Rod Laver Arena

Rod Laver Arena
Rod Laver Arena
Rod Laver Arena


Take atour 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.

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Things to do near Rod Laver Arena

Rod Laver Arena is not just a premier sports venue but also a gateway to an array of activities in Melbourne. Nearby, you can explore vibrant shopping districts, immerse yourself in the local art scene, and enjoy captivating theatre productions. The arena hosts a variety of events throughout the year, making it a focal point for entertainment and culture in the city. Experience the lively atmosphere that Melbourne has to offer during your visit.

Shopping

Discover Melbourne Central, a vibrant shopping centre just 1.6km from Rod Laver Arena, offering a mix of entertainment and city vibes. Also, visit the historic Queen Victoria Market, located 3.2km away, where you can enjoy a bustling atmosphere filled with local produce and crafts. If you're up for a drive, check out Lightning Ridge Opal Mines, a unique store located 1.1km away, specialising in exquisite opals.

Recreation

Marvel Stadium, located 3.2km from Rod Laver Arena, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy live performances at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, just 0.3.2km away, ideal for entertainment lovers. For family-friendly aquatic fun, visit the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, also 3.2km away.

Adventure

The Tan Track offers a scenic outdoor experience, perfect for jogging or leisurely strolls, located 966m from Rod Laver Arena. For a more adventurous outing, explore the Fitzroy Aboriginal Heritage Walking Trail, 1.6km away, showcasing stunning scenery and cultural insights. For breathtaking views, enjoy a scenic flight with Melbourne Seaplanes, situated 8.0km from the arena.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Rod Laver Arena is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a cultural experience at the nearby Melbourne Arts Centre, or indulge in romance at the Regent Theatre. For a more casual evening, sip drinks at Young & Jackson's, a lively pub with a charming atmosphere.

*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 serves as a gateway to a vibrant array of attractions, including charming streets, urban parks, and historic colleges. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy family-friendly experiences, and explore the lively city atmosphere that surrounds this iconic venue. Whether you're keen on history or simply wish to soak in the sights, there's something for everyone in this bustling area.

  • Melbourne Cricket Ground: A historic sports stadium that is a must-visit for sports enthusiasts. Just 483m from Rod Laver Arena, it offers a rich cultural vibe with tours showcasing its storied past and the thrill of live matches.
  • Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Located 1.6km away, this modern event venue is ideal for business and events. Experience its impressive architecture and vibrant atmosphere, often buzzing with conferences and exhibitions.
  • Collins Street: A 1.4km stroll will take you to this iconic street, known for its elegant buildings and bustling city vibes. Enjoy high-end shopping, fine dining, and a taste of Melbourne's architectural heritage.

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.

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 RainMostly 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 on your trip to Rod Laver Arena, consider visiting between May to June or August when accommodation prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Avoid weekends, particularly Saturdays, for the best rates. Use Expedia to filter hotels by budget and eco-certification for sustainable options. Package deals combining flights and activities can also help reduce overall expenses. Lastly, explore free activities around Melbourne to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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 specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel stay near Rod Laver Arena with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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