Melbourne Park transforms into its own little city during the Australian Open. The best of the city’s food and entertainment comes together in one place. Big screens are scattered throughout the grounds, lawns fill with people stretched out in the sun, and the buzz starts from the moment tennis-goers line up at 10 am.

And when stadium seats during finals rounds can creep north of $500, the Ground Pass is a reminder that the tennis is still very much for everyone. With access to this world-class event from just $19, you can duck between courts, settle in for a full match on an outdoor court, or simply park yourself somewhere with a good view and let the day unfold.

A Ground Pass gets you through the gates and into the Grand Slam Oval, Garden Square, TOPCOURT, and other festival zones dotted across the precinct. You can also access John Cain Arena in the unreserved seating areas (subject to availability), which means you might find yourself watching a world-class match from a surprisingly good seat — if you’re willing to line up early and play the first-come, first-served game. Make sure you grab a pass-out card, which gives you priority to skip the line and grab another seat when you return.

You’ll also have access to outdoor courts, where some of the best moments of the Open happen quietly and unexpectedly. This is where future stars grind it out, and you might catch a champion warming up just metres away.

If you’re set on seeing a match at Rod Laver Arena or Margaret Court Arena — or you want a reserved seat at John Cain — you’ll need to purchase stadium tickets separately. But if your idea of a good day involves wandering, discovering, and lingering, the Ground Pass delivers.

A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiables. Melbourne Park has free sunscreen stations (thanks to brands like Mecca) and water refill fountains throughout the precinct.

You’re also allowed to BYO food and drinks — just leave the eskies, hampers, and oversized containers at home. Anything over 1.5 litres is a no-go, as are glass, cans, and ceramic containers.

That said, one of the great joys of a Ground Pass is access to the food. During the Open, the precinct essentially becomes a curated food festival, showcasing some of Melbourne’s best operators, often with AO-exclusive dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Discover our picks from the 2026 food lineup here.

Beyond the tennis, the Ground Pass unlocks a packed calendar of events, talks, and activations. We were lucky enough to attend on Evonne Goolagong Cawley Day, celebrating Wurundjeri Country with First Nations culture, and even saw icons like Cathy Freeman in conversation.

There are days dedicated to kids, accessibility, pride, women and girls, and grassroots tennis, alongside live music nights.

A Ground Pass might not guarantee a seat at the finals, but it guarantees something else: a full day inside one of the world’s great sporting events. You’ll feel part of something bigger and revel for a full day in this amazing city of ours.

Ground Pass tickets are available from $19 - $89 via Ticketmaster here.

AO Week 1 (18-25 January 2026) schedule

• Main Draw (18 Jan-1 Feb) - Grand Slam tennis from the world's best players.
• Evonne Gollagong Cawley Day (21 Jan) - celebrate Wurundjeri Country with First Nations music, dance, art and food.
• Hot Shots Day (22 Jan) - mini courts, games and activities for kids of all ages at AO Ballpark.
• AO Juniors Championship (24 Jan-1 Feb) - watch the talent of tomorrow's tennis stars.
• Kia Sunday (25 Jan) - celebrating 25 years of partnership between Kia and the AO.
• AO Ballpark (12 Jan-1 Feb) - family-friendly fun continues at the AO Ballpark.

AO Week 2 (26 January-1 February 2026) schedule

• Main Draw (18 Jan-1 Feb) - Grand Slam tennis continues from the world's best players, with the field narrowing until champions are crowned in the final weekend.
• AO Juniors Championship (24 Jan-1 Feb) - tomorrow's tennis stars continue to compete.
• AO Live (28 Jan-1 Feb) - live performances from The Kid LAROI (28 Jan), Spacey Jane (29 Jan), The Vernoicas + SOFI TUKKER (30 Jan), Reneé Rapp (31 Jan), and Peggy Gou (1 Feb).
• AO Legends Cup (27-30 Jan) - Australia takes on the rest of the world, with star-studded men's, women's and mixed doubles matches.
• All Abilities Day (27 January) - a showcase of the diverse ways that people with disabilities thrive playing tennis.
• Asia Pacific Elite 14&U Trophy (28-30 January) - talented 14-year-olds (and younger) from the Asia-Pacific region.
• Women and Girls Day (29 Jan) - showcases female players, featuring the Women's semifinal.
• Pride Day (30 Jan) - the LBGTQIA+ community sporting event of the summer!
• AO Wheelchair Championships (26-31 Jan) - world-class singles, doubles, and juniors tournaments.
• Glam Slam (30 Jan-1 Feb) - the only LBGTQIA+ tournament held at a Grand Slam.
• AO25 Intellectual Disability Tennis Slam (30 Jan-1 Feb) - Aussie player Archie Graham (AUS) will be going for 4 AO titles in a row against the world's top players with an intellectual disability (ID).
• AO25 Deaf Slam (30 Jan-1 Feb) -  the world's top deaf tennis players take on top Aussie players.
• AO Ballpark (12 Jan-1 Feb) - family-friendly fun continues at the AO Ballpark.