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Shake Shack’s first pop-up is coming to Melbourne this summer

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
Big names are coming to the Australian Open this year – and not just on the court.

The Australian Open has always been a summer highlight for Aussies, but next year the excitement extends beyond the arena. One of the world’s biggest burger chains has just joined the foodie line-up, rounding out a mouthwatering mix that’ll have you dashing from your seat between every set.

The headliner we didn’t see coming

Shake Shack X Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria
The Australian Open is set to host Shake Shack’s first-ever Aussie pop-up. (Image: Visit Victoria)

It may still be a couple of months away, but the Australian Open buzz is already building, with some of the biggest names in tennis set to hit the court come 2026. But the unveiling of its food and beverage program has dialled up the hype tenfold, confirming a courtside Shake Shack pop-up exclusive to TOPCOURT and John Cain Arena.

“We’re committed to making the AO not just the best Grand Slam on court, but also the best off-court, and food and drink are central to that experience," says Tennis Australia’s Head of Product Growth and Innovation, Fern Barrett.

Originally launched in 2001 as a hot dog stand in New York City’s Madison Square Park, the brand has since gone global thanks to its elevated take on fast food classics. Now there are over 500 locations worldwide, unfortunately, none of which are in Australia – until now. But only until 1 February.

Shake Shack X Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria
The original hot dog stand has evolved into a restaurant in NYC’s Madison Square Park. (Image: Getty/Andrea Astes)

“For many fans, their first Shake Shack burger or shake will be part of their AO 2026 experience, which is so exciting. Shake Shack’s arrival at the AO underlines how much this event has grown beyond the court, it’s a festival of food, sport and culture," continues Barrett.

As well as dishing up a range of its beloved burgers, including the signature ShackBurger, the pop-up will serve an exclusive AO Shake, only available at TOPCOURT. While specific flavours haven’t been revealed, previous AO exclusives such as the Peach Melbourne dessert (which will be available again in 2026) are a sign of good things to come.

What else is on the AO menu?

Shake Shack X Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria
Shake Shack is known for its elevated take on American classics. (Image: Getty/Ant DM)

The rest of the food and beverage program spans multiple Melbourne Park precincts and is sure to tantalise taste buds – from global brands to local favourites and specialties that can only be found at the Australian Open.

Arguably one of the best places to eat in Melbourne, Hectors’ Deli will make its AO debut in Garden Square, bashing out its beloved sandwiches to attendees. The square will also be home to pop-ups by French-inspired Entrecôte , Vic’s Meat, The Chef’s Butcher  and Shane Delia’s new Middle Eastern restaurant, Layla .

Nearby at the Western Courts, an express food outlet will cater to fans who want fast, high-quality meals without missing out on the action. Already confirmed is Japanese-inspired eatery Suupaa , delivering its signature konbini (convenience store) food with a Melbourne twist. Think onigiri, katsu sandos, noodle bowls and fried chicken.

Layla Restaurant in Brisbane, Qld
Shane Delia will man a pop-up heroing Middle Eastern flavours from his new Brisbane restaurant, Layla.

Grand Slam Oval is turning into a multicultural food festival, featuring seven cuisines. Returning favourites include D.O.C, Fishbowl and Stalactites, which is teaming up with local culinary legend Angie Giannakodakis to create a Greek menu exclusive to the AO. Newcomers Season Chicken, Ho Jiak and Jollygood will make their AO debuts at Grand Slam Oval, too.

Some of Australia’s most celebrated chefs and hospitality brands, as well as international Michelin-star icons will be cooking it up at AO Reserve, the Australian Open’s premium hospitality experience. Think acclaimed Brisbane restaurants like SK Steak and Oyster and Shimpei Raikuni, as well as Caretaker’s Cottage, one of the most awarded cocktail bars in the country.

Shake Shack X Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria
The Melbourne Park precinct comes alive each year for the sporting event. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Rodney Dunn and Severine Demanet of Tassie’s Agrarian Kitchen will be on-site at AO Reserve, too. The pair will work alongside names like Simon Rogan of L’Enclume and Umbel, Bennelong’s Peter Gilmore and Alejandro Saravia of Farmer’s Daughters.

And believe it or not – that’s just the beginning. From live music and roving entertainment to a jumbo waterslide and daily giveaways, the 2026 Australian Open is shaping up to be the best yet.

The details

Shake Shack X Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria
Guests keen to try Shake Shack should head to TOPCOURT. (Image: Lucas Richarz)

The 2026 Australian Open will run from 12 January – 1 February at Melbourne Park in Victoria’s capital. The main sporting venues include Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena, while precincts like Garden Square, Grand Slam Oval and Western Courts will host off-court events. Guests keen to try Shake Shack can find its pop-up at the TOPCOURT precinct.

The best way to get to the Australian Open is via public transport, with trams, trains and buses all running to Melbourne Park throughout the event. If you’re driving, off-site parking can be found at Yarra Park for $10, subject to capacity. Tickets for all matches and events are on sale now and can be purchased via the AO website.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Victoria’s surprising new outdoor adventure hotspot

    Craig TansleyBy Craig Tansley
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    A town charmingly paused in time has become a hot mountain biking destination. 

    There’s a forest reserve full of eucalyptus and pines surrounding town – when you combine all the greenery with a main street of grand old buildings still standing from the Victorian Gold Rush, Creswick looks more period movie set than a 21st-century town.  

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    Grand buildings from the Victorian gold rush. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    This entire region of Victoria – the Central Goldfields – is as pretty-as-a-picture, but there’s something extra-special about Creswick. I used to live 30 minutes north; I’d drive in some evenings to cruise its main street at dusk, and pretend I was travelling back in time. 

    It was sleepy back then, but that’s changed. Where I used to walk through its forest, now I’m hurtling down the state’s best new mountain bike trails. There’s a 60-kilometre network of mountain bike trails – dubbed Djuwang Baring – which make Creswick the state’s hottest new mountain biking destination.  

    Meet Victoria’s new mountain biking capital 

    Creswick bike trail
    This historic town has become a mountain biking hotspot.

    Victoria has a habit of turning quiet country towns into mountain biking hotspots. I was there in the mid-2000s when the tiny Otways village of Forrest embarked on an ambitious plan to save itself (after the death of its timber cutting industry) courtesy of some of the world’s best mountain bike trails. A screaming success it proved to be, and soon mountain bike trails began popping up all over Victoria. 

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    I love that the trails empty onto that grand old main street. There’s bars still standing from the Gold Rush of the 1850s I can refuel at. Like the award-winning Farmers Arms, not to be confused with the pub sharing its name in Daylesford. It’s stood since 1857. And The American Creswick built two years later, or Odessa Wine Bar, part of Leaver’s Hotel in an 1856-built former gold exchange bank.  

    The Woodlands
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    A traveller’s checklist 

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    1970s log cabin
    Inside the Woodlands, a chic 1970s log cabin. (Image: Vanessa Smith Photography)

    RACV Goldfields Resort is a contemporary stay with a restaurant, swimming pool and golf course. The Woodlands in nearby Lal Lal comprises a chic log cabin set on a 16-hectare property abundant in native wildlife. 

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    Le Peche Gourmand
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    The menu at Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel includes some Thai-inspired fare. Fuel up for your ride on baguettes and pastries from French patisserie Le Peche Gourmand . The Farmers Arms has been a much-loved local institution since 1857. 

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    Miss NorthcottsGarden
    Miss Northcotts Garden is a charming garden store with tea room. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Creswick State Forest has a variety of hiking trails, including a section of the 210-kilometre-long Goldfields Track. Miss Northcotts Garden is a quaint garden store with tea room.