The Australian Open 2026 is set to kick off in just over a year, and ticket sales are already underway — but not for everyone. With Melbourne Park preparing to host the year’s first Grand Slam, fans are scrambling to lock in seats before the rush hits. The official dates, as confirmed by Tennis Australia, run from January 12 to February 1, 2026, though some third-party sites like Tennis Tours list a later start. That discrepancy? It’s not a glitch — it’s the difference between qualifying rounds and main draw play. And here’s the thing: if you want the best seats at the best prices, you’ve got to act fast — and know exactly when and how to buy.
Chubb Pre-Sale: A Private Doorway to the Action
Before the general public even gets a peek, Chubb Australia customers are getting exclusive early access. Starting at 2:00 p.m. AEST on Thursday, September 25, 2025, and running through 11:59 p.m. AEDT on Monday, October 6, 2025, Chubb policyholders can use a unique, email-delivered code to snag tickets via Ticketmaster. The catch? You need a Ticketmaster account. And you’re capped at nine tickets per session — except for the marquee events: the Men’s Semi-Finals, Women’s Final, and Men’s Final. For those, you’re limited to just six. The code? Personal use only. Post it on social media? It’s void. Share it with a friend? Risky. Once the clock hits midnight on October 6, that code expires — permanently.General Public Sale: October 7, 2025 — Mark Your Calendar
The rest of the world gets their shot on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. No code needed. Just a fast internet connection, a strong coffee, and nerves of steel. Ticketmaster will handle the entire sale, and they’ve got a Ticket Release Delay policy in place — meaning even if you’re ready at 9 a.m., the system might hold your cart for a few seconds to prevent bots from sweeping up inventory. That’s right: the same system that sold out the 2025 finals in under 17 minutes will be back in action. Expect traffic to crash. Expect servers to groan. And expect the cheapest tickets to vanish within minutes.What Do Tickets Cost? A Breakdown
Pricing for Australian Open 2026 is tiered like a pyramid — and the higher you go, the steeper the climb. Opening Week (January 12–18), which includes qualifying matches and public practice sessions, starts at just $10 for adults and $5 for kids during early-bird pricing. After that, it bumps to $15 and $10. Ground Passes — which let you roam the outer courts and enjoy free seating on show courts when available — begin at AUD $35. Stadium seats? That’s where the real money flows. A seat in John Cain Arena on a weekday might set you back $75. But move to Rod Laver Arena on the final weekend? You’re looking at $300+, especially in the lower tiers.
Hospitality and Travel Packages: For Those Who Want the Full Experience
If you’re not just watching tennis — you’re living it — then luxury packages are where it’s at. P1 Travel, the official hospitality partner, is already selling premium bundles that include gourmet canapés, three-course meals, live entertainment, and premium seating in Rod Laver Arena. These start at AUD $530 (about £258) per person, per session. For international fans, Events Travel — the tournament’s Official Travel Agent since 1997 — offers all-in-one deals: flights, hotels, guaranteed tickets, and even airport transfers. They accept AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, and NZD, with exchange rates locked at the time of invoice. And yes, they’re IATA, ATAS, and ATIA accredited — meaning your money’s protected if things go sideways.Smart Tips: How to Actually Get Tickets
Here’s the reality: you won’t get the best seats if you wait. But you also don’t need to pay full price. Tennis Australia runs something called The Happy Slam Hour — a surprise flash sale where limited tickets drop at 50% off or more. It’s not advertised ahead of time. You’ve got to follow their social channels and sign up for emails. Also, consider Upper Tier seating in Rod Laver Arena. It’s cheaper, less crowded, and still gives you a breathtaking view of the court. And if you live in Victoria? Skip the hotel packages. The 1-Night Staycation Package — a hotel stay + ticket combo — is perfect for locals who want the vibe without the expense.
Resale and What Happens After the Sale
Resale tickets will open on October 7, 2025, the same day as the public sale. But here’s the catch: resale tickets are only available to those who originally bought through the official platform. No third-party scalpers. No Viagogo. No StubHub. Tennis Australia controls the entire resale chain to prevent fraud and protect fans. If you miss out? You might get lucky later — but don’t count on it.Why Melbourne Park? The Legacy Behind the Courts
Since 1988, Melbourne Park has been the spiritual home of the Australian Open. Before that, it was played in Sydney, Adelaide, and even Christchurch. But Melbourne — with its summer heat, vibrant crowds, and the iconic Rod Laver Arena — became the perfect stage for what Tennis Australia calls The Happy Slam. The venue now includes three main arenas: Rod Laver, Margaret Court, and John Cain — each with distinct atmospheres. The lower tiers are where the noise is loudest. The upper tiers? Where the smart fans sit.Frequently Asked Questions
When does the general public ticket sale for Australian Open 2026 begin?
The general public sale begins on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, through Ticketmaster. This follows a Chubb customer pre-sale running from September 25 to October 6, 2025. No access code is required for the public sale, but tickets are expected to sell out quickly, especially for finals weekend.
Can I buy tickets from third-party resellers like StubHub or Viagogo?
No. Tennis Australia strictly prohibits third-party resale. Only official resale through Ticketmaster is permitted, and only for those who originally purchased through the Australian Open’s ticketing portal. Buying from unauthorized sellers risks invalid tickets and no refunds.
What’s included in the AUD $530 hospitality packages?
The AUD $530 packages, offered by P1 Travel, include premium seating in Rod Laver Arena, gourmet roaming canapés, a three-course meal, complimentary beverages, and live entertainment during match breaks. These are sold per session and are ideal for those seeking a luxury experience without the hassle of planning separately.
Are there any discounted ticket options besides the early-bird pricing?
Yes. Tennis Australia runs "The Happy Slam Hour," a surprise flash sale where limited tickets are released at steep discounts — sometimes as low as 50% off. These are announced without warning via email and social media, so fans must subscribe and stay alert. Upper-tier seating also offers better value than lower levels.
Why are there conflicting dates for the tournament?
The official dates (January 12–February 1, 2026) include qualifying rounds and public events. Some sites like Tennis Tours list only the main draw (January 18–February 1), which is when the top 128 players compete. If you want the full experience — including practice sessions and junior matches — plan for the full two-week window.
Is it worth buying a travel package from Events Travel?
For international visitors, yes. Events Travel has been the official agent since 1997, offers guaranteed tickets, flight and hotel bundles, and financial protection through IATA and ATAS accreditation. While more expensive than booking separately, it removes the stress of coordinating logistics across time zones and currencies.
raja kumar
November 30, 2025 AT 13:30The Chubb pre-sale is a smart move for loyal customers but it feels a bit exclusionary. I get the business logic but for a global event like the Australian Open, shouldn't the first access be more inclusive? Maybe a global lottery system for early access instead of corporate partnerships.
Sumit Prakash Gupta
November 30, 2025 AT 15:52Let’s talk ROI on ticketing infrastructure. The Ticketmaster delay protocol is a bot-squashing algorithmic firewall - it’s not a bug, it’s a feature. The system’s designed for elasticity under load, and the 17-minute sellout in 2025 proves the demand curve is hyper-elastic. If you’re not ready with a pre-authed payment method and 5G bandwidth, you’re already losing.
Shikhar Narwal
December 1, 2025 AT 12:54Upper tier in Rod Laver is the real MVP 🤝✨ I sat there last time and it felt like I was floating above the action - no screaming fans, no sweaty armpits, just pure tennis magic. And the price? Half of lower tier. Smart move if you’re not there for the Instagram pose but for the game.
Ravish Sharma
December 2, 2025 AT 21:20Of course Chubb gets first dibs. Because nothing says "The Happy Slam" like turning tennis into a corporate loyalty perk. Next they’ll hand out free sunscreen with your policy renewal. At least the $10 tickets for qualifying rounds are still a joke worth laughing at - if you’re not crying over your rent.
jay mehta
December 2, 2025 AT 22:47DO NOT WAIT!! DO NOT WAIT!! DO NOT WAIT!! Seriously, if you think you can "just check back later," you’re already 10,000 people behind. Set alarms. Set reminders. Set your phone to vibrate at 8:55 AM on October 7. And if you’re lucky enough to get a ticket - SHARE THE JOY!! 🎾❤️
Amit Rana
December 3, 2025 AT 23:23For anyone new to the Australian Open - the Ground Pass is your best friend. You can watch three matches a day for $35, catch players practicing, and still get into a show court if there’s space. It’s not glamorous but it’s authentic. And if you’re in Melbourne, walk to the park. The energy on the outer courts is electric.
Rajendra Gomtiwal
December 4, 2025 AT 07:40Why should Australians pay for tickets when the tournament is named after their country? Why does a foreign company like Ticketmaster control access? This is a national event - it should be free for citizens. And why are we even talking about hospitality packages? Tennis is for the people, not for rich tourists with credit cards.