Every January, Melbourne becomes the global centre of tennis as the Australian Open takes over the city. With packed match schedules, busy transport and buzzing crowds, many visitors search for things to do in Melbourne during the Australian Open that fit seamlessly around match play.
If you’re visiting Melbourne in January and want memorable experiences beyond the tennis – without overpacking your schedule – these are the best activities to enjoy before, between and around Australian Open sessions.
Sunrise Things to do in Melbourne During the Australian Open
Early mornings are one of the most underrated times to experience Melbourne during the Australian Open. Matches typically begin later in the day, making sunrise the perfect window for unforgettable experiences before the crowds arrive.
A hot air balloon flight over Melbourne city is one of the most iconic ways to start the day. Floating above the skyline at first light, you’ll see landmarks like the Yarra River, Melbourne Park and the CBD from a completely different perspective – all finished well before match time.
Prefer something closer to ground level? Melbourne mornings are made for sunrise walks along the Yarra, quiet moments in the Royal Botanic Gardens, or discovering the city’s famous coffee culture before cafés fill up.
Morning Experiences in Melbourne That Won’t Clash With Australian Open Match Times
Calm Things to Do Near Melbourne When the Australian Open Gets Busy
Search interest for crowd-free experiences spikes during the Australian Open – and for good reason. When the city gets busy, many travellers look for nearby escapes that still allow them to return in time for evening matches.
The Yarra Valley is one of the most popular non-tennis experiences during the Australian Open. Just under an hour from Melbourne, it offers open landscapes, fresh air, food and wine experiences, and a noticeably slower pace – ideal for a half-day reset.
Many visitors plan a morning or early-afternoon experience in the Yarra Valley, returning to Melbourne refreshed and ready for night sessions at Melbourne Park.
Why this works:
You escape the crowds without sacrificing your Australian Open itinerary.
Why Australian Open Travellers Escape to the Yarra Valley Between Matches
Luxury Melbourne Experiences Worth Booking in January
January is peak season for luxury experiences in Melbourne, and Australian Open travellers often prioritise quality over quantity. Rather than filling every spare moment, many visitors choose one premium experience that elevates their entire trip.
Hot air ballooning, fine dining, private wellness sessions and indulgent add-ons are all at their best during summer. These are the experiences you remember long after the final match – moments that define your Australian Open trip beyond the tennis.
If you’re visiting Melbourne specifically for the Australian Open, January is the ideal time to book something truly special.
Discover exclusive Australian Open travel perks designed for January visitors.
How to Plan Your Australian Open Days Without Overpacking Your Schedule
One of the biggest mistakes visitors make during the Australian Open is trying to do too much. The key is planning experiences that work with the tournament schedule.
Here’s a simple, flexible structure many travellers follow:
Morning
- Sunrise experience (balloon flight, river walk or early café visit)
- Breakfast before crowds arrive
Afternoon
- Australian Open matches
- Light lunch or rest between sessions
Evening
- Night matches at Melbourne Park
- Dinner in the CBD or Southbank
This approach allows you to experience the best of Melbourne in January while keeping tennis as the centrepiece of your trip.
Make the Most of Your Australian Open Trip
The Australian Open may bring you to Melbourne, but it doesn’t have to be the only highlight of your visit. By choosing experiences that fit naturally around match play, you can discover a different side of the city – calm, elevated and unforgettable.
Make the most of your Australian Open trip – discover Melbourne from above.
