Hotels Near Rod Laver Arena (for Tennis, Gigs & Easy Access)
Rod Laver Arena hosts everything from Australian Open finals to sold-out concerts, and if you’re smart, you’ll stay close. No wrestling with post-event transport chaos, no missing the opening act because you’re stuck in traffic.
Looking for hotels near Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne? You’ve got two brilliant options: South Yarra’s tree-lined sophistication or the CBD’s laneway energy. Both get you there fast, but each delivers a completely different Melbourne experience.
Here’s where to stay for maximum convenience, zero stress, and a little city magic while you’re at it.
Where is Rod Laver Arena?
Rod Laver Arena sits right on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, located within the Melbourne & Olympic Parks precinct. It’s part of the city’s sports and entertainment heartbeat – a short walk from Federation Square and just across the Yarra River from Flinders Street Station.
While it’s best known as the centre court for the Australian Open, the arena hosts everything from concerts and comedy specials to live sport and cultural events year-round.
Whether you’re front row for a grand slam or dancing in the nosebleeds, its central location means getting there – and getting home – is refreshingly easy.
How to Get to Rod Laver Arena (From South Yarra and Laneways)
Getting to Rod Laver Arena is blissfully straightforward, especially if you’re staying in South Yarra or Melbourne’s CBD. Both areas are well-connected, and you can go from hotel room to stadium seat in under 20 minutes.
From Ovolo South Yarra
Hop on the Sandringham Line from South Yarra Station and ride just two stops to Richmond Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the arena. The arena is a quick 5-minute walk from there. Alternatively, catch the 8 tram from Toorak Road – it drops you right at the gates.
From Laneways by Ovolo (CBD)
Rod Laver Arena is a walkable 15-minute stroll from the hotel, passing through Federation Square and across the Yarra River. If it’s raining or you’re saving steps, jump on tram routes 70, 75, or the City Circle (35) from Flinders Street. They’ll drop you within a couple of blocks.
Either way, you’ll avoid the traffic and ride queues that come with taxis or rideshares on big event days. Melbourne’s public transport is fast, regular, and best of all, free in the CBD grid.
Where to Stay Near Rod Laver Arena: South Yarra vs Laneways
South Yarra is posh without being stuffy. You’ve got Chapel Street’s boutiques on your doorstep, Prahran Market around the corner, and proper cocktail bars that don’t feel like tourist traps. It’s leafy, stylish, and gets you to the arena in 10 minutes flat.
If you’re after a stay with character, Ovolo South Yarra brings ‘70s disco glamour to life. You’ll find velvet, chrome, and bold design at every turn, with a Latin American restaurant downstairs to keep the vibes going. Easily one of the coolest hotels near Rod Laver Arena, it’s perfect for a quieter night’s sleep after a loud gig.
CBD Laneways are pure Melbourne chaos in the best way. Street art everywhere, coffee that’ll ruin you for anywhere else, and hidden bars tucked into buildings that look like nothing from the outside. Chinatown’s dumplings are two minutes away.
Ovolo Laneways bottles that energy, with Memphis-inspired interiors, bold colours, and street art running right through the lobby. There’s even a lolly bar on arrival, which tells you everything you need to know about the playful luxury on offer.
Things to Do Around Rod Laver Arena
The beauty of staying close is having time to explore before your event kicks off. The Yarra River runs right past the arena, perfect for a morning walk or post-match decompression. The Royal Botanic Gardens are literally next door – grab a coffee from the Gardens Café and find a sunny spot by the lake to kill time.
Birrarung Marr, the parkland between the arena and the city, hosts food trucks and outdoor events year-round. After evening shows, Federation Square’s bars stay open late, or you can wander back along the river for a more chilled vibe.
If you’re staying in South Yarra, Chapel Street’s restaurant scene is legendary. Try Hawker Hall for South-East Asian street food, or Fonda for brilliant Mexican food that won’t break the bank. For something fancier, Attica’s just down the road in Ripponlea.
The laneways crowd has Chinatown on their doorstep. Hit up Flower Drum for legendary Cantonese or Shanghai Street Dumpling for quick, cheap eats. Hardware Lane’s Pellegrini’s is a Melbourne institution for Italian, while Centre Place has Patricia Coffee Brewers for the city’s best flat white.
Final Tips for Your Rod Laver Arena Visit
A little planning goes a long way, especially when the crowds roll in. Here are a few ways to make your visit a breeze.
Arrive early
Big events mean big queues. Aim to get there at least 30–45 minutes before showtime, especially if you’re grabbing merch or a drink. Lines move fast, but big matches and concerts draw massive crowds.
Pack smart
Leave the big bags behind. Security checks are strict, and smaller bags make for quicker entry (and easier exits).
Know your exit plan
After major events, transport gets hectic. If you’ve chosen accommodation near Rod Laver Arena in South Yarra or the laneways, you’re already ahead of the game. But here’s the pro tip: grab a drink nearby and let the initial rush die down, or walk to East Richmond Station instead of Richmond to skip the queues entirely.
Stay somewhere quiet
Post-show energy is great, but getting a good night’s sleep is better. Ovolo’s Melbourne hotels offer design-led comfort with just the right amount of calm – all within easy reach of the arena.
Your Perfect Rod Laver Arena Base
Whether you’re here for the Australian Open or to see your favourite artist, staying at Ovolo puts you right where the action is. South Yarra’s sophistication or the CBD’s creative chaos – both get you to the arena fast and back to your stylish room even faster.
Ready to stay stylishly close to the action? Book your Melbourne escape at Ovolo South Yarra or Laneways by Ovolo now.