Melbourne is ready for F1 – Are you?

Whether you’re watching from home or thinking about going one day, this GP Traveler Briefing has you covered.

Find out why the Australian Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list, get a glimpse of the weekend schedule, and see tips on the best places to watch.

Plus, if you’re planning a future trip, we’ve included what you need to know about traveling to Melbourne and some ideas for what to do beyond the track.

Why the Australian Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list

If you’re looking for a Grand Prix that delivers great racing and an electric atmosphere, the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park is the perfect choice. This fan-favorite circuit blends the best of traditional tracks and street circuits, creating a fast, flowing layout with plenty of overtaking opportunities.

Melbourne’s love of sport is undeniable, and you’ll feel it the moment you arrive. Passionate fans, an incredible city, and a race that always delivers excitement. Drivers love the challenge of its bumpy surface and high-speed corners, and the energy in the stands makes it even better.

As Alex Albon puts it, “I love coming to Melbourne; it's a great city and the fans create an amazing atmosphere.” Nico Hülkenberg agrees, saying, “I have many positive memories about Albert Park and the special atmosphere around it.”

Add in Melbourne’s vibrant food, nightlife, and culture, and you’ve got the ultimate F1 weekend.

Albert Park is fan-favorite circuit

Where's the circuit?

The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit in Albert Park is a temporary facility set up in the picturesque public park just outside Melbourne’s bustling center, with the city’s iconic skyline as a backdrop on one side and a beach in the opposite direction.

Albert Park with the Melbourne skyline as a backdrop

Traveling to Melbourne: What you need to know

Melbourne is served by Melbourne Airport (MEL), also known as Tullamarine Airport, with direct flights from major cities worldwide.

Most international visitors need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa, which can be applied for online.

Arriving a day or two before the Grand Prix allows time to explore the city and adjust to the time zone.

How many days should you spend at the Australian Grand Prix?

We recommend spending four full days, from Thursday to Sunday, at the Australian Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer.

Between F1 sessions, you'll also get to enjoy a full schedule of Formula 2, Formula 3, Porsche Carrera Cup, and Supercars races, making it a weekend packed with non-stop action.

Australian Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glance

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect each day at the Australian Grand Prix.

Thursday kicks off with Porsche Carrera Cup and Supercars Championship practice and qualifying sessions.

Friday is action-packed with Formula 1 practice sessions, along with practice and qualifying sessions for the support series, including Formula 2, Formula 3, the Supercars Championship, and the Porsche Carrera Cup.

Saturday begins with Supercars Championship qualifying, followed by Formula 1 team pit stop practice, the third F1 practice session, support series races, and culminating in the thrilling Formula 1 qualifying session.

Sunday features support series races, the drivers' parade, and the highlight of the weekend—the Australian Grand Prix.

Drivers' parade

Best places to stay for the Australian Grand Prix

Most traveling fans stay in downtown Melbourne, where you'll have plenty of hotel options, great restaurants, and easy access to the circuit via public transport.

If you want to be closer to the action, here are some great options near Albert Park:

Pullman Melbourne Albert Park & Mercure Albert Park – Right next to the circuit, so you’re just steps away from the track.
Coppersmith – A stylish boutique hotel with a cozy atmosphere, just a short distance from the track.
Royce Hotel – Close to the track and a great choice for a comfortable stay.

Check out more hotel options here and book early to get the best spot for Grand Prix weekend

Best Grandstands for key moments

Fangio Grandstand – Located on the start/finish straight, this grandstand has a front-row seat to the race start, pit stops, and podium celebrations.
Moss & Jones Grandstands – Positioned at Turn 1, these stands give you a great view of the first lap action, late braking moves, and potential overtakes into the opening corners.
Brabham Grandstand – Directly opposite Turn 1 and Turn 2, offering a fantastic vantage point to watch the cars jostle for position in the opening laps.

Moss & Jones Grandstands at Turn 1

Hill Grandstand – Located at Turn 3, a key overtaking zone where you can see drivers battle for position after the DRS zone.
Ricciardo Grandstand – Facing Turn 4, this spot is perfect for seeing drivers fight back after being overtaken at Turn 3.
Waite & Clark Grandstands – Both positioned along Sector 2, these offer views of one of the fastest parts of the circuit, where cars whip through high-speed chicanes.
Prost, Senna & Schumacher Grandstands – These stands provide a final sector view, where strategy and last-lap battles can make all the difference before the cars head into the home straight.

Where next?

After race weekend, take a drive along the Great Ocean Road, Australia’s most scenic coastal route.

Pass through Lorne and Torquay’s surf beaches, spot koalas in Great Otway National Park, and don’t miss the 12 Apostles, the highlight of the drive. For a short hike, head to the Cape Otway Lighthouse for stunning coastal views.

With dramatic cliffs, winding roads, and incredible scenery, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your trip.

Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.

His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar.

Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips.

His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park.