Rod Laver Arena Tours and Activities

Rod Laver Arena
Rod Laver Arena
Rod Laver Arena


Take atour of Melbourne Park’s primary tennis court, come here to witness an exciting Australian Open tennis match or see a major pop concert.

Whether you come to the Rod Laver Arena to see a tennis match during the Australian Open, cheer on another sports game or sing along with your favorite band under its retractable roof, you will be impressed by this top-of-the-bill events venue.

Formerly known as Flinders Park and the National Tennis Centre, this major tennis court in Melbourne Parkwas renamed in 2000 to honor Rod Laver, one of Australia’s most lauded tennis players. Laver, from rural Queensland, played for the Australian team in Davis Cup competitions from 1959 through to 1962. After winning the title with his team, he was named the world’s best professional player from 1964 to 1970. He earned 10 or more titles per year and won the calendar year Grand Slam, that is four major international tournaments in the same year, not once but twice.

The Rod Laver arena has the capacity to seat nearly 15,000 people. During the Australian Open’s Grand Slam matches, the tournament can attract up to 80,000 people in one day, so be sure to book your tickets well in advance. If you are after a VIP treatment with your party, book a Rod Laver Arena Superbox for the occasion.

Being more than just a tennis venue, the Rod Laver Arena is open year-round. The arena also facilitates dirt bike and rodeos demonstrations, wrestling and boxing competitions, gymnastics tournaments and family events. During concerts it is not unusual to find yourself in the Rod Laver Arena with more than 10,000 other music fans, so come early to avoid disappointment.

Any other day of the year, you can tour the arena with a guide or just rent a court for an hour to play a game of tennis on the same spotwhere Laver and Djokovic and the likes made history.

The Rod Laver Arena is within walking distance of Melbourne’s Central Business District and easy to reach by public transportation. The arena is part of Melbourne Park and adjacent to Yarra Park, the city’s Sports and Entertainment Precinct. Note that there are few on-site parking spaces. During special events, taxis line up next to The Oval on Olympic Boulevard.

Plan a trip to see Rod Laver Arena

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Reviews of Rod Laver Arena

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
789
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
366
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
67
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
12
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
18
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Best to find your seats before they turn the lights off, we ended up sitting in seats that werent ours but no one turned up to sit there lol

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Easy 15-20 walk across the park

5/5 - Excellent

Jan

Train from Brunswick station goes directly to Flinders Street Station

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Have a good time.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

vodka drinkers, only vodka lime and soda available

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Walk over from the MCG

Popular places to visit


Top Rod Laver Arena Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne

4 out of 5
131-137 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC
Hotel Grand Chancellor Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
215 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne
Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
Rydges Melbourne
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

Citadines on Bourke Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
131-135 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC
Citadines on Bourke Melbourne
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

3.5 out of 5
44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne
Stamford Plaza Melbourne

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Next Hotel Melbourne, Curio Collection by Hilton

Next Hotel Melbourne, Curio Collection by Hilton

4.5 out of 5
103 Little Collins St, Melbourne, VIC
Next Hotel Melbourne, Curio Collection by Hilton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Rod Laver Arena

Experience the vibrant atmosphere around Rod Laver Arena with a variety of activities, including shopping, art exhibits, and theatre performances. Explore nearby sporting venues and recreational spaces, or enjoy the stunning views from rooftop venues. Don’t miss local attractions and the excitement of the Australian Open, which showcases the best of tennis in Melbourne, making it a must-visit destination during your stay.

Shopping

Your shopping experience near Rod Laver Arena includes Melbourne Central, a vibrant hub just 1.6km away, and Queen Victoria Market, 3.2km away, known for its bustling atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, visit Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, a unique store located 1.1km away.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, located 3.2km from Rod Laver Arena, offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, a mere 0.3.2km away, provides a lively setting for music lovers. Meanwhile, the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, also 3.2km away, is ideal for family-friendly aquatic activities.

Adventure

At Rod Laver Arena, explore the Tan Track for a refreshing outdoor experience located 966m away. For a scenic adventure, hike the Fitzroy Aboriginal Heritage Walking Trail, situated 1.6km from the arena. For breathtaking views, take a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, 8.0km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Rod Laver Arena is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a show at the Regent Theatre for a touch of culture, or unwind at Young & Jackson's for a relaxed pub atmosphere. The Melbourne Arts Centre is also nearby, perfect for family-friendly entertainment and romantic outings.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Rod Laver Arena

Whether you're after culture, a family outing, or a vibrant city experience, Rod Laver Arena and its surroundings offer a range of attractions. Explore the nearby urban parks, historic colleges, and delightful streets. Make sure to check out local attractions around Rod Laver Arena, ensuring your visit is filled with memorable experiences. Staying close to the arena will give you easy access to these fantastic points of interest.

  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Experience the thrilling atmosphere of one of the world's most iconic sports stadiums, home to cricket and Australian Rules Football. Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history and cultural significance, and don’t miss the chance to catch a live match if you're in town during the season.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: This premier venue hosts a range of conferences and exhibitions, showcasing Melbourne's vibrant business culture. With modern facilities and diverse events, it’s a hub for networking and innovation, offering an insight into the city’s professional landscape.
  • Collins Street: Stroll down this historic street, lined with stunning architecture, boutique shops, and cafés. Known as Melbourne’s Paris End, it’s the perfect spot to soak up the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere and enjoy some retail therapy or a leisurely coffee.

Best time to go to Rod Laver Arena

The best time to visit Rod Laver Arena is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
February68.0°F (20.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
March64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
June49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
July48.9°F (9.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
September53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
December64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Rod Laver Arena

For a budget-friendly visit to Rod Laver Arena, plan your stay during the cheaper months of May, June, or August, and aim for a Monday check-in to save on accommodation. Use Expedia to compare prices and find eco-friendly hotels that suit your budget. Consider booking a package deal that combines flights, accommodation, and activities for additional savings. Take advantage of Melbourne's efficient public transport system for affordable travel, and explore free activities around the city to maximise your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Rod Laver Arena are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Rod Laver Arena is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Rod Laver Arena is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase hotels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, available for your stay. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Rod Laver Arena with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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