Happy, Indeed: The Australian Open is an unrivaled party in paradise

From an American’s standpoint, Australia is a mysterious and faraway land—the kind of place that’s made for the movies. It’s also a place of misconception. Kangaroos and koalas are thought to be as commonplace as squirrels and pigeons. Outsiders believe that every local surfs, talks like Crocodile Dundee and boasts exceptional good looks. Australia is certainly not a place you can just hop on a plane and visit—to most, it’s pure fantasy.

While much of that is incorrect, the allure of Australia still beckons. I visited Melbourne last year for the first time; a dream come true. Yes, I did believe some of the rumors. I set out to scope out the kangaroos, which were at the zoo. All I’ve thought about since then is going back, even though it took me over 24 hours to get there from New York. It was worth the time and wait.

I’ve now been to all four of the majors, and the biggest way the Happy Slam sets itself apart is by exuding...happiness. The entire city embraces the two-week extravaganza proudly, all the way from the airport to the courtside seats, and “the tennis” streams on TVs in bars and restaurants everywhere. With a population of over 4 million, Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia, but it has mastered the ability to make you feel like you’re in a laid-back California beach town.

While walking to Melbourne Park or hopping on one of the many free trams, you get a palpable sense of this friendly energy. There’s no rush or panic to get tickets, or to push inside the gates, which puts everyone at ease from the get-go. Even without a ticket, you can enjoy the experience. Locals sprawl out on the sloping grassy hills along the Yarra River, munching on kangaroo meat skewers—this is, sadly, an actual option—and slinging back beers (never Foster’s) while watching Novak Djokovic blast another big backhand on the big screens.

Quite simply, the Australian Open is a giant, annual party that doesn’t disappoint.

Melbourne has earned a reputation for being a sizzling hotbed during the Australian Open, but when I was there the temperature hovered around the 70s and low-80s—exactly how summer should feel. To spur on this comfortable celebration, the tournament hosts top-billed musical acts like The Rubens, Peking Duk and Jimmy Eat World on the live stage, which is essentially a festival venue tucked in seamlessly alongside the courts. A thirsty crowd flocks to this part of Melbourne Park to post up on picnic benches for the day, especially during Australia Day, the rambunctious national holiday that falls midway through the tournament.

Speak to the players and most of them will say that Melbourne is one of their favorite places to play, and if you ever get a chance to visit, it’s obvious why. The fans come out in hordes, the hospitality is top notch and the ease of living, dining and commuting is hard to beat. When Angelique Kerber won her first major in Rod Laver Arena last January, she popped a bottle of champagne and toasted the media afterward.

Since last year’s edition, the Australian Open has changed its logo as part of a rebranding campaign. It’s likely the only thing to feel different from its previous incarnations, as yet again, high-stakes storylines will blend seamlessly with relaxed summer vibes. It’s likely to be another great fortnight Down Under, in what most consider a magical and exotic location. (I still do.)

Cheers to starting the party on Monday.