Finding the right accommodation near Rod Laver Arena can transform your Australian Open experience. With the tournament running from 6 to 26 January 2025 (Australian Open), being within walking distance lets you skip the crowds and head straight to the action. This guide compares hotels, self-catering apartments, and luxury stays using verified distances, guest reviews, and transport data from official sources.
Last checked: 2026-07-03
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Nearest tram stop: Jolimont Station / Rod Laver Arena · Best for budget: Great Southern Hotel Melbourne · Best for luxury: Crown Metropol Melbourne · Partner hotel chain: Marriott Bonvoy (Summer of Tennis Australia)
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-03.
Sources reviewed: official property website, neutral review platform, tourism authority, transit operator.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
At a glance
- Tournament runs 6–26 January at Melbourne Park (Australian Open)
- Part of Melbourne Park within the Melbourne & Olympic Parks precinct on the edge of Melbourne CBD (Ovolo Hotels blog)
- Mercure Melbourne Southbank states Rod Laver Arena is 1.6 km away, about a 20‑minute walk (Mercure Melbourne Southbank)
- Rod Laver Arena/MCG Gates 1–3 stop (#7b) is about 379 m from Melbourne Park – roughly a 6‑minute walk (Moovit)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nearest tram stop | Jolimont Station / Rod Laver Arena |
| Best for budget | Great Southern Hotel Melbourne |
| Best for luxury | Crown Metropol Melbourne |
| Partner hotel chain | Marriott Bonvoy (Summer of Tennis Australia) |
| Tournament dates | 6–26 January 2025 (Australian Open) |
| Rod Laver Arena location | Melbourne Park, eastern edge of CBD (Ovolo) |
| Mercure Southbank distance | 1.6 km, 20 min walk (Mercure official site) |
| Mantra on Jolimont walk time | About 20 min (Tripadvisor) |
Where is the best place to stay for the Australian Open?
For most first‑time visitors, the answer is the Melbourne CBD or Southbank. Both neighbourhoods put you within a 15‑ to 25‑minute walk of Melbourne Park’s City Entrance, a route that avoids the worst Grand Slam crowds (Tripwis). If you want the absolute shortest commute, properties adjacent to the sporting precinct, such as Pullman Melbourne On The Park and Mantra on Jolimont, are literally next door – though verified walking times from Mantra are around 20 minutes (Tripadvisor).
Best hotels walking distance to Rod Laver Arena
Booking.com and other aggregators frequently highlight The Victoria Hotel, Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands, Atlantis Hotel Melbourne, Great Southern Hotel Melbourne and Crown Metropol Melbourne as top walkable picks. Most of these are in the CBD or Southbank, meaning you can expect a 15‑ to 25‑minute stroll to the arena gates. The Victoria Hotel, for instance, is a solid mid‑range option on Little Collins Street, while Great Southern often appears on budget recommendations. Crown Metropol, perched on the Southbank side of the Yarra, offers a luxury experience with views across the river.
Best self‑catering accommodation near Rod Laver Arena
Airbnb lists multiple “top‑rated apartment rentals near Rod Laver Arena”, many in the inner‑city sporting precinct. These self‑catering apartments provide kitchen facilities and often feature dedicated parking – a rarity during the Australian Open. Typical one‑bedroom apartments sit within a 10‑ to 15‑minute walk of Melbourne Park, offering families the flexibility to cook meals and avoid expensive event dining. (Airbnb)
| Hotel / Accommodation | Walk Time to Rod Laver Arena | Price Band | Parking Available | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Victoria Hotel | CBD – approx 15‑20 min walk (Tripwis) | Mid‑range | Limited (nearby garages) | First‑time visitors, couples |
| Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Docklands | Docklands – tram/ride‑share, ~10 min | Budget‑mid | On‑site (surcharge) | Budget travellers, event goers |
| Atlantis Hotel Melbourne | Spencer Street – ~20 min walk or short tram | Mid‑range | Limited | Business + leisure |
| Great Southern Hotel Melbourne | Spencer Street – ~20 min walk | Budget | Nearby public parking | Budget travellers, backpackers |
| Crown Metropol Melbourne | Southbank – ~15‑20 min walk | Luxury | Valet (pricey) | Luxury seekers |
| Self‑catering options | Varies by location (5‑20 min walk) | Mid‑luxury | Often included | Families, groups |
How do I get to Rod Laver Arena from City?
Getting to Rod Laver Arena via tram
Melbourne’s tram network connects the CBD directly to Melbourne Park. The Rod Laver Arena/MCG Gates 1–3 stop (#7b) is only 379 metres from the main gates, a six‑minute walk (Moovit). Trams on routes 70, 75 and 48 run along Flinders Street and stop at the venue. From South Yarra, route 8 takes you straight to the arena (Ovolo Hotels blog).
Getting to Rod Laver Arena via SkyBus
The SkyBus express service from Melbourne Airport terminates at Southern Cross Station, from which you can catch a tram or train to the sporting precinct. While SkyBus itself does not stop at Rod Laver Arena, its close proximity to the CBD makes it a convenient link for out‑of‑town fans. Many hotels run shuttle‑style services during the Australian Open.
Rideshare and taxi options
Rideshare services like Uber and taxi ranks operate from every hotel precinct. Expect surge pricing after matches, especially around 10 pm when night sessions end. A typical ride from the CBD to the arena costs $10–$15 and takes 5–10 minutes.
The bottom line: Walking to Rod Laver Arena is easy from any CBD or Southbank hotel – allow 15‑25 minutes on foot. Trams and trains are the next best option if you prefer not to walk.
Where do Australian Open players stay in Melbourne?
Luxury homes of tennis stars
Top players and their entourages often rent private homes in affluent suburbs such as Toorak and South Yarra (realestate.com.au). These multi‑bedroom houses offer privacy, space and gardens – a contrast to the hustle of the hotel strip. Located 3–5 km from Rod Laver Arena, the homes are a short drive or tram ride to the courts.
Official partner hotels of the Australian Open
Marriott Bonvoy serves as the official hotel partner of the Australian Open through its “Summer of Tennis Australia” program. This means properties such as W Melbourne, The Ritz‑Carlton Melbourne and Marriott‑branded hotels in the CBD often host players, officials and media. Guests at these hotels may enjoy special tournament shuttles or dining packages.
Where should I stay in Melbourne for the first time?
Southbank vs Melbourne CBD
Southbank – the precinct along the Yarra opposite Flinders Street – offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, bars and luxury hotels, all within 15‑20 minutes’ walk of Melbourne Park. The CBD, dense with mid‑range hotels and backpacker hostels, is slightly closer to the venue’s City Entrance. Both areas are safe and convenient, with Southbank leaning more towards a dining and entertainment vibe.
Dodgy suburbs to avoid
Some areas further from the centre, such as parts of St Kilda or Fitzroy, are attractive for their character but add 30‑40 minutes of travel time and lack direct tram lines to Rod Laver Arena. For first‑time visitors, staying in the CBD or Southbank is the foolproof choice.
How do tourists pay for public transport in Melbourne?
Using Myki card
Melbourne’s public transport system (trams, trains, buses) uses the Myki card. Visitors can purchase a card at 7‑Eleven stores, railway stations or the SkyBus terminal. Top‑up and tap on/off at readers. A daily cap ($10‑$12) makes it an economical way to travel for a week. (Study Melbourne)
Tap‑and‑go payment options
From 2025, Melbourne’s trams support contactless payment (Visa, Mastercard) directly at the reader – no Myki needed for occasional rides. This is ideal for tourists making a few trips to Rod Laver Arena during their stay.
Best accommodation for different traveller types
First‑time visitors
Choose a central CBD hotel like The Victoria Hotel. Walking distance is under 20 minutes, and you’re close to Federation Square and Flinders Street Station for post‑match exploration.
Budget travellers
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne offers rooms from around $100 per night during the tournament. It’s a 20‑minute walk from the arena and near Southern Cross Station for transport links.
Luxury seekers
Crown Metropol Melbourne provides 5‑star amenities and a Southbank location, plus access to the Crown complex’s restaurants and bars. Expect rates north of $400 per night during Australian Open.
Self‑catering families
Self‑catering apartments near Richmond or Jolimont give you kitchen facilities and parking. Many are within a 10‑minute walk of the arena, ideal for families with young children.
Pricing bands for accommodation near Rod Laver Arena
Budget (under $150/night)
Great Southern Hotel and Travelodge Docklands represent the affordable end. Book early to secure these rates – prices often double as the event approaches.
Mid‑range ($150–$300/night)
The Victoria Hotel, Atlantis and Pullman Melbourne On The Park fall into this bracket. Good balance between cost and walkability.
Luxury ($300+/night)
Crown Metropol, The Langham Melbourne and Grand Hyatt are top choices. Expect premium amenities and exceptional proximity to the Melbourne Park precinct.
Location and getting there – key routes to Rod Laver Arena
- From CBD: Walk across the Yarra via footbridge – 10‑15 min. Tram routes 70, 75, 48.
- From Southbank: Walk across the pedestrian bridge – 15‑20 min. Tram route 1.
- From Richmond: Walk via Punt Road – 12‑18 min. Train to Richmond Station.
- From Jolimont: Mantra on Jolimont is practically at the door – 2‑minute walk to the arena perimeter.
Our pick
Best all‑rounder: The Victoria Hotel – central CBD location, reasonable rates and a 15‑minute walk to Rod Laver Arena, backed by high ratings on Booking.com.
Best value: Great Southern Hotel Melbourne – budget price in a walkable location.
Best luxury: Crown Metropol Melbourne – premium Southbank residence with views and direct tram access.
trivago.com, booking.com, airbnb.com, rome2rio.com, wotif.com, tripadvisor.com
For those seeking a convenient stay, Mantra on Jolimont accommodation places guests directly opposite the MCG and within a short walk of Rod Laver Arena.
Frequently asked questions
What is the closest hotel to Rod Laver Arena?
Mantra on Jolimont is approximately 1.6 km from the arena, with a walking time of about 20 minutes to the main gates. Pullman Melbourne On The Park is also adjacent to Melbourne Park.
Is there accommodation near Rod Laver Arena with parking?
Yes. Travelodge Docklands offers on-site parking for $25–$40 per night. Many self-catering apartments also include dedicated parking.
Are there cheap accommodation options near Rod Laver Arena?
Great Southern Hotel Melbourne consistently ranks as the best budget choice. Travelodge and Atlantis also offer rooms under $150 per night during the Australian Open, but book early.
What luxury accommodation is near Rod Laver Arena?
Crown Metropol Melbourne, The Langham Melbourne and Grand Hyatt Melbourne are the standout luxury properties, with walking distances of 15–20 minutes.
How far is Mantra on Jolimont from Rod Laver Arena?
Mantra on Jolimont is about 2 minutes from the arena perimeter on foot. The walk to the main gates takes approximately 20 minutes.
Do any hotels offer a shuttle to the Australian Open?
Yes. Some luxury hotels (e.g., Crown Metropol, The Langham) provide guest shuttles or have partnerships with event transport services. Check with the hotel directly.
Which station is best for Rod Laver Arena?
Richmond Station (train) and Flinders Street Station (tram connection) are the primary rail hubs. The Jolimont tram stop (#7b) is the most convenient tram stop for the arena.
Can I walk from Melbourne CBD to Rod Laver Arena?
Yes. The walk from Federation Square to Rod Laver Arena is approximately 1.2 km and takes about 15 minutes via the pedestrian bridge across the Yarra River.