AUSTRALIAN OPEN, DAYLESFORD & MELBOURNE

Melbourne is a fabulous city to visit year round and one of the very best times to be in our southern capital is undoubtedly in January when it hosts the Australian Open Tennis.   Melbourne thoroughly deserves its reputation as Australia’s sporting capital and the city lays on great hospitality for the first Tennis Grand Slam each year.    Although none of our men and women are ranked in the top, Melbournians are passionate about their tennis and vocal with their enthusiastic support of competitors from around the globe. 

Our tour includes 3 days at the Open where we will see daytime 4th round matches on Sunday and the quarter finals on Tuesday and  Wednesday. We have reserved (Category 2 shaded) seats for all 3 days in the Rod Laver Arena (centre court) and excitement is guaranteed as the final 8 battle for places in the semi finals. In 2025  the quarter finals saw men’s matches featuring Novak Djokovic vs Carlos Alcaraz, Tommy Paul vs Alexander Zverev, Jannik Sinner vs Alex de Minaur and Ben Shelton vs Lorenzo Sonego and women’s matches featuring Aryna Sabalenka vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Coco Gauff vs Paula Badosa, Emma Navarro vs Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys vs Elina Svitolina.  2026 once again promises to be action packed, as the world’s best battle for the prestigious Australian Open title.

Apart from the tennis we will enjoy several other highlights including a great day exploring Daylesford, a charming spa town in Victoria's Central Highlands. It is renowned for its natural mineral springs, serene lakes, and vibrant arts scene. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, it's a haven for relaxation, wellness retreats, and fine local dining. With historic architecture, cozy cafés, and a welcoming atmosphere, Daylesford offers the perfect blend of country charm and sophisticated escape.

A feature of this years itinerary -  due to so many people doing this tour annually, we have included free time in and around Melbourne as to avoid duplication from previous tours.  You may

like to enjoy the Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens, Federation Square and National Gallery of Victoria with its extensive collection of Australian art, the Eureka Skydeck for panoramic views from level 88, City Circle Tram, the Science Works Museum and Planetarium, the Immigration Museum in Old Customs House, Victoria Markets (subject to opening days), the Shrine of Remembrance and St Pauls Cathedral, Old Melbourne Gaol, Carlton, Fitzroy & Treasury Gardens and Parliament House.

Our accommodation is at the 4 star Best Western Plus Travel Inn located in Carlton, Melbourne.  (Ph: 03 9347 7922) a short drive from Melbourne Park and the perfect base to explore our southern capital.

Other highlights include:

*        Welcome lunch

*        Daylesford & Lavandula Farm

*        City sights tour

*        Yarra River Cruise

*        Southbank and the Botanic Gardens

*        2 dinners at the fabulous Lygon Street, Carlton

*       A free night to catch a show, break the bank at the casino or perhaps a night at the tennis

includes 5 dinners, 4 lunches and 6 breakfasts, admissions, luxury coach travel and airfares.