Things To Do In Melbourne During The Australian Open 2023 (Read Through For A Special Offer!)
The best off-side activities to check out in-between matches!
It’s that time of the year again!
When “serve” means something other than a portion of food, and “love” is not something to look forward to at all!
I’m talking, of course, about the Australian Open 2023.
A full two weeks of heart-pumping games of tennis whence the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Iga Świątek, and Ajla Tomljanović will battle it out to try to be the one that lifts the tournament cup.
Now, of course, tennis will be the prime attraction during this time, but there’s the question – what is there to do between matches?
In other words, what are the other things to do in Melbourne during the Australian Open 2023?
But before we answer that, a brief word about the tournament itself.
The Australian Open 2023 – Key details
The main tournament begins on Monday, January 16th, and ends on Sunday, January 29th. The qualifiers, however, begin a week earlier on Monday, January 9th.
And as usual, the tourney takes place in a festive atmosphere with food, music, and many other attractions besides the tennis!
For further information and to buy tickets, please visit the Australian Open website.
And if you prefer to catch tennis on TV, you know where to turn – Channel 9, of course!
That said, we come to the main question:
For tennis fans coming into the city for the tournament and those who have taken time off work to enjoy themselves during those glorious 2 weeks…
What are the things to do between games?
What other Melbourne activities should you check out during the Australian Open?
Here are a few to choose from.
Put your own tennis skills to the test
Whether you’ve never held a racquet in your life before, or you used to hit the courts regularly during your early years…
This is the ideal opportunity to check out how good a player you are!
What better time than the Australian Open to rekindle/start your own tennis journey?
And there are numerous places in Melbourne where you can book a spot for yourself and your friends and play against each other.
From tennis courts at our parks (like Flagstaff Gardens and Neill Street Reserve) to clubs (like the Parkville Tennis Club) that offer court sessions and equipment rentals – choose somewhere and book a game.
You may find yourself yearning for a second round once you’re done!
Go on thrilling VR adventures
Want to punctuate Australian open action with some thrilling adventures of your own?
Head for the Bourke Street-Russell Street intersection in the CBD and ask around for Entermission – Melbourne’s #1 VR Escape Room.
You’ll find worlds and experiences that you may only have watched on TV before opening up right before you…albeit in virtual reality.
Instead of watching from the sidelines as you do with TV shows, take part in the action first-hand.
Think this is just another VR arcade?
Think again!
Our technological setups eliminate many of the traditional VR barriers that cut into the experience (like controllers), while adding real-life special effects (like gusts of wind and the smell of gunpowder) into the mix.
And as for adventures – from going on a magical jungle adventure to investigating a disappearance at an abandoned monastery, there are many unique ones to choose from!
Please visit our games page for more information.
Post-adventure dinner
Want to make it a full CBD outing with your family and friends?
There are some pretty fabulous restaurants where you can have a great post-VR dinner, all of which are within walking distance:
- The Carlton Club on Bourke Street is a gastropub known for its stuffed animal decor, delightful cocktails and cheese platters.
- Dragon Hot Pot on Russell Street is known for its signature broths and noodles.
- Hakata Gensuke Ramen, also on Russell Street, is especially famous for its signature pork bone broth.
- The Crafty Squire, yet another Russel Street, is a pub known for its craft beers, kangaroo fillet, and chicken parma.
Visit other sporting venues in Melbourne
In addition to hosting the Australian Open, Melbourne is the home of several other major sporting events.
These include the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse, and the AFL Grand Final and annual Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
If you’re a sports fan looking to get an inside look at these legendary venues, you can join a sports tour that offers access to normally off-limits areas.
This is a great way to see these iconic sites up close and learn more about the history and culture of Melbourne’s sporting scene.
Go on a food tour of Queen Victoria Market
A food tour of Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market is a great way to discover our diverse culinary offerings.
The market is home to a wide range of food stalls and vendors, offering everything from fresh produce and meat to artisanal cheese and baked goods.
On a food tour, you can sample an array of delicious treats and learn about the history and culture of the market from a knowledgeable guide.
Some tours also include cooking demonstrations or workshops, allowing you to learn about traditional recipes and techniques.
To book a food tour of Queen Victoria Market, search online for tour operators or contact the market directly for information on available options.
Explore Melbourne’s vibrant coffee scene
Melbourne is known for its vibrant coffee culture, with a wide range of specialty coffee shops, roasters, and cafes throughout the city.
To explore Melbourne’s coffee scene, start by visiting some of the city’s iconic coffee spots, such as Proud Mary, Auction Rooms, or Seven Seeds.
You can also try sampling some of the local roasts at one of the city’s many independent coffee roasters, such as Industry Beans or Code Black.
For a more immersive experience, you could join a coffee tour or take a barista course to learn more about the art of coffee making.
Alternatively, you could visit a coffee festival or event to meet local baristas and sample various roasts and brews.
Check out the Christmas festivities taking place in Melbourne.
Discover Melbourne’s colourful street art
Melbourne is home to a thriving street art scene, with colourful murals and graffiti on display throughout the city.
To discover Melbourne’s street art, you can take a self-guided tour through the city’s various neighbourhoods, each with its unique style and artistic flair.
Alternatively, you could join a guided street art tour to learn more about the history and significance of the city’s street art.
Some tours also offer the opportunity to create your own street art with the guidance of a local artist.
No matter how you choose to explore it, Melbourne’s street art is sure to leave a lasting impression and provide a unique window into the city’s vibrant culture.
Exploring Melbourne’s art scene is popular with tourists. Here are some other tourist things to do in Melbourne.
Walk the Golden Mile Heritage Trail
One of the plates marking the trail. The image is taken from the Weekend Notes website.
Walking Melbourne’s Golden Mile is a great way to experience the city’s rich history and culture.
The Golden Mile is a walking route that takes you through some of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks and neighbourhoods, including Chinatown, the Melbourne Museum, and the Old Melbourne Gaol.
You’ll pass by historic buildings, cultural landmarks, and popular tourist attractions along the way.
The Golden Mile is a self-guided walk; you can start and end at any point along the route.
It’s a great way to explore the city at your own pace and discover some of Melbourne’s hidden gems.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, walking the Golden Mile is a fun and enjoyable way to get to know Melbourne.
BONUS – Australian Open special!
Looking to make Entermission your premier off-court entertainment destination in Melbourne during the Australian Open…
But feel like a little something extra to highlight the occasion would be great?
Well, we’re going to make it happen!
We’re announcing a special offer…
Till Sunday, January 29th (the closing date for the Australian Open)…
All our games qualify for a special 20% off.
Use code OZOPEN20 at checkout to avail of the offer.
Fun things to do in Melbourne during the Australian Open – conclusion
So there you have it, our top things to do in Melbourne during the Australian Open 2023.
We hope we’ve given you some inspiration and that you have a fantastic time when the tournament comes around.
So what are you waiting for?
Start planning your trip today!
