The first major of the year, played in the middle of a Melbourne summer. Two weeks in a city that empties its restaurants into the park and stays out until the last ball.
What we can put you in
Rod Laver Arena suites for the night sessions, where the finals are decided
Courtside seats within the first eight rows, held rather than resold
Full hospitality across the middle weekend, including the outside show courts
Transfers, and a room held near the Yarra rather than out by the airport
Around it
Eat
Vue de monde
On the fifty-fifth floor of the Rialto, looking over the whole city. Australian produce handled with restraint and a long view west at sunset. Book it for the evening after a day session, not before one.
Eat
Chin Chin
Loud, fast South-East Asian cooking on Flinders Lane that has been full every night for over a decade. No bookings for small parties, which is exactly why it is worth having someone hold a table.
Explore
The laneways
Melbourne keeps its best rooms behind unmarked doors off Degraves and Hardware Lane. An hour on foot between sessions is the most honest introduction to the city there is.
Dates, tiers and price come back together, and only once the route is confirmed. Nothing here is held until you ask for it.
