Rod Laver Arena

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 favourite 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 honour 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.

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Things to do near Rod Laver Arena

When visiting Rod Laver Arena, there's plenty to enjoy nearby, including shopping, art galleries, and vibrant theatre performances. For those seeking a unique experience, consider a winery tour to sample exquisite local wines. This combination of activities ensures a delightful and culturally enriching visit to this iconic Melbourne venue.

Shopping

Close to Rod Laver Arena, you can explore Melbourne Central, a vibrant shopping centre just 621m away, and the historic Queen Victoria Market, 1.2km away, perfect for local produce and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, only 435m away for unique gifts.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, located 1.2km from Rod Laver Arena, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Just 0.1.2km away, Sidney Myer Music Bowl provides vibrant entertainment with live performances. For family-friendly aquatic fun, visit the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, also 1.2km away.

Adventure

The Tan Track offers a scenic outdoor experience, perfect for walking or jogging, located 373m from Rod Laver Arena. For a more adventurous outing, the Merri Creek Trail, 1.9km away, provides beautiful scenery and hiking opportunities. Consider a memorable flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, situated 3.1km from the arena.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night out by catching a show at the Regent Theatre, just 435m from Rod Laver Arena, or sip drinks at Young & Jackson's, also 435m away. For a cultural experience, visit the Melbourne Arts Centre, located 311m from the arena.

Find the best attractions near Rod Laver Arena

Visitors to Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne can immerse themselves in culture and family-friendly experiences by exploring nearby urban parks, historic universities, and vibrant streets. Attending an event at the arena is a must, while various local attractions are just minutes away, offering a delightful mix of entertainment and sightseeing options. Don't miss the chance to discover the charm of Melbourne within a short distance from this iconic venue.

  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: Known as the MCG, this historic sports stadium is steeped in Australian sporting culture. Just 186m from the Rod Laver Arena, it offers guided tours showcasing its rich history and iconic status, making it a must-visit for sports enthusiasts.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Located 621m away, this modern event venue is a hub for conferences and exhibitions. Experience its impressive architecture and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for business travellers and event-goers alike.
  • Collins Street: This famous street, situated 559m from the arena, is lined with high-end boutiques and historic buildings. Stroll along its elegant pavements to soak up the cosmopolitan vibe of Melbourne.

Best time to go to Rod Laver Arena

The best time to visit Rod Laver Arena can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Rod Laver Arena falls in January, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Rod Laver Arena falls in July, 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 visit to Rod Laver Arena, plan your stay in May, June, or August for lower accommodation prices, and aim for a Monday check-in to avoid Saturday's higher rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly hotels and consider booking a package that includes flights and activities for additional savings. Take advantage of Melbourne's public transport system, which is economical for getting around, and explore free activities such as parks and galleries to enrich your experience without overspending.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to customise your options according to your budget, preferred destination, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that you find the most affordable hotel options first. Furthermore, you have the ability to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near Rod Laver Arena with your flights and activities.