Australian Open FAQ
Have questions about the Happy Slam? As Tennis Australia's first Official Travel Partner in North America, we probably know the answer. If your question isn't answered below, contact our tennis travel experts.
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Ticket FAQ's
Where will my seats be located?
Why are your tickets on sale before the public on-sale date?
How do we get our tennis tickets?
Do we have the same seats each day?
Does my child need a ticket?
What access do I have to other courts with my Rod Laver or Margaret Arena ticket?
Tournament FAQ's
What if it rains?
What time/day is my favorite player playing next year?
What time do the gates open?
When does play start?
How many matches will be played on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court each day?
Is re-entry allowed?
Traveling to Australia FAQ's
Do I need a visa for Australia?
How long is the flight to Australia?
Is airfare included?
How flexible are the tour dates?
Travel Package FAQ's
Do you offer special accomodations for families or groups?
How do we get to Melbourne Park?
How do we get around Australia?
Can I play tennis in Melbourne?
What is the dress code for playing tennis at Kooyong?
Who will I meet at the Welcome Dinner?
What is the dress code for a Welcome Dinner?
Can I check in to the hotel early?
Other FAQ's
Is travel insurance available?
Where will my seats be located?
Our status as the oldest Official Travel Partner of the Australian Open means a great relationship with Tennis Australia and access to excellent seating locations in several different sections. Choose from Front Row and Lower Baseline seating in Rod Laver Arena. Keep in mind, though: if you’re looking for the absolute best seats at the Australian Open, make sure you plan a day in Margaret Court Arena. No matter which court you choose, you’ll also have access to all 13 outer courts, and the other daily activities around the grounds.
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Why are your tickets on sale before the public on-sale date?
As an Official Travel Partner of the Australian Open, we have early access to some of the best locations on Rod Laver and Margaret Court Arenas. We’re able to sell them as part of our hospitality packages before the public AO on-sale date because of our long-standing relationship with Tennis Australia.
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How do we get our tennis tickets?
All Australian Open tickets are now e-tickets. You’ll receive them by email a week or two before the event, so make sure you supply us with the correct contact information when booking.
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Do we have the same seats each day?
You will be seated in different locations throughout your time at the Australian Open. Don’t worry, though—they’ll be a variety of the best possible locations in the level of seating you’ve chosen.
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Does my child need a ticket?
Children aged 2 and under (which includes 2-year-olds who have not yet reached their 3rd birthday) as at the date a ticket is presented for entry at the AO may enter at no charge, provided they do not occupy a reserved seat.
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What access do I have to other courts with my Rod Laver or Margaret Arena ticket?
If you have a ticket for Rod Laver Arena, please note that access to Margaret Court Arena is not included. However, you'll still have access to all other outside courts. It's important to keep in mind that access to John Cain Arena, Kia Arena, and outside courts isn't guaranteed and is subject to availability, capacity limits, and other exclusions.
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What if it rains?
Luckily, all four major tournaments have roofs as of 2020. So if you have a ticket to Rod Laver Arena or Margaret Court Arena, you’ll only have to wait a few minutes while they close the roof. Outer courts will still be at the mercy of the weather, so some matches may be moved to the main show courts or delayed.
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What time is my favorite player playing next year?
Great question and one we receive often. The draw is only released a few days before the tournament, and the order of play is only published the evening before the match. So, if there’s a specific player you’d like to see, we can usually predict which tickets you’ll need to see him or her. However, we can't know the exact time and court until the day before the match.
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What time do the gates open?
Day Session ticket holders can enter as early as 10:00 AM. Night Session ticket holders can enter as early as 5:00 PM.
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When does play start?
Click here for a complete schedule of play.
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How many matches will be played on Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court each day?
You will be seated in different locations throughout your time at the Australian Open. Don’t worry, though—they’ll be a variety of the best possible locations in the level of seating you’ve chosen.
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Is re-entry allowed?
If you are returning within your allotted session you can enter and leave the park but only for the time of your ticket
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Do I need a visa for Australia?
Yes. Australia requires that all passengers have a current Australian visa for vacations of up to three months. This visa must be valid for you to be allowed to board your first flight. Please make sure you have applied for and received a visa before your departure. Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website to find which visa applies to your situation. You'll see options at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au when you select the "Explore visa options" tile. If you are a US citizen and hold a valid US passport, you may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). ETAs are free of charge (there is an online service charge, though), and most are issued automatically. New Zealand requires a similar authorization, a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
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How long is the flight to Australia?
The total flight duration from the United States to Australia is 19 hours, 26 minutes from the East Coast and around 17 hours and 25 minutes from the West Coast.
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Is airfare included?
Airfare is not included in the package pricing. We wrote a blog post on how to book your own flights since it’s the easiest and cheapest way to get your airfare.
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How flexible are the tour dates?
Our set packages are simply popular combinations of tickets and hotel stays; each package begins on a day with a Welcome Dinner. However, we can build any package you can dream up—just try our custom package builder! You can also opt to Wander Down Under; perhaps you’ll fly to the South Pacific a few weeks earlier and stay through February, exploring Oceania as you go. Let us know what your ultimate Australian Open travel package looks like, and we’ll make it happen.
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Do you offer special accommodations for families or groups?
Yes, Grand Slam Tennis Tours works with our guests to find appropriate rooms and suites for families and groups.
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How do we get to Melbourne Park, the site of the Australian Open?
The stadium is conveniently located on the edge of downtown Melbourne, less than one mile from our hotels. It’s a 10–15 minute walk or tram ride to the stadium. Grand Slam Tennis Tours staff will escort you to Melbourne Park on your first day.
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How do we get around Australia?
Geographically, Australia is approximately the size of the continental United States. Flying is the most efficient way to see several places, but trains, ferries, and rental cars are also available and can be built into your package. Let us know where you’d like to go, and we’ll help you create the trip of a lifetime.
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Can I play tennis in Melbourne?
Yes. Our packages include a tennis playing opportunity at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club, a former site of the Australian Open. Join us if you want to try hitting on grass courts! Also, Tennis World at Melbourne Park offers access to indoor and outdoor plexicushion tennis courts, Italian clay courts, and a fully equipped gymnasium. It offers programs including cardio tennis, ladies' tennis mornings, group fitness training, and social leagues.
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What is the dress code for playing tennis at Kooyong?
All members and their guests should wear predominantly white, tennis attire when playing on the Club courts, although some coloured approved tennis attire is permitted.
White clothing and shoes required
Collared shirt required in clubhouse
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Who will I meet at the Welcome Dinner?
You’ll meet lots of people. The welcome dinner is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers; we’ve had many friendships (and even a few marriages) sparked on our tours. You may also meet a special tennis guest. Some of our past guests include top players Caroline Garcia, Reilly Opelka, and the Bryan Brothers, as well as Hall of Famers Tracy Austin, Fred Stolle, and many others. This is also a great time to connect with your tour hosts.
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What is the dress code for a Welcome Dinner?
The welcome dinner will be evening casual. "Dressy," but not formal.
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Can I check into the hotel early?
Early check-in may be available depending on availability, but please consult with us or the hotel before assuming.
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Is travel insurance available?
It sure is. After booking, just take your invoice from us, present it to a travel insurance company, and protect your trip.
