Melbourne Park is more than just Australia’s live events epicentre. It’s 40 hectares of largely open space on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), nestled between the Royal Botanic Gardens and the bustling CBD. 

Whether you’re looking to switch up the location for your run club or planning a spontaneous venture to the city with the family, there are plenty of free activities at Melbourne Park. 

Here are seven things you can do without spending a cent. 

1. Take a photo alongside some cultural icons

Melbourne Park is home to a collection of decorated sports stars and iconic entertainers immortalised in bronze in various publicly accessible pockets. For tennis fans, Rod Laver is perhaps the most famous face at Melbourne Park, located just outside the arena named after him, while several other Australian legends encircle Garden Square. Neighbouring in the Rod Laver Arena quarter is famous entertainer Michael Gudinski, paying tribute to the pioneering force behind Australian music, while Australian netball legend Sharelle McMahon is the newest addition to this collection just outside John Cain Arena. 

Over the road near AAMI Park and Olympic Park Oval, you can find rugby league and Melbourne Storm legends Cam Smith and Billy Slater, as well as John Landy and Ron Clarke sportsmanship statue, commemorating a defining moment in Australian athletics.

2. Jog a few laps on Olympic Park Oval 

Once the site of the historic Olympic Park Stadium and current home of the Collingwood Magpies, Olympic Park Oval is a popular location for fitness enthusiasts with its running track that encircles the pitch. The oval and running track are open to the public outside of scheduled training times, making it the perfect next location for a solo stroll or an addition to the run club rotation.   

3. Have a picnic in Garden Square  

One of the most recognisable locations at Melbourne Park made famous during the Australian Open, Garden Square is a tranquil location for a picnic or small gathering with friends. Surrounded by lush greenery and some famous faces of Australian tennis, why not stroll down from the bustling CBD to the calmness of Garden Square.

4. Have a kickabout on Gosch’s Paddock  

Gosch’s Paddock is a collection of grassed spaces on the outskirts of Melbourne Park and is where the likes of Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Storm and the Melbourne Demons train week to week. Outside of scheduled training times, these spaces are open to the public and are a great spot to have a kickabout with friends, walk the dog and have an outdoor workout.

5. Take a stroll around the venues 

Home to eight elite national sporting teams, six iconic venues, and the world’s biggest grand slam, Melbourne Park brings millions of people together to share experiences, make lifelong memories and be part of something bigger. You can get up close and personal with our venues any day of the week, and this is best done on foot. So next time you’re looking to get your steps up, why not venture out to Melbourne Park and enjoy a stroll in a historic place. 

6. Watch Melbourne Victory, Melbourne Storm, and the Melbourne Demons train  

If you’re a fan of football, rugby league or AFL, then you’re in luck. Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Storm, home clubs of AAMI Park, train just next door at Gosch’s Paddock and their sessions are largely open to the public. Also sharing this space are the Melbourne Demons, who use the oval in parallel with Punt Road for some of their weekday sessions. 

7. Visit the home of the Australian Open  

Outside of tournament time, the outside courts of the Australian Open are open to the public, allowing visitors to walk through the same spaces where the greats have battled it out. If you’re looking for a deeper dive or even keen to hit on these courts yourself, Tennis World run both guided tours and court hire.

Discover Melbourne Park 

Whether you’re exploring Melbourne Park for the first time or rediscovering its abundance of recreational opportunities, these free activities offer something for everyone.  

With its rich history and stunning surroundings, Melbourne Park is worth a visit on any day of the week.