If there is one thing that encompasses the Aussie summer in a nutshell, it has to be the Australian Open. It’s one of the year’s biggest sporting events, the best athletes in the world are all in town, the sun is shining brightly, and everyone is still all hopped up on that post-Christmas holiday buzz.
But you don’t need to see Roger Federer’s slick volleys, Rafael Nadal’s biceps or Serena Williams’ serves in the flesh to have fun while you’re visiting the Australian Open. There are a heap of things you can do to have fun, and you can do it all without needing to set foot on a tennis court grandstand.
There’s live music, so much live music
You wouldn’t expect it from a tennis event but the Australian Open is arguably one of the best places for a healthy dose of live music goodness Down Under.
Over the course of the tournament’s two-week duration, you’re treated to a couple of huge live acts every single day at the venue’s massive live stage. With confirmed acts like Jessica Mauboy, The Veronicas, Billy Idol and Matt Corby, you can squeeze in a couple of banging tunes and dance moves in between tennis matches.
The various pop-up stalls, restaurants and fun zones
Let’s say you’re feeling a little famished and/or thirsty from the live stage shenanigans, then there’s no better way to rehydrate, reenergise and cool down at one of Australian Open’s many restaurants and fan zones.
For those looking for a little extra fun, there are a heap of entertaining events, such as the AO Sports Film Festival and the various stalls and activities for everyone at the Grand Slam Oval.
If you’re still in the mood for some more blood-pumping fun when the sun goes down, you can then pull up a chair, sit out on the grass and watch the pros go toe-to-toe on the big screens in Melbourne Park.
Watching the pros practise
Okay, bending the rules a little bit here for this one, but when you’ve got the likes of Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Ash Barty and Rafael Nadal just practicing on one of the many outside, free-for-all courts at the Australian Open, of course you’ve got to go have a gander and see what the fuss is about.
It’s one thing to see the pros play on the big arena stage but it’s another feeling altogether watching them in loosey-goosey practice mode.
