The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year, a high-energy tennis festival, and a bucket-list experience for fans from around the world.

But for first-time visitors, the scale of the event, Melbourne’s unpredictable summer weather, and unfamiliar logistics can lead to surprises—some memorable, others less so.

This guide breaks down the most common mistakes first-time fans make at AO26, how to avoid them, and how to experience the tournament the way seasoned attendees do.

MISTAKE #1 – Underestimating Melbourne Weather

One of the biggest shocks for first-time visitors is Melbourne’s famously unpredictable summer.

You might wake up to blazing sunshine and 35°C (95°F) heat, only to find yourself in cool winds or a sudden rain shower later the same day.

Why It Matters

January is peak summer in Melbourne:

• Temperatures regularly exceed 30°C (86°F)
• Heatwaves above 35°C (95°F) are common
• Thunderstorms can arrive quickly and without warning

Common Mistakes

• Dressing only for heat and getting caught in rain or cooler evenings
• Forgetting sunscreen or underestimating UV intensity
• Assuming shaded seating or covered areas will protect you all day

How to Avoid It

• Pack layers: breathable clothing, a light jacket, and a compact rain poncho
• Use high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended) and reapply during the day
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at the free water stations around Melbourne Park

An unprepared spectator on a hot day often finds the experience exhausting rather than exciting. Don’t let that be you.

MISTAKE #2 – Poor Transport Planning

Melbourne’s public transport is excellent, but during the Australian Open, it gets extremely busy, especially around Melbourne Park.

Common Missteps

• Trying to drive and park near the venue
• Boarding trams at the last minute before big matches
• Not planning transport for late-night sessions

How to Avoid It

• Use public transport early. Tram Route 70 runs directly from Flinders Street Station to Melbourne Park
• Stay within a 15–30 minute walk or tram ride (CBD, Southbank, and Richmond are ideal)
• Allow extra time before and after marquee matches

Pro tip: If your accommodation is within a 30-minute walk, walking is often faster and far less stressful than waiting for packed trams.

Having reliable mobile data helps here to check tram routes, live updates, and walking directions in real time.

Many international fans rely on a travel eSIM like eTravelsim, so transport planning stays smooth even during peak crowds.

MISTAKE #3 – Buying the Wrong Ticket (Ground Pass vs Arena Ticket)

This is one of the biggest decisions first-time visitors struggle with.

Having attended the Australian Open every year and experienced both options, here’s the honest breakdown.

Ground Pass: Incredible Value, Incredible Atmosphere

A ground pass is by far the cheapest way to attend the Australian Open—and often the most fun.

• Night sessions can start from around $19
• Day sessions cost slightly more but remain very affordable

What you get:

• Access to all outside courts
• Practice courts (you can watch players train)
• Fan zones, food courts, and live activations
• A festival-like atmosphere throughout Melbourne Park

Some of the best sporting memories happen on outside courts close to the players, surrounded by passionate fans, with matches unfolding just a few meters away.

But be prepared:

• You’re exposed to the elements, and heat is real
• You may need to line up early for popular matches
• Seating is not guaranteed

In one memorable year, arriving at the gate opening meant waiting seven hours on an outside court to secure a seat for a specific match. That’s the trade-off.

Arena Tickets: Comfort, Certainty & Star Power

Arena tickets are more expensive, but they offer guaranteed seating and protection from the elements.

For Rod Laver Arena, prices typically:

• Start around $149
• Rise significantly for popular sessions and later rounds

Why do people choose arenas:

Your seat is reserved, it’s yours

The biggest stars play here

Easy access to food and toilets

A retractable roof protects you from heat or rain

Slightly cheaper alternatives include:

• Margaret Court Arena
• John Cain Arena

Smart Strategy

Many experienced fans do this:

• Ground passes on most days
• One arena session for star power

That combination delivers both atmosphere and certainty—especially for first-time visitors.

Also Read:

• Australian Open 2026 Schedule Explained
• Beyond Tennis: What to Do in Melbourne During the Australian Open 2026
  
• How Expensive Is the Australian Open 2026?
  
• Australian Open 2026 Travel Guide

MISTAKE #4 – Forgetting Sun Safety Essentials

Australia’s sun is stronger than most visitors expect.

Common Oversights

• Buying low-SPF sunscreen
• Assuming shade is available everywhere
• Not hydrating enough

How to Avoid It

• Use broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Reapply throughout the day
• Take breaks in shaded areas like Grand Slam Oval
• Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty

Heat exhaustion is real. Prepare like you would for a long outdoor event.

MISTAKE #5 – Ignoring Food & Entertainment Zones

The Australian Open is not just tennis; it’s a full-scale festival.

Common Mistakes

• Heading straight to courts and missing food precincts
• Queuing at peak lunch hours
• Skipping live music and fan zones

How to Avoid It

• Eat earlier or later than traditional meal times
• Explore Garden Square, TopCourt, and Grand Slam Oval
• Treat food, music, and activations as part of the experience

MISTAKE #6 – Bad Time Management

First-time visitors often underestimate how long everything takes.

Scheduling Errors

• Arriving just before the match start and hitting the entry queues
• Leaving immediately after matches and getting stuck in crowds
• Not allowing time to explore Melbourne outside tennis

How to Avoid It

• Arrive early to enjoy practice courts and atmosphere
• Build in rest breaks, it’s a long day
• Stay back for dinner or drinks to avoid the transport rush

MISTAKE #7 – Packing Oversights (Including Connectivity)

Large events require smart packing.

Common Mistakes

• Bringing oversized bags that aren’t allowed
• Forgetting power banks, hats, or chargers
• Assuming venue Wi-Fi will be reliable everywhere

How to Avoid It

• Carry a small bag with essentials only
• Bring a power bank for long days
• Download the official Australian Open app

For connectivity, many international visitors now use a travel eSIM like eTravelsim, activating it before landing so they have reliable data for schedules, maps, ticket scans, and transport without relying solely on crowded Wi-Fi networks.

Final Takeaways for AO26 First-Time Visitors

The Australian Open is more than a tennis tournament; it’s a city-wide celebration.

Most first-time mistakes come from underestimating scale, weather, and logistics. With a bit of planning and awareness, you can avoid frustration and focus on what actually matters: the experience.

To recap, avoid these mistakes:

• Ignoring Melbourne’s weather variability
• Poor transport planning
• Choosing the wrong ticket type
• Neglecting sun safety
• Skipping food and entertainment zones
• Rushing your schedule
• Overpacking or forgetting essentials
• Relying entirely on Wi-Fi instead of planning connectivity (e.g., with eTravelsim)

With these insights, your Australian Open 2026 experience won’t feel overwhelming; it’ll feel intentional, relaxed, and unforgettable.

See you at Melbourne Park.