Australian Open 2026 just locked in its most stylish return serve. Grey Goose is bringing back its Courtside Bar to Melbourne Park for 2026, once again transforming Court 6 into a French Riviera–inspired escape where the Lemon Ace flows freely and the tennis unfolds right in front of you.

Designed as a pause button on the pace of summer, the reimagined bar pairs sweeping courtside views with elevated stadium seating attached directly to the bar — a first-of-its-kind setup that lets guests sip, settle in and savour the action without missing a rally. Expect signature Goose moments, playful French flair and an atmosphere that feels more South of France than centre court.

The hero serve returns too: the Grey Goose Lemon Ace, a bright mix of Grey Goose vodka, passionfruit syrup and sparkling lemonade, finished with a playful lemon ‘tennis ball’ garnish. Available freshly poured or as an AO-exclusive ready-to-drink can, it’s the cocktail you’ll see in everyone’s hand between sets.

The Grey Goose Courtside Bar
Melbourne Park
12th January to 1st February 2026
Open daily from 9:30am until late

Match Point for Spritz Season: Terrazza Aperol Returns to the Australian Open

Spritz o’clock has officially returned to the Australian Open, with Terrazza Aperol back as the Official Spritz of the tournament for the third year running. Set on Grand Slam Oval, this sun-soaked hotspot channels pure Italian Aperitivo energy, pouring icy Aperol Spritz alongside snackable aperitivo boxes.

Open daily from 12th January to 1st February, it’s the between-matches ritual to know — lounges, cabanas, colour and very strong main-character energy. Tennis optional, spritz mandatory.

Until 1st February

MECCA Serves Beauty Match Point at the Australian Open

This year’s Australian Open comes with a glow-up to match the on-court heat. MECCA returns as Official Beauty Partner, with MECCA COSMETICA named the tournament’s Official SPF, ushering in a long-term partnership with Tennis Australia. The headline act is the MECCA Pro Shop, the first-ever three-storey beauty activation in Australian Open history, planted firmly in the heart of Melbourne Park. Expect express hair, makeup and skincare services, fragrance consultations and exclusive product moments between matches.

Across the precinct, 13 SPF touchpoints and an immersive SPF Studio keep sun safety front of mind, while a limited-edition Australian Open To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen makes this a courtside essential. Beauty, but built for performance.

Game, Set, Style: The AO Shop Pops Up at Fed Square

Before the first ball is even tossed at the Australian Open, the AO energy has already landed at Federation Square. Open from 10th January to 1st February, the AO Shop is part retail space, part gallery, part hangout — serving exclusive merch, extended trading hours and hotel delivery for effortless pre-match prep. There’s also Fifteen Love, a free exhibition curated by Eddie Zammit, plus daily pickleball games, giveaways and complimentary Daniel’s Donuts for the first 100 customers each day.

Tennis fans, consider this your opening serve.

Until 1st February

Federation Square, Melbourne

Nik Hill Brings French Flair to the AO With Grey Goose’s Courtside Menu

Food lovers, this one’s for you. For 2026, Grey Goose has levelled up its courtside offering with a French-inspired menu by Nik Hill, the award-winning chef behind Porcine. Created to pair seamlessly with the Lemon Ace, Hill’s menu leans indulgent yet remains effortless, with dishes designed for grazing between games. Dishes like leek and lobster quiche, duck liver and foie gras parfait with stone fruit gelée, tomato and cucumber salad with goat’s cheese and Pimm’s vinaigrette, truffle honey custard tarts and camembert with brandied prunes.

For those seeking a more intimate AO moment, Grey Goose’s presence extends into Club 1905 as part of the AO Reserve program. Here, premium Grey Goose serves take centre stage, including classic and espresso martinis, plus the option to upgrade to Grey Goose Altius, theatrically finished tableside from a martini trolley with custom bitters or brines.

With bespoke Ralph Lauren uniforms completing the look, Grey Goose’s 2026 return blends courtside spectacle, refined dining and French joie de vivre — proving once again that some of the best seats at the Australian Open come with a cocktail in hand.

Riverside Social Brings DJ Energy to the Australian Open

Live sets and city views converge at the Australian Open 2026, with Riverside Social returning as one of the tournament’s most thoughtfully programmed entertainment spaces. Set above River Terrace, the premium lounge looks out across the Melbourne skyline, hosting a rotating DJ schedule across both daytime and evening sessions available to book.

Presented by iHeartLIVE in partnership with Tennis Australia, Riverside Social offers a composed alternative to the bustle below, designed for settling in between matches.

Food is equally considered, with a menu grounded in local produce. Expect canapés like Maffra smoked cheddar and leek toasties, Buxton smoked trout pâté on potato cakes, and spiced beef fataya, alongside heartier plates including braised lamb ragù rigatoni and Bannockburn free-range chicken baguettes. Desserts and afternoon tea round out a long, easy session courtside.

Various dates and times through AO duration

Day sessions, 10am to 4pm; night sessions, 4pm to 10pm

Reserve tickets here

Young Franco Headlines a Free Riverside Gig at AO Hilltop

The Australian Open 2026 opens with a soundtrack, as Canadian Club hosts a free riverside gig headlined by Young Franco at AO Hilltop on Sunday 18th January. Framed by the Melbourne skyline at Birrarung Marr, the one-night event turns the Canadian Club Racquet Club into an open-air dancefloor, with support sets from Nite Theory and Alex Hayes.

Entry is free with registration via Moshtix and no Australian Open ticket is required, offering an easy way to settle into the opening day of the main draw.

Running daily from 18th January to 1st February 2026, Canadian Club Racquet Club remains open as a walk-in AO hub for DJ-led afternoons, sunset drinks and riverfront views.

Sunday 18th January, doors from 4pm

Line-up:
Jake Webb (4pm)
Nite Theory (5pm)
Alex Hayes (6.15pm)
Young Franco (8pm)
Nite Theory (9.30pm)

Where: Canadian Club Racquet Club, AO Hilltop, Birrarung Marr
Register: Moshtix

Piper-Heidsieck Brings Cabaret Glamour to the Australian Open

Champagne corks are officially popping at the Australian Open 2026. Piper-Heidsieck, the tournament’s Official Champagne Partner, has unveiled its reimagined Champagne Bar at Melbourne Park, returning for its eighth year with a bold new cabaret twist.

Marking the start of AO26 celebrations, Delta Goodrem toasted the tournament by uncorking the first bottle as Piper-Heidsieck’s official ambassador, setting the tone for a summer of glamour, performance and celebration. Expect roaming cabaret dancers, flamboyant French flair and world-class champagne flowing throughout the tournament.

The Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar opens Monday, 12th January and will pour throughout the Australian Open, offering fans a sparkling place to pause between matches and raise a glass to centre-court moments.

Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar, Melbourne Park

Australian Open 2026: Where to Eat & Drink In & Around The City During the Tennis Season

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The Waterside Hotel Is Your AO All-Day Base

If your Australian Open plans call for flexibility, atmosphere, and a very easy tram ride to Melbourne Park, The Waterside Hotel has only gone and entered the chat. Spanning seven levels on Flinders Street, this new CBD arrival does it all: live match screenings in the pub, grazing-friendly menus for between sessions, and a rooftop primed for balmy post-match drinks.

Downstairs, expect elevated pub classics and summer cocktails while the tennis plays on screen. Upstairs, PAST / PORT Rooftop leans into Southeast Asian flavours, skyline views and a drinks list made for long evenings.

Whether you’re pre-match, post-match or settling in for the day, this is an AO hub that actually works around your schedule.

508 Flinders Street, Melbourne

Hickens Hotel x Canadian Club: AO Energy, But Make It Ice-Cold

For a livelier take on AO season, Hickens Hotel has gone all-in on a Canadian Club rooftop takeover. Expect live match screenings, CC beer towers, a dedicated specialty menu and tennis-themed photo moments — all wrapped in an easygoing, social atmosphere. The standout? $10 Canadian Club schooners available exclusively through The Pass app.

127 Russell Street, Melbourne

Morris House x Grey Goose Tennis Club: Where Tennis Meets Riviera Energy

Morris House delivers an AO takeover built on style and celebration, reimagining its multi-level venue as the Grey Goose Tennis Club. Think bespoke martinis, luxe caviar pairings, French-summer aesthetics and photo ops curated for the season. The hero of the month is the Grey Goose Lemon Ace: a bright, summery serve available exclusively with The Pass. It’s the AO experience for those who like their match days dipped in glamour.

120 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Riverland Bar Turns Tangerine for Australian Open Season

Just a riverside stroll from Melbourne Park, Riverland Bar steps into Australian Open mode for Australian Open 2026, setting the scene for relaxed pre-match drinks and post-play hangs. Located beneath Federation Square, the open-air venue is hosting live match screenings on its outdoor big screen alongside a full Aperol Spritz takeover, complete with DJs, an Aperidisco pop-up and limited-edition bites. Sunlit seating, skyline views and a lively crowd carry the energy from day sessions through to late afternoons.

Transport Hotel

Right on the doorstep of Australian Open, Transport Hotel is once again serving as AO dining central, with three distinct levels to suit every match-day mood. Taxi Kitchen brings polished, flavour-driven dining upstairs, complete with city views and an exclusive $70pp Taxi Tennis Menu for pre- or post-match plans. Downstairs, Transport Public Bar delivers casual beers, big screens and buzzy walk-ins, while Transit Rooftop Bar sets the scene for cocktails, skyline views and golden-hour energy.

Game, set, reservation.

Federation Square, Melbourne

San Telmo & Pastuso’s One-Hour Pre-Match Dining

Heading to Melbourne Park straight from work? San Telmo and Pastuso are offering a streamlined pre-match dining format from 12th January to 1st February. The $65 per person menu is designed to be enjoyed within an hour, with bookings available between 3pm–5pm, making it a smart lead-in to an evening session.

12th January to 1st February, 2026

San Telmo, 14 Meyers Place, Melbourne 

Pastuso, 19 AC/DC Lane, Melbourne

Australian Open 2026: Fun Activations In & Around The City

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1 Hotel Melbourne’s Riverside Pickleball Court

This AO season, 1 Hotel Melbourne has turned the Yarra’s edge into a riverside racquet playground with the launch of 1 Hotels Open — a luxe, half-size pickleball court set against sweeping waterfront views. Christened in style by tennis megastars Naomi Osaka and Jannik Sinner last week, the court blends laid-back luxury with playful competition, complete with a courtside concierge, premium gear and a Rodd & Gunn Rosé waiting for you post-match at Crane Bar.

It’s golden-hour sport, Melbourne style — and easily one of the season’s most coveted bookings.

Reserve 1 Hotel Open here

9 Maritime Place, Docklands 

Lacoste’s Floating Tennis Club Lands on the Yarra

Lacoste is serving peak summer energy with the launch of Le Club Lacoste at Afloat. From 16th January to 1st February, the Yarra transforms into a sun-drenched riverside playground complete with a 20-metre floating Lacoste court, French-inspired dining and Melbourne-exclusive Lacoste drops. Expect bespoke cocktails, unbeatable river views and and the ability to watch live tennis against Melbourne skyline views. Court bookings are already filling fast, so whether you’re rallying in style or just settling in for a luxe AO evening, this is the place to be this summer.

Sign up, enquire and book here

16th January to 1st February, 2026

2, Flinders Walk, Melbourne 

Rooftop Pickleball Returns (& It’s Melbourne’s Most Unexpected Summer Flex)

Hilton Melbourne Little Queen Street has brought its rooftop pickleball court back for another AO-season victory lap, turning the CBD skyline into a stay-and-play playground. From now until 28th February, expect fast rallies, Mount Franklin–fuelled refreshment breaks, and courtside cocktails with names worthy of a centre-court moment (hello, Between Sets).

To amplify the city’s Australian Open buzz, HMLQS has teamed up with Game4Padel and HEAD for the ultimate summer giveaway. From 20–30 January, fans can enter via Instagram for the chance to win a luxe overnight stay for two at Hilton Melbourne LQS with breakfast at Luci, welcome cocktails at The Douglas Club, a premium HEAD player pack, and an hour-long padel session across Melbourne’s top courts.

The rooftop pickleball court runs daily until 28 February, welcoming both hotel guests and the public from 9:00am to 8:00pm — serving skyline views, good energy and peak-summer play from first serve to last light. With giveaways, pop-ups and a skyline backdrop dialled to max, it’s the most delightfully Melbourne way to work up a sweat before your next spritz.

Until 28th February

18 Little Queen Street, Melbourne 

W Melbourne’s Poolside Tennis Moment Everyone’s Talking About

If you’re the AO-lover who prefers your match point with a skyline backdrop and a Grey Goose in hand, W Melbourne has (just quietly) locked in the dream setup. Their WET® Deck becomes a poolside screening lounge for the tournament — yes, you can literally watch the Open from the water — complete with a Grey Goose Lemon Ace on arrival and a stay package that sorts you with merch, AO tickets and a private shuttle straight to Melbourne Park.

It’s polished, fun, and very much the move if you want tennis season to feel like a holiday without leaving the CBD.

Poolside Watch Party, 18th January to 1st February; book here

Grey Goose Getaway (hotel stay) – book here

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins Serves Up AO Season in Style

Sofitel Melbourne on Collins has stepped into the Summer of Tennis with a polished in-hotel program that balances sport, sparkle and French-leaning luxury. Sofi’s Lounge now plays host to a branded pickleball court, a Pommery Champagne pop-up and a five-metre LED screen streaming the Australian Open in full flight.

A standout moment last week? A player event with Stefanos Tsitsipas and Venus Williams sharing on-tour insights before a friendly courtside hit.

Just moments from Melbourne Park, it’s one of the chicest AO lounges in town this season.

Until 1st February, 2026

11am to 10pm daily

Collins Place, 25 Collins Street, Melbourne

New Balance Is Taking Over Federation Square for Australian Open 2026

The Australian Open 2026 is expanding beyond Melbourne Park, with New Balance unveiling a two-week activation at Federation Square.

Running from 15th to 27th January, the New Balance Brand House brings together tennis, culture and community, with a packed program designed exclusively for AO26. Highlights include Coco & Cat Eyes, a nail pop-up inspired by Coco Gauff, a meet-and-greet with Aussie cricket captain Pat Cummins on 19th January, and Snips & Sips, offering mullet haircuts inspired by tennis star Jordan Thompson.

Visitors can also expect lawn bowls, arcade games, DJs, and some of Melbourne’s best bites and brews, making it an easy pre- or post-match stop during the tournament. It’s the first time New Balance has opened a second AO venue outside the Melbourne Park precinct — and one of the most accessible activations on the 2026 calendar.

Lawn Bowls & Arcade, 15th – 27th January

Coco & Cat Eyes, inspired by Coco Gauff | 17th – 21st & 26th – 27th January

Meet & Greet, with cricket legend Pat Cummins | 19th January

Snips & Sips, inspired by Jordan Thompson | 23rd – 25th January

Rooftop Racquet Club at QT Melbourne

High above Collins Street, QT Melbourne is serving tennis-season energy with its Rooftop Racquet Club, running from 8th January to 1st March. The rooftop blends open-play pickleball, cocktails and skyline views, with DJ-led sundowners every Friday and Saturday from 6pm and relaxed Sunday sessions from 3pm–6pm.

Until 1st March, 2026

133 Russell Street, Melbourne 

Game On at Collins Square

The Australian Open 2026 energy spills into the CBD as Collins Square transforms its Main Retail Plaza into a pop-up tennis zone from 20th to 22nd January. Running daily from 11am to 2pm, the free activation invites passers-by to test their skills, score instant prizes and enter the draw to win a double pass to the Women’s Final — an easy lunchtime hit with serious Grand Slam appeal.

20th to 22nd January, 2026

Birkenstock’s Summer Tote Gift With Purchase

Tennis season meets Collins Street shopping at Birkenstock, where a complimentary Summer Tote Bag is available with any full-priced purchase while stocks last. Inspired by an Aussie summer, the tote comes in four colourways and adds a practical bonus to mid-city errands.

Collins Arcade, G01/297 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 

Australian Open 2026: Where to Stay (and Eat Well) in Melbourne

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Next Hotel Melbourne, Curio Collection by Hilton

Positioned in the Paris End fashion precinct, Next Hotel Melbourne is offering a stay that feels tailor-made for long summer days courtside. The Stay & Dine package includes overnight accommodation, a two-course dinner for two at La Madonna, plus breakfast the next morning, from $439 per night.

Inside, the hotel’s 255 design-led rooms come fitted with thoughtful luxuries, from Dyson hairdryers and Bose speakers to Who Is Elijah amenities and plush Dreamweave beds. Downstairs, La Madonna delivers polished French-Italian fare under the direction of Executive Chef Jacopo Degli Esposti, with dishes like spaghetti au caviar and tuna with basil and caviar making post-match dining feel suitably celebratory.

Available Tuesday to Saturday for stays from 13th January to 31st October, 2026, subject to availability.

Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders

For something a little more playful, Hotel Indigo Melbourne on Flinders brings colour, creativity and prime city positioning to Australian Open season. Its Stay & Dine package starts from $329 per night, including a one-night stay and a two-course dinner for two at Bistrot Bisou, complete with a glass of house wine or beer per guest.

Inspired by photographer Helmut Newton, the hotel’s 216 rooms channel a cinematic energy, while Bistrot Bisou, created in collaboration with chef Luke Mangan, delivers modern French comfort with classics like steak tartare, duck breast aux cerises and lamb rump.

The package is available for stays until 31st October, 2026, subject to availability.

Ready to make a week of it? From centre-court sessions to rooftop cocktails and design-forward stays, Australian Open 2026 turns Melbourne into a playground. For more inspiration, explore our ultimate Melbourne Park food and drink guide.