Rod Laver Arena Tours and Activities

Rod Laver Arena
Rod Laver Arena
Rod Laver Arena


Take a tour 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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
YEHS Hotel Melbourne CBD
Aussie Escape Apartments - Skyline Collins Tower
Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park

Popular places to visit


Top Rod Laver Arena Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG

4 out of 5
35-47 City Road, Southbank, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Southbank by IHG
The Langham, Melbourne

The Langham, Melbourne

5 out of 5
One Southgate Avenue, Southbank, VIC
The Langham, Melbourne
Rydges Melbourne

Rydges Melbourne

4.5 out of 5
186 Exhibition Street,, Melbourne, VIC
Rydges Melbourne
Grand Hyatt Melbourne

Grand Hyatt Melbourne

5 out of 5
123 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG

4 out of 5
589-599 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Holiday Inn Express Melbourne Little Collins by IHG
The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

The Victoria Hotel Melbourne

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

Stamford Plaza Melbourne

5 out of 5
111 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC
Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

Great Southern Hotel Melbourne

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

Dorsett Melbourne

4 out of 5
615 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC
Dorsett Melbourne
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

When visiting Rod Laver Arena, there are plenty of activities to enjoy nearby, including shopping, exploring art galleries, and catching a show at the theatre. Be sure to check for events happening at the arena, as it hosts a variety of concerts and sporting events that are not to be missed. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and make the most of your time in Melbourne!

Shopping

Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, located 1.1km from Rod Laver Arena, offers unique Australian souvenirs. Melbourne Central, just 1.6km away, features a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, Queen Victoria Market, 3.2km away, showcases local produce and crafts in a bustling atmosphere.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, 3.2km from Rod Laver Arena, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, just 0.3.2km away, provides a vibrant setting for outdoor concerts. For families, the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, also 3.2km away, features recreational facilities and aquatic fun.

Adventure

The Tan Track is an invigorating outdoor path located 966m from Rod Laver Arena, perfect for a refreshing walk or jog. For a more adventurous hike, explore the Merri Creek Trail, situated 4.8km away, showcasing stunning scenery and natural beauty. Experience breathtaking views with Melbourne Seaplanes, 8.0km away, offering a thrilling scenic flight over the city.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Rod Laver Arena! Enjoy a show at the Regent Theatre or the Melbourne Arts Centre, both offering rich cultural experiences. For a relaxed drink, visit Young & Jackson's pub, perfect for a romantic evening or catching up with friends.

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

Find the best attractions near Rod Laver Arena

Rod Laver Arena, located in Melbourne, Victoria, is surrounded by various attractions that cater to culture enthusiasts and families alike. You can explore urban parks, historic universities, and vibrant streets, all within close proximity. Whether you're visiting for a concert or a tennis match, there’s plenty to do and see around the arena, making it a prime spot for both relaxation and adventure in the heart of Melbourne.

  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Experience the thrill of Australia's sporting culture at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. This historic stadium, only 483m from Rod Laver Arena, is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts, offering guided tours that delve into its rich history and significance in the world of cricket and Australian Rules Football.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Situated 1.6km away, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre is a vibrant hub for events and conferences. With its modern facilities and business vibes, it’s perfect for those interested in Melbourne's professional landscape and networking opportunities.
  • Collins Street: Stroll along Collins Street, located 1.4km from Rod Laver Arena, and immerse yourself in the city's lively atmosphere. Known for its stunning architecture, boutique shopping, and fine dining, this street embodies Melbourne's cosmopolitan charm.

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 (dry).

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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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

To save money on your trip to Rod Laver Arena, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May to June or August, and aim for a stay on a Monday, which is the least expensive day. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodation by filtering for Eco-certified hotels and sorting prices from lowest to highest. Additionally, look for package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for greater savings. Public transport is affordable, and walking is a great way to explore the area without added costs.

  • 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 customise your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near Rod Laver Arena with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.