Each year one of racing’s most glamorous events takes place in Australia, the Formula 1 Rolex Melbourne Grand Prix. This premier racing event in the land Down Under is one of only five street courses in the Formula One season. If you’re ready for the adrenaline and excitement of Australia’s Grand Prix racing event, read on and start planning your Formula One vacation today!
Melbourne Grand Prix Basics
This year the event takes place March 14th through 17th at Melbourne’s Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit. To access the park, take one of three designated tram routes operating from the center during the event. These trains are free to event ticket holders. There is also a free shuttle bus from the Crown Casino during the morning and afternoon. Walking is another option as Albert Park is only 1.9 miles from Melbourne’s city center.
General Admission
There is plenty to see and do with a general admission ticket to the Melbourne Grand Prix.
General Admission ticketholders should perch on Brocky’s Hill to experience the full speed atmosphere of the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix. From here you can see the cars charge out of turn nine and 10 into one of the longest straights on the course. Over the four days, you’ll be able to see V8 Supercars, the Porsche Carrera Cup, historic cars, and precision aerobatics by the Royal Australian Air Force. Stunt shows, DJs, art installations, food trucks, and family entertainment are also in the mix. If you can only make it to one day of the event, Saturday is a must. With the most on-track racing, including two Formula One sessions, it’s your chance to see everything the event has to offer. –Australia.com
The VIP Experience
For the ultimate Formula One vacation, book a VIP experience at the race. At the Formula One Paddock Club, you’ll directly overlook the pit lane. With views right into the heart of the action, the excitement is palpable! The Torque Bar is the best place to watch the cars race out fo the pit lane. This exclusive area has hosted celebrities such as Charlize Theron, Lenny Kravitz, Nicholas Cage, and Arnold Schwarzenegger in years past.
Meet the Drivers
On Thursday, during your trip to the Melbourne Grand Prix, be sure to visit the F1 Fan Zone. Here, before Friday’s first practice, drivers sign autographs and take pictures with fans.
Get to the F1 Fan Zone Stage on Thursday to meet your racing idols and receive their highly coveted signatures before Friday’s first practice session. The Coates Hire V8 Village Stage will host daily signing sessions with V8 Supercars drivers, the renowned Grid Girls, FMX riders and Airforce pilots. Head for the Formula One Paddock Club™, where the drivers and teams relax in their hospitality suites between track sessions. Grandstand and corporate ticket holders sometimes get the chance to have a quick chat with the drivers as they take to the Melbourne Walk to the Formula One Paddock every day.
Where to Stay
The Grand Prix’s proximity to downtown Melbourne makes planning your trip a breeze. For old world charm, book a room at the historic Hotel Windsor, which predates even the Savoy in London! This 1883 hotel has 180 luxuriously appointed rooms that will take your vacation to the next level. For a more contemporary hotel experience, the Sofitel Melbourne is the hotel to choose. The floor to ceiling windows offer expansive views over the Melbourne sights. Want more options? Try our list of luxury hotels in Melbourne as you are sure to find the perfect place!
Regardless of which hotel you choose, your Formula One vacation to the Rolex Melbourne Grand Prix is guaranteed to be exciting! For even more racing trips to dream about, explore Planning a Trip to the Italian Grand Prix.
