If you want to experience the magic of F1 but you're not down to dish out hundreds of dollars on tickets to Albert Park, these are the next best options.
For one weekend every year, Melbourne gets taken over by speed freaks and auto aficionados. From March 21 to 24, the Rolex Australian Grand Prix will be heading to Albert Park, promising four days of Formula One racing and engine revving in the heart of the city.
Of course, the best place to get in on the action is positioned up in the grandstand or wandering through in the park. But for those who are looking to enjoy the weekend without spending buckets of cash, there are plenty of other options as well.
From street parties to curated cocktails, here’s how to enjoy the thrill of the F1 off the circuit.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Williams Racing Fan Zone
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- March 18 to 24
- Fed Square
- Free
Presented by Kraken, the fan zone is the ultimate place to get up close and personal with fellow F1ers. Grab a selfie with drivers including Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant and Team Principal James Vowles, check out a Williams Racing show car, hop in the exhilarating e-sports simulator and so much more.
The races will also be aired for free at The Edge, so you won’t miss one minute of the races.
Espy Grand Prix Street Party
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- March 22 to 24
- The Espy
- Free and ticketed events
For the first time, the beloved St Kilda institution is getting in on the action with a huge three-day street party on Pollington St.
The Espy will be broadcasting the action live on the big screens as well as playing host to a killer live music lineup including Client Liason, Matt Radovich, Darude, Anna Lunoe and more. There will even be Daytona simulators!
Idle Hour Vodka’s F1 Official Cocktail Experience
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- Until March 31
- Tempo Restaurant and Bar, Stringers Sorrento, Token, Maven by Morgan, Pascale Bar and Grill
- Various prices
Australian-owned vodka company Idle Hour Vodka is giving punters a taste of the Grand Prix experience by showcasing their official F1 cocktails at various venues across Victoria.
Try out the Lift and Coast (blood orange and rhubarb smash), the Rumblestrip (mandarin cosmopolitan) and the Jumpstart (grapefruit and pomegranate vodka sour) until the end of March. The brand is also running a competition for a double four-day Grand Prix pass with accommodation at QT Melbourne.
Middle Park Grand Prix Street Party
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- March 21 to 24
- Middle Park Hotel
- Free
Just a hop, skip and a jump away from Albert Park, the Middle Park Hotel is a top choice for Grand Prix revelry.
With plenty of ice-cold drinks, yummy eats, races up on the mega screens, DJs, F1-themed games and activities and prizes to be won each day, it’ll be a helluva ride. It’s first in, best dressed, so rock up early to snag a good spot.
Electrifying Race Day Experience
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If you
- March 20 to 24
- Ballers Clubhouse
- Tickets on sale now
Experience what it’s like to be behind the wheel of one of the world’s fastest vehicles at Ballers Clubhouse. Heineken in hand, you’ll be able to test out the racing simulator, feeling the rush of the G-forces and the unmatched speed.
The simulators will be available at both the Carlton and CBD locations.
Formula One Grand Prix Drivers Afterparty
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- March 24
- Mrs Collins
- Tickets are on sale now
The action doesn’t have to stop at the races. Head on down to the seventh annual Mrs Collins afterparty, featuring entertainers, dancers and DJs including John Course, Discovery – Daft Punk Tribute, DJ Admin, Kitty Kat and more.
Going on deep into the night, it’s the best way to cap off a big weekend. There are also booth options for those who want to keep the party rocking in style.
For everything related to the Rolex Australian Grand Prix (or to snatch up a last-minute ticket), head here.
