Australian Open

The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year — nicknamed "the Happy Slam" for its relaxed, festival mood. Played in the heat of the southern-hemisphere summer at Melbourne Park, it's known for big night sessions, a fan-friendly setup and an easy-going atmosphere that players and travellers both love.

One of the sport's four majors, the Australian Open has been held every January at Melbourne Park since 1988. It was the first Slam to fit retractable roofs on its main show courts, so play carries on through heat and rain. Three roofed stadiums — Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena — anchor a compact, walkable site.

Melbourne is Australia's sporting and cultural capital — coffee culture, laneways, live music and a deep love of sport. Melbourne Park sits right beside the city centre, an easy walk from downtown along the Yarra River, which is unusually central for a Grand Slam.

Tickets are sold by session through the official Australian Open ticketing, split into day and night sessions on the show courts, plus grounds passes that cover the outer courts. Ground passes and the first week are the value picks; night sessions in Rod Laver Arena are the hottest ticket.

January in Melbourne can be very hot — heat policies occasionally pause play, and night sessions are more comfortable. The city's weather is famously changeable, but the roofs keep tennis going. Expect a lively, festival feel across the grounds, with food and music.