1 · The short answer

The Australian Open 2027 is set for Melbourne Park from 11 to 31 January. Opening Week runs from 11 to 16 January, the main draw starts on Sunday 17 January, and the women's and men's singles finals are on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January.

Melbourne Park is a walk from the city centre, and almost everything at the AO runs through your phone: tickets, the schedule, maps and payment. Ringo Light's Australia plan covers Melbourne and the whole country with unlimited data at full speed; it arrives by email and installs in one scan.

Dates: 11 to 31 January 2027 at Melbourne Park: Opening Week 11 to 16 January, main draw from Sunday 17 January, singles finals on 30 and 31 January. Organiser's page

Ringo Light's Australia plan covers the whole of Australia: unlimited data at full speed, 2 weeks for $20.99 or 30 days for $35.99, nothing renews. The plan is at ringoesim.com/australia, and every brand's price for Australia is compared on one day in Best eSIM for Australia.

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2 · Getting to Melbourne Park

Melbourne Airport is linked to Southern Cross station in the city by the SkyBus. From the centre, Melbourne Park is a 15 to 20 minute walk along the Yarra from Flinders Street, or a short tram ride east along Flinders Street. Richmond station, on several train lines, is also a short walk from the gates.

Melbourne's public transport uses the myki card, and tapping on is required on trams outside the free city zone. Check the Public Transport Victoria app before you go for any tournament service changes.

3 · Tickets and the AO app

  • ✓Ticketmaster. Australian Open tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, and they arrive as mobile tickets. Open them in the Ticketmaster or AO app before you leave so they load without signal.
  • ✓Ground passes. A ground pass covers the outside courts, Kia Arena and the live sites; arena tickets add a reserved seat in Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena or John Cain Arena.
  • ✓The AO app. Order of play, live scores, the precinct map and food options. Courts change when heat or rain stops play outdoors.
  • ✓Cashless. Melbourne Park is cashless. Bring a card or phone wallet that works in Australia without foreign fees.

4 · Signal in Rod Laver Arena

On a weekend in the first week the precinct is packed, from Garden Square to the big screens. That many phones in one place slows uploads, and a highlight video may sit in your outbox until you are back in the city. Scores and the app still refresh, but give yourself a meeting point rather than relying on live location.

January in Melbourne can be very hot, and a phone working hard in the sun drains fast. Carry a power bank and keep your ticket in the phone wallet so it opens instantly at the gate.

5 · Queueing and timing

Gate lines are longest just before play starts at 11am and before the night session. If you have a ground pass, arrive at opening time to get a seat at the show courts outside the arenas. Opening Week, with qualifying and practice sessions, is the calmest time to explore the venue.

6 · Melbourne around the tennis

Federation Square and the laneways behind Flinders Street are a short walk from the courts, with coffee bars and restaurants open late. The Royal Botanic Gardens are just across the river. On a free day, the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles make a long but spectacular drive.

7 · Around the Australian Open

Melbourne Park is on the edge of the city centre, so your evenings are easy.

Federation Square, Central Melbourne
Central MelbourneFederation SquareThe city's main square, a short walk from Melbourne Park along the river.✓A natural meeting point before and after a night session.Photo: DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0
The laneways, Central Melbourne
Central MelbourneThe lanewaysHosier Lane, Degraves Street and the arcades, full of coffee and street art.✓Save a few places offline: the lanes are narrow and GPS can wander.Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0
Royal Botanic Gardens, South Yarra, across the river
South Yarra, across the riverRoyal Botanic GardensLawns, lakes and shade, a cool escape on a hot tennis day.✓Free to enter; carry water in summer.Photo: Gary Houston, CC0
Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Great Ocean Road, VictoriaTwelve ApostlesLimestone stacks off the coast, a full day trip from the city.✓Download the route offline: coverage is thinner on the coast road.Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0

8 · Frequently asked questions

When is the Australian Open 2027?+
The tournament is set for Melbourne Park from 11 to 31 January 2027, with the main draw starting on 17 January.
How do I get to Melbourne Park?+
Walk from Flinders Street along the river, take a tram along Flinders Street, or take a train to Richmond station and walk.
Is the Australian Open cashless?+
Yes, Melbourne Park is cashless. Use a card or phone wallet.
Will my phone work in Rod Laver Arena?+
Yes, but uploads slow down when the precinct is full. Keep your ticket in the phone wallet and send videos later.
Which Ringo Light plan covers the Australian Open?+
The Australia plan covers Melbourne and the rest of Australia, with unlimited data at full speed.

9 · Sources

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