Things to Do in Melbourne While at the Australian Open
There are only several weeks more to go before the next Australian Open. Have you already booked your tickets to the see the games, January 14 to 27th? If so, now is a great time to plan your trip. Here’s a short list of things to do and places to see in Melbourne while in between matches.
Visit a Sports Museum
Melbourne is Australia’s sports capital, so aside from arenas, expect to find other sports-related attractions. If you fancy a trip down memory lane, visit the National Sports Museum. You’ll gain insight on some of history’s greatest matches. Plus, you’ll also enjoy trying some of the awesome interactive exhibits at the museum. Visitors can score goals at the Australian Football League zone and test their reaction times against professional athletes.
Ride a Hot Air Balloon
Taking a hot air balloon ride is an incredible way to see the landscape of Australia, and is definitely high on many wishlists. If you haven’t had the experience of seeing Victoria from above, make the most of your time in Melbourne and try out a hot air balloon ride over at Yarra Valley, just a short distance from the city. The rides are usually scheduled 20 minutes before sunrise.
For an idea of what you’re signing up for, Sarah of the Where is Sarah blog describes the hot air balloon experience as priceless and incomparable. It’s a relaxing ride that allows people to take in the stunning views of Yarra Valley. You can even spot kangaroos below, hopping around the farmland.
Go Shopping in Block Arcade and the Royal Arcade
Melbourne’s arcades capture the true essence of the city, because of the numerous alfresco dining options, boutique shops, and cosy cafes that can be found. For the best cultural experience, opt for the Block Arcade and the Royal Arcade.
The Block Arcade has been around since 1892, and yet its ornate French Renaissance architecture is still something of a marvel. While there are many shops here worth visiting, such as Haigh’s Chocolates and Card & Caboodle, the main attraction is Hopetoun Tea Rooms. It is a Victorian era tea room that offers cakes and a variety of teas. However, the queues here tend to be long.
Meanwhile, the Royal Arcade also has its own unique charm. The city’s oldest arcade looks like a crystal palace with its high skylight ceiling and checkered floor. The two mythical statues of Gog and Magog ring the bells of the Gaunt clock to signal each hour’s passing. For interesting trinkets, stop by the Spellbox or Hunter Gatherer. You can also indulge in Belgian hot chocolate at Koko Black, one of the city’s best chocolate cafes.
Play the Australian Open Game
On periods between matches, you can download the official Australian Open game on your smartphone and play tennis yourself. The app lets you create your own character to play through the whole tournament. While going through the game’s matches, you can unlock all the players registered in the Open.
Take a Stroll at the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens offers one the best free things to do in Melbourne. If you want to relax your mind after intense Open matches, just take a leisurely walk through the park. You may even learn of interesting plants along the way. Attractions within the Gardens include the National Herbarium, Tropical Hothouse, Plant Craft Cottage, and Guilfoyle’s Volcano.