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

Taylah Darnell 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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How a $1 deal saved Bendigo’s historic tramways

    Megan Arkinstall Megan Arkinstall
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    The passionate community that saved Bendigo Tramways has kept the story of this city alive for generations.

    It was an absolute steal: a fleet of 23 trams for just $1. But such a fortunate purchase didn’t happen easily. It was 1972 when the Bendigo Trust handed over a single buck for the city’s historic collection of battery, steam and electric trams, which had transported locals since 1890.

    inside the historic Bendigo Tram
    Bendigo Tramways is a historic transport line turned tourist service. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    The city’s tram network had been declared defunct since 1970 due to post-war shortages in materials to upkeep the trams and declining passenger numbers as motor vehicles were increasing. However, determined locals would not hear of their beloved trams being sold off around the world.

    The Bendigo Trust was enlisted to preserve this heritage, by converting the trams into a tourist service. The Victorian government approved a trial, however news spread that the Australian Electric Tramways Museum in Adelaide had acquired one of the streetcars for its collection.

    a tram heading to Quarry Hill in 1957
    A tram on its way to Quarry Hill in 1957. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    An impassioned group rallied together to make this physically impossible. Breaking into the tram sheds, they welded iron pipes to the rails, removed carbon brushes from the motors, and formed a blockade at the depot. The community response was extraordinary, and a $1 deal was sealed.

    A new chapter for the city’s fleet

    the old Tramways Depot and Workshop
    The old Tramways Depot and Workshop is one of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off service. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Today, Bendigo Tramways welcomes some 40,000 passengers annually, operating as a hop-on, hop-off touring service aboard the restored trams. Fifteen of the now 45-strong fleet are dubbed ‘Talking Trams’ because of the taped commentary that is played along the route. The trams loop between Central Deborah Gold Mine and the Bendigo Joss House Temple, which has been a place of Chinese worship since 1871, via other sites including the old Tramways Depot and Workshop.

    a Gold Mine Bendigo Tram
    The fleet comprises 45 trams that have been restored. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

    Keeping things interesting, throughout the year visitors can step aboard different themed trams. Tram No. 302 becomes the Yarn Bomb Tram, decorated both inside and out with colourful crochet by an anonymous group of locals.

    During the festive season, Tram No. 15 operates as a tinsel-festooned Santa Tram, and the big man himself hides out somewhere along the route for excited children to find. And on selected dates, the adults-only Groove Tram runs nighttime tours of the city, accompanied by local musicians playing live tunes and a pop-up bar.

    the historic post office turned visitor centre in Bendigo
    Visitors can hop on and off to see the city’s sites such as the historic post office turned visitor centre. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    As well as preserving the city’s history, however, the continuation of the tram service has kept the skills of tram building and craftsmanship alive in a practical sense. Bendigo’s Heritage Rail Workshop is world-renowned for restoring heritage trams and repurposing vehicles in creative ways.

    Locally, for example, Tram No. 918 was transformed into the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram with original Aboriginal artworks by emerging artist Natasha Carter, with special commentary and music that shares the stories and traditions of Bendigo’s first people. You can’t put a price on preserving history. Nonetheless, it was a dollar very well spent.

    Shake Shack's first pop-up is coming to Melbourne this summer - Australian Traveller