Tennis fan and of the great Roger Federer, I could not miss the Australian Open! I finally stayed 1 month in Melbourne unsuccessfully trying to find a job, before relocating to the bush.

• To buy your tickets

It is very important to buy places only on the officiel website of the Australian Open. And it’s from October. You will find lots of sites on Google that will sell you 2 to 3x more expensive instead and without any guarantee (same system as Viagogo). So do not be fooled!

So I took my places in October. Know that the sales begin with the “packs” with restaurant (but 200-300 $ the restaurant in addition to the ticket …) or hotel (but there must be more $ 1000 more 😳 ) then multi sessions pack then individual places. I opted for multi-session places to be sure to have my tickets for the finals! It turns out that you had to buy at least 2 packs (either 1 pack for 2 people or 2 different packs). So I added the cheapest pack to see the first four days. I also took a “evening” ticket
for the first day to see my idol, Roger. So I spend the modest sum of $ 900 (yes I know … and the final man is half that sum!) Obviously for the less good seats 😆 .

But finally I am very happy to had these seats because being at the top of the rod laver arena I was in the shade all day while the nearest seats were in full sun! Please note that the Rod Laver or Margaret court tickets also allow you to attend all the other courts so if you do not like a match or if the day ends earlier on the central courts you can take the opportunity to see other games, that’s what I did when I went to see Gilles Simon.

• The Australian Open “village”

The site of the Australian Open is a real small village in itself. Once inside you will find everything you need to avoid going out, of course not always at the best price … You will thus find something to eat, a drink and even ice cream! There are some brands present with good sale, I took the opportunity to do some shopping at lululemon. Garnier offered a bag of samples for those who visited them. To know that you can go there for free before the official start to see the training and qualifications.

I always took the Flinders station entrance, the advantage is that an ice cream brand advertised for its new products and distributed them for free! Given the temperatures it was very welcome! The first day it takes a little patience to get tickets at the box office … Then I went to the stand that “recycles” the tennis balls by offering a free ball personalized. Be aware that this stand is before the official entry so accessible without any ticket. There is also an official shop accessible before ticket entrance.

• To take in your bag

A control is of course organized but you can bring your picnic, to drink (no alcohol) for the whole day. Cameras are allowed. However not the Gopro. Finally the first week they let you in with it but come to see you if you try to film. The second week, impossible to pass one, you will have to leave it at the deposit at the entrance. If you are in the sun, of course, have a hat, sunscreen (even if there is a distribution of samples and jars of creams all over the place) and something to get some air. If like me you are in the last row, plan something to put on your shoulders, the ultra air-conditioned boxes behind are often open and that makes a big variation of temperature. However, avoid bringing back objects that make too much noise because it hinders players.

• Where to stay?

I would make a special post to give my opinion on all the hostels I have tested in Melbourne. Please note that Flinders station is in the free tram zone and close to the center. I have stayed at the Ritz for Backpackers but it may not be the best option if you come for tennis (pay tram). Beware it’s high season, hostels are full on weekends (a little less during the week). So do not go at the last minute (1 week before it’s good that leaves you choice).

• What to do in Melbourne

I came once in may visit the city and its street art. I am preparing an additional post with other activities in or around Melbourne. In any case out of the Australian Open, do not hesitate to stop at Pidapipo take an ice cream (open until 23h), it’s worth the detour!

During the two weeks of tournaments you will be able to find big screens either at the entrance of the Open of Australia (but before the accesses by ticket), either in front of the station of Flinders. And of course in many local pubs. I tested Flinders by 41 ° C, luckily in the evening 😳 . If you arrive early enough you will be able to enjoy a beach seat, otherwise a synthetic lawn is temporarily installed. I saw some people being delivered by Uber Eats so you can enjoy everything “on the terrace”.

• Review of this fortnight

I am pleased to have assisted at this event. And when you are there, you forget everything you spent 3 months earlier to come : lol: Nice to have seen my Roger play, even if he did not go to the final. And also happy not to have seen its elimination, it would have been hard! So I discovered some new players like Tsitsipas and Australian Tennis star Dylan Alcott. Yes their star is in an armchair, we still have a lot to learn in Europe for that!

I also could see the French win double, closely!

And the last game of the men’s final (victory Djokovic) :