A Day at the Tennis, Door to Door

The Australian Open is on at Melbourne Park from 11 to 31 January 2027, and a day at the tennis is better shared. With a minibus for the group, you can spend hours on the outside courts and still get everyone home together after a late match.

Choosing your days

Opening Week fills 11 to 16 January; the main draw starts on the 17th and the singles finals are on 30 and 31 January. Send your dates and sessions with the quote request so the vehicle suits each day, and remember January in Melbourne can be hot: pack water, hats and sunscreen for the walk between courts.

Minibus with side door open for boarding

When and where

Melbourne Park (Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena and outside courts), Melbourne
11-31 January 2027: Opening Week 11-16 January, main draw 17-31 January, singles finals 30 and 31 January

Where the minibus drops you

Melbourne Park publishes no coach set-down rules, so your operator decides the best stop on the day, weighing traffic and your entrance. The arrangements that are published are for other traffic. Taxis queue beside Grand Slam Oval on Olympic Boulevard, rideshare meets people outside John Cain Arena, and there's an accessible drop-off by the Eastern Plaza Car Park (Entrance D), where vehicles get 20 minutes before parking charges kick in.

Between drop-off and pickup your driver will usually be parked some distance away, so fix a pickup time and spot in advance.

Trams, walking and the long day

From the CBD you can walk it in about ten minutes, crossing Birrarung Marr or Tanderrum Bridge, and both Richmond and Jolimont stations are nearby. Tennis fans with a ticket travelled free on route 70 and 70a trams in 2026 on their ticket day, getting off right at the Garden Square or Grand Slam Oval entrance. Check what applies in 2027 before you count on it.

A minibus really helps at either end of the day: gathering everyone from homes or hotels outside the centre, then bringing tired people back after the last point. Parking nearby is scarce, just paid spaces in Yarra Park on a first-come basis.

Your questions

Can the driver drop us right at the gate?

It depends on the day's traffic. Because Melbourne Park sets no coach set-down rules, the operator chooses the most practical stop and tells you before the day.

Is there somewhere for a guest who uses a wheelchair?

Yes, the accessible drop-off near the Eastern Plaza Car Park, Entrance D on Olympic Boulevard. Mention any mobility needs when you enquire so a suitable vehicle can be sought.

What if a match runs late?

Ask for a pickup window rather than a fixed minute, and keep the driver's contact handy so you can message when you leave your seats.