For nearly two decades, Albert Park has been one of the most highly anticipated circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. Throughout the years, our team has grown to know and love the people and places that make Melbourne the incredible city that it is, both on and off the track.

 

Australia’s southernmost mainland city is a cultural hub and a combination of all of Australia’s best bits. Famed for its sports, coffee and cuisine, Melbourne is a stylish and free-spirited coastal city with plenty to offer. So, if you are visiting for the 2023 Australian Grand Prix, make the most of your time here and enjoy our tips and recommendations for the art capital of Down Under.

 

 

KEY INFO

Language: Australian English
Time Zone: In Melbourne VIC, (BST+10, CET+8) Australian Eastern Daylight Time
In Emergency: Call 000
Weather: In April the weather is typically Autumnal with temperatures between 20°C-25°C
Getting Around: Melbourne’s network of trams, trains and buses makes getting around the city a breeze. We recommend getting yourself a Myki card, your key to the city which will allow you to hop on and off public transport.
Top tip: download PTV (Public Transport Victoria) and / or CityMapper, two apps that will help you plan the most timely and cost-effective journeys.

 

 

AT THE TRACK

 

Track Action: While of course Formula 1 is the main spectacle of the weekend, there is plenty more happening on track to keep you busy. This year, for the first time, FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 are joining us at Albert Park, so be sure to look out for our five Alpine Academy drivers taking to the circuit in the support races over the weekend, including the team’s Reserve Driver and home hero, Jack Doohan.

 

Melbourne Walk: Each morning The Melbourne Walk gives racing fans the incredible opportunity to meet their heroes as they make their way into the paddock. Get up close and grab a selfie or autograph with Pierre and Esteban before the on-track action gets underway. Catch our drivers in the Fan Zone at 10:30 on Saturday. The Melbourne Walk will be also activated with DJ’s and hosts every day of the race weekend from roughly 09:00 to 12:00, so be sure to coordinate appropriately!

 

M Lane: Visit M Lane, the festival hub of the Grand Prix, for live art displays, incredible food and musical performances across the weekend. Some of Australia’s hottest musical talent, including Birds of Tokyo, Hayden James and The Jungle Giants, will take to the Main Stage when the racing day is done.

 

 

Tech Hub: The Tech Hub is a longstanding feature of the race weekend built on three core elements: exhibition, education and entertainment. The event showcases new and future technologies emerging from Australia’s leading companies in a variety of technological sectors. This year the daily Tech Talk sessions include a driver signing with FIA F2 & F3 Esports drivers, presentations from F1 Female Leaders, Racing Pride and countless more speakers on the Tech Hub Stage. Grab a friend and prepare to be inspired.


FOOD & DRINK

Melbourne’s much-loved markets are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. From specialty foods and farm-fresh produce to artisan goods, fashion, and gifts, you will find it all in one place. The Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market and St Kilda Esplanade Market are just a few we recommend visiting during your time in the city.

 

 

Mornings in Melbourne are made for coffee, with the city’s cafe culture globally recognised and coffee shops on every corner it can be hard to pick the perfect cup, but Industry Beans, Manchester Press, ST Ali, Coffee Supreme and Market Lane are just a few we love.

 

If you’ve got time for a classic Aussie brunch before heading to the track we highly recommend Lune Croissanterie for the perfect baked treats, Terror Twilight for some delicious gluten-free and vegan options, Hector’s Deli for a grizzly sandwich and Higher Ground for their artisanal avocado pretzel.

 

Your lunch and dinner options are endless. For the best burger in town head to The Beast in Melbourne’s Central Business District. If you’re in the mood for Italian, then Grill Americano is for you. Yakimono serves some of Melbourne's best Japanese inspired dishes and NOMAD’s Melbourne location puts their own spin on classic Middle Eastern flavours.

 

For post-race drinks, head to Rooftop Bar for the finest views over central Melbourne, Lilac Wine Bar for French-bistro mixed with Australian nostalgia vibes in a converted warehouse, HER for all day food and cocktails, The Espy in St Kilda and Arbory Afloat on the Yarra.

 


EXPERIENCE MELBOURNE

 

If you’re sticking around after the race to enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer or have some time to explore before heading to the track, here are a few recommendations for the best way to experience Melbourne.

 

St Kilda is renowned for live music, outdoor pursuits, its artisan market and of course, Luna Park, Melbourne’s very own amusement park. The vibrant seaside suburb of St Kilda is a place to play, and if you take a walk along the historic pier and breakwater at dusk, you might just see the colony of Little Penguins.

 

The Royal Botanical Gardens are a freeto enter, inner-city oasis. Explore one of the world’s most beautiful gardens, and Australia’s number one major tourist attraction. Home to some 8,500 plant species, zen lakes and breath-taking landscapes, if you are looking to slow down after a busy race weekend the gardens are the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with nature. Nearby to the Botanical Gardens is the Shrine of Remembrance. Built in 1934 as a war memorial, the Shrine is one of Melbourne's most iconic landmarks and vantage points over the city.

 

Melbourne’s laneways have it all, from bustling artisan eateries and street art masterpieces to high-end restaurants and hidden bars. Dating back to the Victorian era these narrow streets are rich in culture and each have their own story to tell. Our favourites include the famous graffiti street Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane – named after the famous Aussie rockers – and Centre Place, which is known for its fantastic food and shopping.

 


Be sure to keep an eye out for BWT Alpine F1 Team colours on track this weekend. A full timetable for the race weekend is listed below, all in local track time (AEST):

● FIA Formula 3 Qualifying takes place on Friday, from 14:00-14:30; the Sprint Race is on Saturday from 10:45-11:30 and the Feature Race is on Sunday from 9:05-9:50.
● FIA Formula 2 Qualifying takes place on Friday, from 17:30-18:00; the Sprint Race is on Saturday from 14:20-15:05 and the Feature Race is on Sunday from 11:35-12:35.
● FIA Formula 1 Qualifying takes place on Saturday from 16:00-17:00 before the Race begins on Sunday at 15:00.