What to Do in Melbourne During the 2019 Tennis

Visiting Melbourne for the tennis? Here’s where to stretch  your legs before, between and post matches

Beijing Betty

Young Melbourne meets 1980s China: that’s how the group  behind hotspots Tokyo Tina and Hanoi Hannah is describing its  AO pop-up, Beijing Betty. Located in the Grand Slam Oval’s Chinatown precinct, the restaurant gives Cantonese classics modern twists. It offers both dine-in experiences and “grab and go” takeaway boxes that are perfect for families.

Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Bar

This two-storey bar at the Grand Slam Oval offers visitors plenty of social media opportunities – the two-person Love Swing and the Piper’s Perfect Match, which purports to analyse the level of closeness between two people, are the pick of the bunch. Plus there’s  a big screen broadcasting all the tennis action so there’s no FOMO.

AO Chef Series

Housed in The Glasshouse – an events space opposite Rod Laver Arena – the AO Chef Series promises dream fine dining, with some of the world’s best cooks (such as Simone Zanoni from Paris’s Michelin-starred Four Seasons George V) creating gourmet meals. Tickets – which include a ground pass – go faster than you can say, “I’ll have what she’s having” so book ahead.

AO Ballpark

The $5 kids’ ground pass is  a whopper of a deal; it gives little ones access to quite a few courts, plus the AO Ballpark – a tennis-y wonderland with a 12-metre waterslide, climbing wall, daily stage shows and the Fan Zone, where kids can practise their  skills. Childcare is available via  the AO Kids Club for children  aged five to 12, with a “best-of” events and activities program for youngsters. It all takes place on  the eastern side of the precinct,  in front of the arena.

Reunion Island Pool Club

Perched atop the CBD’s busy Melbourne Central shopping mall, this private club hires out plunge pools – $100 will get you an hour for four people and a beverage each. Enjoy sweeping city views with LA-style poolside fare (club sandwiches and burgers with a dash of originality) from onsite eatery The Kiosk, as  a custom Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speaker connected to your phone plays your favourite tunes.