What to do in Melbourne during the 2020 Australian Open

What else is there to do during the Australian Open?

Every year, thousands of people head for the iconic Melbourne Park to watch tennis’ greatest stars battle it out at the only tennis Grand Slam tournament held in the southern hemisphere. Prone to heatwaves with temperatures of 35°C or more, sometimes getting away from the fierce competition in the intense heat is essential. For those who want to explore the capital of Victoria during their free time, here are a few ideas:

Discover the Dandenongs

Located just an hour from Melbourne, a private tour of the Dandenong Ranges is the perfect way to escape the city heat and the crowds drawn to the Australian Open. On this tour, you’ll enjoy a slow scenic drive through the National Park where you’ll get to breathe in the cool mountain air while marvelling at the trees towering overhead, gullies filled with crisp green ferns, and breathtaking views across the Yarra Valley and beyond.

Along the way you’ll get to stop at quaint little places where you can share in Melbourne’s caffeine addiction, sample some of the wines that the Yarra Valley region is famous for, and browse the local arts and crafts on display. Then we’ll take you up to the Sky High Lookout to marvel at the views of the whole of metropolitan Melbourne.

No trip to the Dandenongs is complete without a relaxing journey through the temperate rainforest on Puffing Billy, Australia’s oldest surviving and fully restored steam train. For those who love the outdoors, there are several shady trails that take you through Sherbrooke Forest.

The most popular short walk meanders alongside towering Mountain Ashes, the tallest flowering hardwood in the world, and ends where the Sherbrooke Falls paint a fairy tale picture of gushing water cascading over rocky outcrops.

Journey along the Great Ocean Road

One of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world, the Great Ocean Road stretches along 243km of the southern coast of Victoria. On the route, you’ll find some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the world, and dozens of hotspots that invite you to get out and explore a little (or a lot!). Find out how the Loch Ard Gorge got its name and see if you can recognise any backdrops from the 1999 Journey to the Centre of the Earth TV series

Just a few minutes away you’ll find the imposing 12 Apostles. With some of these flat-bedded limestone formations rising 65 metres above sea level, they’re a breathtaking sight to behold. If you like, you can even get a bird’s eye view with a helicopter flight over one of Australia’s most iconic natural landmarks.

You can’t drive along this stunning road without stopping at one of the many beaches to enjoy the azure blue waters, or maybe even take a surfing lesson at Bells Beach where the Rip Curl Pro is held every year. Our Great Ocean Road luxury private tour includes the option of one way or return transfers by helicopter or plane and is also one of several carbon-neutral eco-certified private tours that we offer.

Nibble your way across Melbourne

As the top-rated foodie destination in the country, Melbourne is the culinary heartbeat of Australia. With a diverse melting pot of cultures making this stunning city their home, the range of cuisines to choose from can make it seem like you’re travelling the world rather than just touring the city! With thousands of restaurants, bars, cafes, markets, and other eateries to choose from, it can be hard to decide exactly which of them you want to try.

With our Ultimate Melbourne Food Tour, you won’t have to worry that you’re missing out on anything because we’ll take you on an edible tour through Melbourne’s many fascinating multicultural neighbourhoods. Sample the best Italian, Greek and Asian cuisine that Australia has to offer along with visits to fragrant spice shops, decadent chocolate lounges, an underground fromagerie, and renowned local bakeries.

Don’t forget that a private tour means you can customise each stop of your entire day. Maybe you’d like to find the best vindaloo curry in town, or you’ve always dreamed of dining at a Michelin starred French restaurant. Whatever your epicurean desire is, let us know and we’ll use our local insider knowledge to find the best hidden gems and culinary secrets in Melbourne to share with you!

Also, why not try our Foodies Journey through the Mornington Peninsula with a memorable coastal drive and a cooking experience at a sustainable farm. This tour is one of our Eco Friendly Tours.

Enjoy Melbourne after dark

The Australian Open 2020 begins at the tail end of January, right when temperatures are consistently high and heatwaves are a common occurrence. In fact, a heatwave that broke several local records forced play to be suspended in 2019 – and it looks like the same thing may happen this year.

Fortunately for those who would rather spend their days on a beach or at one of the many local swimming holes in and around Melbourne, the city has a vibrant nightlife that is as alluring as its day time attractions. The best part about it? The setting sun brings with it cooler temperatures – which means you get to enjoy yourself without feeling like you’re about to melt!

Our Melbourne after Dark private tour will take you up to the Eureka Tower Skydeck where you’ll be able to see the twinkling lights of Melbourne spread out below you. You’ll also get to enjoy a cocktail at one of Melbourne’s popular hidden bars, a two-course dinner at a world-class restaurant, and the option of ending your night at Om Nom, the world’s very first dessert hotel!

Let us spice up your AO 2020 experience

You might be headed to Melbourne to enjoy the Australian Open, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on all the other delights the City by the Bay has to offer. From the foodie heaven of Flinders Street to the shopper’s delight of Lonsdale Street, to the wonder of the heritage buildings spread along the Golden Mile – Melbourne is a tourist’s mecca with attractions to suit everyone who visits.

We can put together a custom package for your entire trip that includes accommodation, a selection of our most popular private tours and our full range of AO 2020 packages, so fill in our contact request form and we’ll get in touch with you to help you plan a trip you’ll never forget.