From Aperol Spritzes to Surviving the Heat: How to Do the Australian Open Like a Pro
Here are a few tips on making the most of Melbourne's favourite time of year — the Australian Open.
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The Australian Open is a marathon, not a sprint. Anyone who's wandered through Melbourne Park on a January afternoon, sun blazing, sunscreen melting, knows that by the time the night sessions roll around, you can easily be running on fumes. Whether it's your first time at the tournament or you're trying to perfect your route, here's how to do the Australian Open like a pro.
Preparation Is Key
The Australian Open blends the tennis tournament with fashion activations, street-style snaps, and many chill-out zones to relax with friends. While you may be tempted to don your most stylish outfit, preparation and comfort are key to feeling fresh enough to witness tennis history.
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Wear comfortable shoes that can help you get from one end of the grounds to the other. Dress in breathable linens or cottons, and don't forget to pack your sunscreen and hat (sunscreen is also available to the public around the venue). Packing a light overshirt in case you suddenly find your courtside seat directly in the sun's glow is also an expert tip. If you have tickets for afternoon and evening games, you'll want to feel as comfortable as possible, so preparing your outfit and bag beforehand will ensure you're not caught out (and sun-stroked) by the final late-night game.
The Midday Reset
If you do have an AO day out planned, look for pop-ups that can help you to reset. There are loads around the grounds that specialise in makeup touchups, fashion outlets (if you need a change of shirt), and grooming booths to keep you feeling fresh.
On Saturday, January 24, the OneBlade Barbershop will set up at the Southbank Spillway for walk-ins, with two barbers on hand to provide a free trim, edge, or close facial hair shave using the Philips OneBlade. Looking sharp is Philips' shout this Australian Open.
Choose hairstyle inspiration from the icons board featuring sporting stars, including Nick Kyrgios and the Honeybadger. You don't need to make a booking in between matches. Just rock up, scan the QR code and secure your spot from 9am–4pm. You can also spin the prize wheel to score giveaways like the Philips Nose Trimmer NT1000, the Philips OneBlade Original Blade, exclusive merch, mini fans and more. A DJ will be playing next to the Philips barbershop throughout the event as well to keep the AO energy high. The pop-up is designed to keep you feeling fresh and on-trend, all while soaking up the stylish atmosphere of the Australian Open.
Pace Your Rally
Between the AO's heat and party-like energy, it's easy to forget to pace yourself. Whilst sipping your Aperol Spritzes and sampling the many food stalls, don't forget to drink water. It'll be hard to stay awake for the final showdown at 11pm if you're dehydrated.
Looking for some food and beverage recommendations to keep the energy up? Several crowd favourites are back in 2026, including the famous Peach Melbourne peach and vanilla soft serve. The Grey Goose Lemon Ace cocktail also returns, available freshly mixed or ready-to-drink from the revamped Courtside Bar. You can sip on Canadian Clubs in their lounge area or check out the much-loved AO Frappe.
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Beyond the Courtside Bar, Melbourne Park transforms into a food festival with the likes of Japanese-inspired favourite Suupaa serving konbini classics like onigiri, katsu sandos, noodle bowls and its cult Suupaachiki fried chicken. Over in Garden Square, Melbourne institutions take centre stage, with Hector's Deli making its AO debut and Entrecôte serving French-inspired classics. By staying hydrated, taking a moment to reset at the activations, and snacking your way around the tournament, you can keep cool and soak up Melbourne at its best. Good luck.
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Image credit: Supplied
