Planning a trip for the Australian Open 2026 and wondering where to stay in Melbourne near Rod Laver Arena? The tournament runs from 12 January to 1 February 2026 at Melbourne Park, with the main draw from 18 January, so you want a base that gets you to the courts quickly without paying for the privilege of being right on top of them. Here we break down the best areas and hotels, from a five-minute tram to a scenic riverside stroll, so you can focus on the tennis and enjoy the city around it.
Check current Melbourne availability and rates on Booking.com — rooms near Melbourne Park book out fast during the Open.
Key Takeaways
- Staying in Melbourne's CBD or Southbank puts you within a 15-20 minute walk or a short tram ride of Rod Laver Arena, which matters for late-finishing night sessions.
- Central locations are convenient but prices climb through the tournament fortnight, so book early.
- Australian Open ticket holders travel free on tram routes 70 and 70a to Melbourne Park on the day of their ticket, so anywhere near that line is well connected.
- Apartment hotels with kitchens suit groups and longer stays, and let you cut down on eating out.
- Staying a little further out is fine when the tram links are good, so weigh price against travel time.
1. Melbourne CBD
Melbourne's Central Business District is the obvious starting point. It sits at the heart of the city, and for most visitors it strikes the best balance between access to the tennis and everything else you want on a trip.
Staying in the CBD means you are usually a short walk or a quick tram ride from Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Park, with a dense grid of food, coffee and shopping on your doorstep. The laneways, the coffee culture and the range of restaurants across every budget are the reason people rate this city, and you get all of it without a commute.
A few things worth weighing up when you pick a CBD hotel:
- Proximity to the arena: The CBD is central, but some hotels sit noticeably closer to the Melbourne Park entrances than others. A 15-20 minute walk is standard from much of the city and is a pleasant one, especially with a coffee in hand.
- Atmosphere: The CBD gets busy during a major event like the tennis. If you prefer things quieter, look at hotels on the edge of the grid or consider Southbank instead.
- Budget: You will find everything from hostels to five-star towers here. Rates rise across the tournament, so booking well ahead is the sensible move.
Many CBD hotels sit inside the Free Tram Zone, which covers the central grid, so getting around the city itself costs nothing. Add the free routes 70 and 70a to Melbourne Park on match days and you rarely need to pay for a fare.
For mid-range and budget options, the Mercure Welcome Melbourne on Little Bourke Street sits right on the edge of Chinatown, so you are surrounded by food and about a 15-minute walk from the park; the rooms are known to run small and a little dated, so set expectations accordingly. The Great Southern Hotel is further west, opposite Southern Cross Station, and is one of the more affordable central choices, with a free tram stop on its doorstep. If you want something busier and central, the CitiClub Hotel on Queen Street is an option, but be aware its CQ nightclub runs late on Friday and Saturday nights, which is worth avoiding if you are a light sleeper.
2. Southbank
Southbank is a strong alternative to the CBD proper. This buzzing precinct sits just across the Yarra River from the city grid, packed with restaurants, bars and cultural venues. You are not inside the tennis hub, but it is an easy walk over the river to Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Park.
Staying in Southbank keeps you close to the action while dodging the thickest of the city-centre crowds. It suits anyone who wants dining, entertainment and solid access to the courts in one place.
Here is what to expect:
- Proximity to Rod Laver Arena: A manageable walk of roughly 20 minutes, covering about 1.6km depending on where you start. In good weather you can route it through the Royal Botanic Gardens for a nicer approach.
- Lively evenings: Southbank comes alive after dark, with plenty of places to eat and drink once the day's matches wrap up.
- Accommodation: A mix of hotels and apartment-style stays, from the Crown Promenade to Mantra Southbank, several with kitchenettes that come in handy over a longer stay.
Southbank balances entertainment and access well, but the immediate riverside strip leans towards larger venues rather than casual cafes. For an everyday breakfast or a cheap bite you may find yourself walking back towards the city grid.
It is a good pick if you do not mind a short stroll to the tennis and like having dining and entertainment on your doorstep. You get the city buzz, but it feels a shade less intense than being in the middle of the CBD.
3. Flinders Backpackers
For a genuinely budget option in the centre, Flinders Backpackers is worth a look. It is a hostel, so keep expectations sensible, but alongside the dorms it offers private double and twin rooms that suit couples or friends travelling together. The rooms are functional rather than stylish; you are paying for the location and the price, not the decor.
It makes sense if you plan to spend most of your time out at the tennis or exploring the city rather than in your room.
Here is the quick rundown:
- Location: Hard to beat for convenience, a short walk from Flinders Street Station in the heart of the CBD. From the station the free match-day tram runs straight to Melbourne Park.
- Price: This is where the hostel earns its place, sitting among the most affordable central beds even through the tournament, so it is a useful way to keep accommodation costs down.
- Amenities: There is a shared guest kitchen and a rooftop cafe, but no full restaurant, so plan on heading out for most meals. The surrounding CBD is packed with cafes and eateries. There is no on-site parking, though paid car parks sit nearby.
If you prioritise location and price over plush surroundings and room service, this works. The money you save on the bed goes towards match tickets or a decent meal out.
4. The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne
For a genuinely high-end stay during the Open, the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne is one to consider. It opened in 2023 as one of the city's newest luxury hotels and occupies the upper reaches of an 80-storey tower, with its 257 guest rooms and suites sitting from level 65 upwards. That height buys sweeping views across the city and out towards Port Phillip Bay from nearly every room.
Expect polished service and beautifully finished rooms. The infinity pool sits on level 64 and there is a full spa, while the signature restaurant Atria crowns the building on level 80 with a hyper-local, seafood-led menu. It is a hotel built around fine detail and comfort.
Getting to Rod Laver Arena is straightforward, around a 20-minute walk or a short tram ride. The hotel is at 650 Lonsdale Street, a solid central spot within the CBD.
This level of comfort naturally carries a premium, so make sure it fits your trip budget before you commit.
What you get in short:
- Wide city and bay views from high floors.
- Luxury facilities including a level-64 infinity pool and spa.
- Central location within walking distance of Melbourne Park.
- Rooftop dining at Atria on level 80.
5. Park Hyatt Melbourne
If you want the top of the market and the budget allows, the Park Hyatt Melbourne is a serious contender. It sits on Parliament Place beside the gardens, quiet and green yet still close to the action. You are looking at roughly a 15-minute walk to Melbourne Park's city entrance, with a free tram stopping even nearer on match days.
This is a stay built around comfort and service. Rooms are spacious with Italian marble bathrooms, and the hotel runs a heated 25-metre indoor pool, a gym, a ninth-floor spa and its own rooftop tennis court, which is a nice touch when the professionals are in town.
Here is what you get:
- Five-star service: Attentive and polished throughout.
- Strong facilities: Pool, gym, spa and a rooftop tennis court.
- Convenient location: An easy walk or tram ride to Melbourne Park.
- Quiet setting: Set back on Parliament Place, away from the busiest streets.
As with any hotel at this level, the comfort comes at a price, so treat it as a splurge rather than a default.
One charming detail: the hotel has a resident labrador named Charlie, its unofficial ambassador, who took over the role after the long-serving Mr Walker retired.
6. Crown Promenade Melbourne
Sitting in the heart of Southbank and linked to the Crown complex, Crown Promenade Melbourne is a strong base for both the city and the tennis. You are close to Melbourne Park and surrounded by Southbank's shops, restaurants and entertainment.
It is a solid choice if you want a modern base within walking distance of Rod Laver Arena. Rooms are spacious with the usual comforts including free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. For food and drink without leaving the building there is the Mesh restaurant and the Tonic Bar. To stay active, there is a fitness centre and a 25-metre indoor infinity pool with city views.
Here is what you get:
- Walking distance to Melbourne Park
- Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi
- 25-metre indoor infinity pool and heated spa
- Fitness centre and Mesh restaurant
The location is great for the tennis, and Southbank is a destination in its own right, with galleries, the Arts Centre and the Yarra on your doorstep if you plan to explore beyond the matches.
It is a well-rounded option that balances tournament convenience with the perks of a lively riverside precinct.
7. Lancemore Crossley St. Melbourne
For something more design-led, Lancemore Crossley St. Melbourne stands out, and it often comes in more affordable than the big-name luxury towers nearby. It sits on a lane off the Paris end of Bourke Street, on the edge of Chinatown and the theatre district, which puts you in the thick of the city's best dining and nightlife.
You are within easy walking distance of Melbourne Park, so those dashes between sessions are simple. The building itself, a reworked Graeme Gunn design, is full of character: rooms are hung with commissioned pieces from emerging artists, and the communal spaces are genuinely stylish. There is a rooftop terrace with city views and a lobby bar that suits an evening wind-down after the tennis.
Because it is so central, it can catch some street noise, though after a long day at the courts that rarely matters much.
- Location: Central, close to Melbourne Park, Chinatown, shopping and the theatres.
- Style: Boutique, art-filled rooms and a distinctive heritage building.
- Atmosphere: Lively and characterful, with a rooftop terrace and lobby bar.
- Consideration: Some street noise given the central lane setting.
8. DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street
The DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne sits at 270 Flinders Street, in the heart of the CBD directly opposite Flinders Street Station. It is a practical choice if you want to be central, with Federation Square a short walk away and restaurants, bars and shops all around, which is handy after a long day at the tennis.
Getting to Rod Laver Arena is easy from here. A tram is usually the simplest way across the city during a busy event like the Open, and it is a short hop of roughly 10-15 minutes depending on traffic and which entrance you are heading to.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Melbourne CBD, 270 Flinders Street |
| Proximity to Rod Laver | Approx. 10-15 min tram ride |
| Nearby Attractions | Federation Square, Flinders Street Station |
| On-site Dining | Platform 270 restaurant and bar |
| Signature Touch | Warm DoubleTree cookie on arrival |
Rooms are generally spacious and comfortable, and the on-site Platform 270 restaurant and bar means you do not have to venture far for a meal or a drink. In keeping with the DoubleTree brand, you get a warm chocolate-chip cookie at check-in, a small but welcome touch.
Despite its CBD address, it does not feel as relentlessly busy as some central spots, striking a decent balance between city access and a slightly calmer base.
It is a practical option that ticks a lot of boxes for convenience and comfort during the tournament.
9. Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne Flinders Street
If you like more space and the option to cook, the Adina Apartment Hotel on Flinders Street is a good shout. It sits in the CBD close to Flinders Street Station, so you are never far from a tram stop, including the free match-day services that run to Rod Laver Arena.
The apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, which helps keep eating-out costs down over a longer stay. You also get far more room than a standard hotel, with studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts, so it works well for families and groups.
Here is what you get:
- Kitchen facilities: Fully equipped, with laundry in the larger apartments.
- Space: Studios through to three-bedroom apartments, generally larger than hotel rooms.
- Location: Central, steps from Flinders Street Station and its trams.
- Views: Some higher-floor rooms look out over the city.
Rates climb through January and rooms get snapped up for the tournament, so book well ahead. Parking is available but costs extra.
It is a solid choice if you value your own space and a kitchen while staying central, with a genuinely easy run to the tennis.
10. Mantra Southbank
Mantra Southbank sits in the arts precinct, which sets it apart from the others on this list. It is a good pick if you want to be close to the National Gallery of Victoria and the Arts Centre as well as the tennis.
Getting to Rod Laver Arena is easy. It is a walk of around 15-20 minutes direct, or you can take a slightly longer, more scenic route through the Queen Victoria Gardens, which is a pleasant one in good weather.
The apartments suit groups and longer stays. They are generally spacious and come with a full kitchen and in-apartment laundry with washer and dryer, so you can handle your own breakfasts or a quick dinner and keep clothes fresh over the fortnight.
One thing to note is that the immediate riverside strip is light on casual eateries, so you may head further towards the city for an everyday meal. The on-site Mezzi Bar and Kitchen covers breakfast and drinks if you would rather stay put.
Some apartments are starting to show their age. They are clean, but a refresh in places would not go amiss, which is worth knowing if you expect everything to be brand new.
Secure parking is available at a charge, and it is generally cheaper than parking in the city centre.
Overall, Mantra Southbank balances proximity to the cultural sights with a manageable walk to the tennis. Just plan around the quieter local dining scene and the slightly dated feel of some rooms.
So, where will you stay?
That covers the range of options near Rod Laver Arena for the Australian Open 2026. Whether you want to be in the middle of the CBD, across the river in Southbank for an easy walk to the courts, or a tram ride out in a quieter, cheaper spot, there is a base that fits. Book early, because the good ones go fast through the tournament fortnight. Enjoy the tennis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close are these places to Rod Laver Arena?
Most are within a 15-20 minute walk, and the rest are a short tram ride away. Staying near Melbourne Park makes it easy to reach the matches and to walk back after a late night session.
Is public transport easy to use for the Australian Open?
Yes. Ticket holders travel free on tram routes 70 and 70a to Melbourne Park on the day of their ticket, and much of the central grid falls inside the Free Tram Zone. Services do wind down late at night, so if you are leaving a match that finishes very late and are staying nearby, walking back can be the quickest option.
Are the hotels really expensive during the Australian Open?
Rates do climb during the tournament, especially for hotels closest to Melbourne Park. Staying a little further out or choosing a budget option such as Flinders Backpackers keeps costs down, at the trade-off of a bit more travel time.
What is the difference between staying in the CBD and Southbank?
The CBD is the busy heart of the city, dense with shops and restaurants. Southbank sits just across the Yarra, is also central and close to the courts, but feels a touch more relaxed and is known for its arts venues. Both give you good access to the Australian Open.
Can I find places suitable for families?
Yes. Apartment hotels such as the Adina on Flinders Street and Mantra Southbank offer more space and full kitchens, which suits families. Check the specific property for family room layouts and the facilities you need.
What if I want a bit of luxury during the Open?
For a top-end stay, the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne and the Park Hyatt Melbourne both deliver high floors, strong facilities and polished service, ideal for a special trip.
