Accommodation Near Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Heading to the Australian Open 2027 or a world-tour concert at Rod Laver Arena? Stay at Havenly Escape at West Side Place, opposite Southern Cross Station, with convenient public transport connections directly across to Melbourne Park.
Direct Answer: Rod Laver Arena Accommodation
Havenly Escape provides spacious 2-bedroom (sleeps 6) and 3-bedroom (sleeps 8) short-stay apartments at West Side Place, 260 Spencer Street in Melbourne CBD. Situated directly opposite Southern Cross Station, guests have convenient access to Melbourne Park and Rod Laver Arena via Route 70 tram along Flinders Street or suburban train to Richmond Station. Each apartment includes full kitchen and laundry amenities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to building facilities including a heated indoor 25m lap pool and gymnasium.
Australian Open 2027 & Major Arena Concerts
Rod Laver Arena anchors Melbourne Park as one of the world's most celebrated sporting and entertainment arenas. With a seating capacity of approximately 14,820 and its iconic retractable roof, the arena hosts the world's best tennis players every summer during the Australian Open, as well as global headline concert tours, comedy festivals, and international family spectacles throughout the year.
The Australian Open 2027 runs over three full weeks from Sunday 11 January to Sunday 31 January 2027. With high-intensity day sessions extending under summer sunshine and night sessions routinely concluding after 11:00 PM or midnight, having a comfortable private apartment base in the Melbourne CBD gives you an oasis away from the crowds to rest, recover, and recharge between match days.
11–31 Jan
Australian Open 2027
14,820
Arena Seating Capacity
Direct Transit
Via Tram 70 or Train
Getting to Rod Laver Arena from West Side Place
Rod Laver Arena is situated on Olympic Boulevard in Melbourne Park, east of West Side Place on Spencer Street. Because it is located on the eastern fringe of the inner city across the Yarra River precinct, it is not a practical walk for event attendees. Melbourne's public transport network offers two highly efficient connection routes:
Route 70 Tram via Flinders Street
From West Side Place, head south along Spencer Street to Flinders Street to board eastbound Route 70. The tram travels along the southern edge of the CBD grid before crossing onto Batman Avenue.
- Destination Stop: Melbourne Park / Rod Laver Arena tram stop on Batman Avenue.
- Concourse Footbridge: A dedicated pedestrian bridge connects the tram platform directly to the arena turnstiles.
- Ticketing Notice: Travel within the CBD grid is inside the Free Tram Zone, but the Melbourne Park precinct is outside the Free Tram Zone. Passengers must hold and touch on a valid myki card or mobile myki.
Source: Public Transport Victoria (ptv.vic.gov.au) Route 70 Timetable & Network Map.
Southern Cross to Richmond Station
Walk across Spencer Street into Southern Cross Station. Catch any eastbound suburban train operating across the Frankston, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Sandringham, or Glen Waverley lines via Flinders Street to Richmond Station.
- Footbridge Link: Disembark at Richmond Station and take the Olympic Boulevard pedestrian concourse through Gosch's Paddock directly into Melbourne Park.
- High Frequency: Multiple lines serve Richmond Station continuously, providing departing trains every 3 to 5 minutes at peak event egress.
- Ticketing: Standard Zone 1 train fare applies via myki.
Source: Melbourne & Olympic Parks (mopt.com.au) Arriving by Public Transport Guide.
Why Eventgoers Choose Apartment Comfort
Attending multi-day tennis tournaments or major stadium concert weekends demands more comfort, space, and flexibility than cramped hotel rooms can deliver.
Full Kitchen & Dining
Prepare pre-match nutrition, chill celebration drinks, and brew morning barista coffee in a full-sized stone kitchen fitted with European appliances.
Indoor Heated 25m Pool
Unwind before or after events in West Side Place's heated 25m indoor lap pool on Level 6, alongside a dry sauna, steam room, and modern gym.
Spacious Group Living
Stay together in dedicated bedrooms with two full bathrooms, expansive living lounges, and dining areas instead of booking multiple isolated hotel rooms.
Included Parking Options
Our 3-bedroom apartment includes one free secure garage parking space on site, saving significant daily parking fees during major event seasons.
Luxury Apartment Options
Choose between our 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom configurations at West Side Place, or book both which sleeps 14 across two apartments.
2-Bedroom Apartment
Sleeps up to 6 Guests
Ideal for couples, families, and tournament attendees visiting Rod Laver Arena. Features 2 queen bedrooms, 2 full modern bathrooms, a double sofa bed in the lounge, and a complete open-plan kitchen.
- Level 6 heated indoor 25m lap pool & gym access
- Opposite Southern Cross Station & SkyBus terminal
- Full laundry with washer, dryer & ironing setup
3-Bedroom Apartment
Sleeps up to 8 Guests · Includes Free Parking
Premium high-floor luxury living with 3 private bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, expansive living and dining spaces, and 1 included free secure on-site parking bay. Exclusive access to Level 11 sky lounge amenities.
- 1 free secure on-site vehicle parking space included
- Level 6 pool & gym plus exclusive Level 11 facilities
- Panoramic skyline views across Melbourne CBD
Travelling with a team, corporate hospitality delegation, or extended family group?
Explore Melbourne CBD Group Accommodation (sleeps 14 across two apartments) →Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about staying at Havenly Escape for Rod Laver Arena events and Australian Open visits.
Q.How do I get to Rod Laver Arena from Havenly Escape at West Side Place?
Board the Route 70 tram along Flinders Street travelling east directly to the Melbourne Park / Rod Laver Arena tram stop on Batman Avenue. Alternatively, take any suburban train from Southern Cross Station travelling via Flinders Street to Richmond Station, where a pedestrian concourse leads straight to Olympic Boulevard and Melbourne Park gates.
Q.Is Rod Laver Arena within walking distance of West Side Place on Spencer Street?
No. Rod Laver Arena is located on the opposite side of Melbourne CBD. Walking across city streets is not a practical walk; taking the Route 70 tram or a train to Richmond Station provides convenient travel directly to the venue.
Q.What are the official dates for the Australian Open 2027 at Rod Laver Arena?
The Australian Open 2027 is scheduled from Sunday 11 January to Sunday 31 January 2027 across Melbourne Park, with marquee day and night sessions scheduled inside Rod Laver Arena.
Q.Do I need a valid myki card to travel to Rod Laver Arena?
Yes. While tram travel within the Melbourne CBD commercial grid is part of the Free Tram Zone, the Free Tram Zone boundary stops at Spring Street and Batman Avenue. When continuing on Route 70 to Rod Laver Arena or catching the suburban train to Richmond Station, passengers must carry and touch on a valid myki card or digital mobile myki.
Q.How many guests can stay together for Australian Open or concert trips?
Havenly Escape offers a 2-bedroom apartment accommodating up to 6 guests and a 3-bedroom apartment accommodating up to 8 guests at West Side Place (260 Spencer Street). For large travelling parties, groups can reserve both, which sleeps 14 across two apartments.
Q.Is car parking included for event stays near Melbourne Park?
One free secure on-site parking bay is included with our 3-bedroom apartment. For guests staying in the 2-bedroom apartment, secure commercial public parking garages are located within walking distance along Spencer Street and Little Bourke Street.
Explore Related Event Guides & Stays
Helpful Melbourne CBD Stay Guides
Planning your trip? Discover our local insights, event tips, and accommodation guides for your Melbourne stay.