
15 Things To Do in Melbourne When You’re in Town for the Australian Open
Add these off-the-court activities to your Melbourne itinerary for when you’re in between matches.
Hotel Esplanade is home to three stages, 12 bars, and two restaurants. The hotel decor celebrated bold, vintage furniture and features band posters throughout the years. Watch a big-name band or emerging artist on one of the stages; sip cocktails at a bar overlooking St. Kilda beach; or enjoy BBQ meat or pizza in one of the restaurants. Due to its icon status, Hotel Esplanade is a regular feature on music tours of Melbourne.
From Melbourne CBD, Hotel Esplanade is a 15-minute drive via Ferrars Street. If you’re taking public transport, hop aboard the 96 tram at Elizabeth Street or the 16 tram at Melbourne Central Station and alight at The Esplanade stop, from which Hotel Esplanade is a few hundred meters.
Hotel Esplanade is only year-round, Monday to Sunday, from around lunchtime to the early hours of the morning. Check the website for the everchanging programme of music and comedy.
With advance booking and the use of a special key, you can gain access to a cocktail bar on the top floor of Hotel Esplanade. Named the ghost of Alfred Fenlto after the philanthropist who once lodged at the historic pub, the cocktail bar serves drinks inspired by Prohibition-era mixes.