This year’s Australian Open, running from January 17 – 30th, will celebrate our great city and serve up an exciting set of entertainment and experiences for returning fans.

Ready, Set, Play at the A0 Ballpark, presented by Emirate

Fun is guaranteed at the AO Ballpark, which makes a welcome return in 2022. Located at the Eastern Plaza near the Families get set for an amazing experience with nonstop entertainment across every day of AO22. There’s something for all ages from tiny tots to tweens.  AO22 brings three areas, across 5000sqm, jammed packed with fun, including the kid’s favourite AO Ballpark presented by Emirates – it’s full of rides, adventures and stage shows! There’s a bigger than ever ANZ Tennis Hot Shots participation zone, and when you’re ready to take a breather head to our interactive family friendly chillout space.

Fly with Emirates Zipline

Nothing beats that sky-high feeling of flying above the treetops. For safety reasons, this activity has a minimum height requirement of 120cm and closed toed shoes must be worn.

Obstacle Course

This new giant AO obstacle course features thrills and challenges as you climb through the giant AO and down the huge blue slide! Minimum height 120cm. Must wear closed toe shoes.

NERF Zone

Kids can fire away at this action-packed obstacle course. Must wear closed toed shoes and safety googles when in the NERF Zone.

Climbing Wall

Kids can race to the top with new climbing tracks to test their hand-eye coordination skills—and bravery! Minimum height 110cm. Must wear closed toed shoes.

AO Ballpark Stage

Enjoy entertainment every day of the AO, with live appearances from beloved characters including Bluey, Peppa Pig, Duggee, PJ Masks, Spiderman and more!

ExtremeThriller Ride

Swing side to side in this insane thriller of a ride. Minimum height 140cm. Must wear closed toed shoes.

Water Course

Kids can navigate through the water course on foot, or on the vintage silver ride on cars, through misty rainbows, up and over ramps and down to the water play area with a course of pipes and levels to run water through.

Zoos Victoria Gazebo

Let out your wild side with the team from Zoos Victoria and enjoy arts and crafts featuring the animal kingdom.

With children’s tickets starting from $5, the perfect school holiday adventure awaits at AO 2022.

ANZ Tennis Hot Shots

Inspired to pick up a racquet and play? Kids can experience ANZ Tennis Hot Shots, Tennis Australia’s introductory program, at the AO Ballpark. Keep an eye out too for the stars of tomorrow during pre-match Kids on Court displays. Many lucky ANZ Tennis Hot Shots participants also form part of the ANZ Coin Crew and have the opportunity to meet the world’s best players throughout the tournament.

A world of play

The must-see action is not only on court at Melbourne Park, across the precinct there is plenty to keep fans entertained.

AO Beach House
The best of bayside Melbourne is celebrated at the first-ever AO Beach House. Located on the northern side of Melbourne Park, it is a unique destination for friends and family to socialise, eat, drink and play. Whether participating in the health and wellbeing program or enjoying a cocktail on the sand, there are many ways to soak up beach vibes at the tournament.

Grand Slam Oval
Melbourne’s laneway culture comes to life at Grand Slam Oval, with splashy murals and live buskers adding to the atmosphere at the popular meeting spot. There is a delicious selection of food options too, with some of Melbourne’s most popular restaurants on site.

Shopping Piazza
An expanded AO shopping precinct, located at the Rod Laver Arena terrace, celebrates art, culture and diversity. Look out for pop-ups from iconic global brands, including Ralph Lauren and adidas, as well as the must-visit AO Shop.

Practice Village
Hoping to get an autograph or selfie with your favourite player? The Practice Village at the National Tennis Centre is the best place to get closer to the world’s best athletes.

First Nations Day
Recognising First Nations history is a focus, with art and cultural activations at Court 3 and throughout the precinct. This especially takes centre stage on Wednesday 19 January, with special performances planned for the event’s inaugural First Nations Day.

AO Pride Day
Celebrating pride and creating a welcoming environment for all is the inspiration for AO Pride Day on Monday 24 January, a new initiative at AO 2022. Fans on site will be spoiled with music and activations throughout the day, as pride celebrations take over Melbourne Park.

Play time, grab your racquet

As well as watching the world’s best compete at Melbourne Park this summer, fans are encouraged to pick up a racquet and play too.

Beach Tennis
With the support of Bondi Sands, beach tennis takes centre stage at the AO Beach House. A hybrid of tennis and beach volleyball, beach tennis is played socially and professionally throughout the world. At AO 2022, fans can give it a go and put their skills to the test.

Padel Tennis
Padel tennis is proving increasingly popular around the world and fans at Melbourne Park can experience it too. In a tournament first, fans of all ages can play padel tennis at Grand Slam Oval. The scoring is similar to tennis, however competitors use a smaller padel and low-compression balls. They must serve underarm and can play off the glass walls that enclose the court. It is fast, social and dynamic. Grab a friend to play, as it’s sure to prove a hit! 

AO Glam Slam
The AO Glam Slam tournament is an annual LGBTQ+ event that attracts amateur competitors from across the world and culminates with finals played at Melbourne Park on Sunday 30 January. The 2022 edition is presented by Ralph Lauren and promises to feature more colour, incredible music acts and celebrity guest appearances.

Cardio Tennis
Raising a happy sweat is the goal of Cardio Tennis, Tennis Australia’s tennis workout program. Keep an eye out for local club members participating in on-court displays throughout the tournament, showcasing the fun range of drills to a high-energy soundtrack.

“It’s going to be incredible and Melbourne deserves it to be honest. We deserve a bloody good time.”

World No.1 and Melburnian Dylan Alcott on crowds returning at AO 2022.

Fabulous food

An eclectic and delicious serving of food at AO 2022 is sure to appease the taste of fans at Melbourne Park.

Hungry patrons are spoilt for choice with some of the Melbourne’s most popular restaurants offering tasty and affordable options on site.
The choices are varied at Grand Slam Oval – from burgers to Italian, Mediterranean delights and hawker-style street food. First Nations cuisine and contemporary Japanese is available at Garden Square, while fish and chips will be served at AO Beach House.
An exceptional range of premium experiences include:
– Penfolds and Rockpool Bar & Grill, both synonymous with quality fine dining, with pop-up restaurants in the brand new Centrepiece building.
– Maha offers exclusive dining menus at Rod Laver Arena Superboxes.
– Renowned chef Guy Grossi, from Grossi Florentino, is serving some of his signature dishes at The Glasshouse.
– Ben Shewry, Attica’s Head Chef, has designed a sustainable menu at the Atrium, located on Melbourne Park’s River Terrace. The menu features also native botanical-inspired cocktails.

Free fun for all

Fans can experience AO 2022 in many ways, even without a ticket.

Canadian Club Racquet Club
Located on the Upper Terrace at Birrarung Marr, the Canadian Club Racquet Club is free for all to enjoy. With Melbourne’s stunning skyline as a backdrop, fans can unwind with food and beverages while enjoying live entertainment and watching the on-court action on big screens.

AO Art Walk
The AO Art Walk at Birrarung Marr, a new initiative at AO 2022, creates a unique connection between Melbourne Park and the city’s CBD. This multi-sensory installation is sure to marvel fans, as art and tennis combine through colour and movement.

AO Shop
Fans worldwide can purchase exclusive merchandise at the online AO Shop. The AO apparel, which offers sustainable fashion across lifestyle and performance ranges, is using organic cotton for the first time. There is also a new collaboration with cartoon Peanuts and the first-ever Grand Slam collection, while proceeds from a newly-introduced First Nations range, featuring artwork from Gubbi Gubbi woman Maggie Jean Douglas, are invested into national Indigenous tennis programs.

Play by the rules

Tips for fans to make a visit to Melbourne Park memorable.

Download the AO app: Keep up-to-date with everything happening on site with the official AO app, available to download via App Store and Play Store.

Be sun smart: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen. Stay hydrated too with free water drinking and water misting stations throughout the precinct.

Quiet please: Turn mobile phones to silent mode when watching matches, remain quiet during points and please only move seats at the change of ends.

Seating: Seats for all outside courts (including John Cain Arena) are part of general admission and available on a ‘first in’ basis. Arriving early increases chances of finding a seat. Unreserved seats can be held for no longer than three change of ends.

Pick-up/drop-offs: There is a designated area on Olympic Boulevard, outside John Cain Arena. A time limit applies. A taxi rank is located further down Olympic Boulevard, adjacent to the Grand Slam Oval entrance.

Phone charging: Fans can recharge mobile phones at charging stations located at Rod Laver Arena concourse, Margaret Court Arena concourse and John Cain Arena concourse.

Stay connected: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the precinct. To gain access, connect to AO_PUBLIC_WiFi and open browser to register.

Share your experiences: Engage with AO fans all over the world using #AusOpen on social media. Join the conversation on the following platforms:
Facebook – AustralianOpen
Twitter – @AustralianOpen
Instagram – @australianopen
YouTube – Australian Open TV
Wechat – @AustralianOpen
Weibo – weibo.com/australianopenchina
Twitch – twitch.tv/ausopen
Snapchat – Australian.Open

Safety first: Please be aware of COVIDSafe protocols and follow recommended hygiene measures while on site.

Grab your tickets at:

https://tickets.ausopen.com/en/ground-passes