Learn more about attending the 2025 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park. Entry, F1 schedule, support categories and trackside activities
- The 2025 Australian Grand Prix will be the first race of the new season from March 13-16
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After being absent from the calendar for two years during the pandemic, attendances have surged at the Australian Grand Prix in recent years, with the race attracting sell-out crowds. In 2024, a record-breaking 452,000 fans went through the turnstiles from Thursday to Sunday. In 2025, the race becomes the season-opener for the first time since 2019, and with Lewis Hamilton starting his first race for Ferrari, attendances are sure to remain strong in Melbourne.
Albert Park Access & Orientation
Eight gates provide access to the track for fans throughout the weekend. All gates are free to enter for all ticket holders with the exception of Gate 1, where you need a grandstand ticket to enter. Confusingly, gates are numbered 1 to 5 and 8 to 10 (there are no gates 6 and 7) – see map below. Most gates are located close to public transport and the majority of trams heading to the circuit on race weekend are free.
You are not allowed to bring alcohol into the circuit. Glass bottles and containers are also prohibited and your bag will be searched. Non-alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles can only be brought into the circuit if they are unopened. General Admission ticket holders are also allowed to bring folding chairs and stools into the circuit. Check the full list of prohibited items here (Point 5, page 7)
Donโt be in a hurry to leave the circuit at the end of each day, particularly on Saturday and Sunday, as there can be big queues to leave via popular gates, as well as heavily congested public transport. Read Getting There & Around for more information on how to get to the circuit.
2025 Gate Opening Hours
Gate opening hours are TBC for 2025. *Extended times for fans attending the AusGP Sessions concerts
- Thursday: 10:00-19:30
- Friday: 08:30-19:30
- Saturday: 08:30-19:30
- Sunday: 08:30-19:00
2024 After Dark Gate Hours*
- Thursday: 09:30-19:30
- Friday: 08:30-21:00
- Saturday: 09:00-21:00
- Sunday: 08:30-20:30
2025 Australian Grand Prix Schedule
- On-Track Schedule: The full on-track timetable for the 2025 Australian Grand Prix will not be confirmed until around 4-8 weeks before race weekend. Please note that Australia runs a full four-day schedule of events from Thursday to Sunday, though the F1 cars are not in action on Thursday. The 2024 Australian Grand Prix schedule is listed below for information purposes.
- Support Categories: It’s already confirmed that Formula 2, Formula 3 and Australian Supercars will be in action at the 2025 Australian GP. (Normally also in action, but not yet confirmed for 2025, is the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia)
- Pit Lane Walks: These take place for various groups of ticketholders over the weekend, including Access24 members. F1 Experiences runs a pit lane walk for selected guests on Thursday evening. Guests in the F1 Paddock Club hospitality suite can take part in daily pit lane walks from Friday to Sunday; see timings below.
Thursday
- 10:30-11:00: Porsche Carrera Cup – First Practice Session
- 11:25-11:55: Supercars – First Practice Session
- 12:00-12:20: Ford Supervan
- 12:30-13:00: Porsche Carrera Cup – Qualifying Session
- 13:25-13:55: Supercars – Second Practice Session
- 14:10-14:30: Racing Past – McLaren Tribute
- 15:10-15:25: Supercars – Qualifying (Part 1)
- 15:35-15:50: Supercars – Qualifying (Part 2)
- 16:15-16:35: Ford Supervan
- 16:45-17:20: Porsche Carrera Cup – First Race (13 laps or 30 minutes)
- 17:35-17:50: RAAF Aerial Display
- 17:50-18:35: Supercars – First Race (20 laps or 40 minutes)
- 18:50-20:00: F1 Experiences – Pit Lane Walk
- 18:50-20:20: F1 Experiences – Track Tour & Trophy Photo
Friday
- 08:50-09:35: Formula 3 – Practice Session
- 10:00-10:45: Formula 2 – Practice Session
- 11:10-11:30: Racing Past – McLaren Tribute
- 11:10-12:00: Formula 1 Paddock Club – Pit Lane Walk
- 11:30-12:00: Top Gear Australia Track Challenge
- 12:30-13:30: Formula 1 – Free Practice 1 (FP1)
- 14:00-14:30: Formula 3 – Qualifying Session
- 14:35-14:50: RAAF Aerial Display
- 14:50-15:35: Supercars – Second Race (20 laps or 40 minutes)
- 16:00-17:00: Formula 1 – Free Practice 2 (FP2)
- 17:30-18:00: Formula 2 – Qualifying Session
- 18:25-19:00: Porsche Carrera Cup – Second Race (13 laps or 30 minutes)
Saturday
- 09:00-09:15: Supercars – Qualifying (Part 3)
- 09:25-09:40: Supercars – Qualifying (Part 4)
- 09:55-10:20: Doohan Practice Laps
- 11:15-12:00: Formula 3 – Sprint Race (20 laps or 40 minutes + 1 lap)
- 12:30-13:30: Formula 1 – Free Practice 3 (FP3)
- 13:40-14:00: Racing Past – McLaren Tribute
- 14:15-15:05: Formula 2 – Sprint Race (23 laps or 45 minutes + 1 lap)
- 15:10-15:40: Formula 1 Paddock Club – Pit Lane Walk
- 15:15-15:30: Doohan Demonstration Laps
- 15:40-15:55: RAAF Aerial Display
- 16:00-17:00: Formula 1 – Qualifying
- 17:25-17:35: Red Bull Air Display
- 17:35-18:10: Supercars – Third Race (14 laps or 30 minutes)
- 18:20-19:00: Formula 1 Paddock Club – Pit Lane Walk
- 18:25-19:00: Porsche Carrera Cup – Third Race (12 laps or 30 minutes)
- 19:15-20:15: F1 Experiences – Champions Club Grid Walk & Trophy Photo
Sunday
- 09:05-09:50: Formula 3 – Feature Race (23 laps or 45 minutes + 1 lap)
- 10:20-10:55: Red Bull Air Display
- 10:20-10:55: Supercars – Fourth Race (14 laps or 30 minutes)
- 11:00-11:15: RAAF Aerial Display
- 11:35-12:35: Formula 2 – Feature Race (33 laps or 60 minutes + 1 lap)
- 12:55-13:55: Formula 1 Paddock Club – Pit Lane Walk
- 13:00-13:30: Formula 1 Driversโ Parade
- 13:10-13:20: Senna Memorial Flyover
- 13:45-14:00: Doohan Demonstration Laps
- 14:30-14:40: RAAF Aerial Display
- 14:46-14:48: National Anthem
- 15:00-17:00: Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix (58 laps or 2 hours)
Trackside at Albert Park
There are always plenty of activities in Australia to keep you busy when the F1 cars are not on the track. Aside from the support racing categories already mentioned, here is a selection of other trackside action to expect at Albert Park:
- AusGP Sessions: concert stage with local and international acts performing across the weekend. Find full concert timings below.
- Entertainment schedule: check the full timetable for all off-track activities
- M-Lane: the festival hub at the track – also the new home of the Fan Forum Stage from 2024, with driver and team principal interviews
- F1 Fan Zone: merchandise, car displays, brand activations, plus food and drink
- F1 Central: partner activations and interactive displays
- Aerial displays – at various times throughout the weekend, the action is in the air as the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) roulettes do their thing in the skies above the circuit. The RAAF F/A18 jet also makes several very loud passes over the circuit during the weekend.
It’s important to note that, unlike in previous years, there will be no track access for fans after the race at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix. Race organisers made the announcement in January 2024 following an early track breach in 2023.
Concerts at Albert Park
A number of acts are expected to perform on the Crown Main Stage at Albert Park over the 2025 Australian Grand Prix weekend. The stage area is located on the inside of the circuit, close to the opening corners and the F1 Paddock. Performers have not been announced for 2025. Concerts take place from Friday to Sunday, starting at approximately 17:00 and finishing around 20:00-20:30. (In 2024, the following acts performed: Jake Webb, Northeast Party House, Amy Shark, Yo! Mafia, Vanessa Amorosi, Jet, Emma Peters, The Presets, Empire of the Sun – DJ set).
Getting F1 drivers’ Autographs
If you are keen on meeting the drivers in person, the Autograph stage on Thursday when the F1 drivers appear is not actually the best place as the crowds are huge. A better place to go is the Melbourne Walk, near the entrance to the Pits and Paddock Club, where the drivers enter and exit the circuit and park their cars if driving. The best day is Friday as there are less fans. The Melbourne Walk is now open to all ticket holders, including general admission.
Albert Park Facilities
Despite being a temporary F1 circuit, the quality of the facilities at Albert Park is very good. There are ample food and drink areas dotted around the circuit, and large numbers of toilets (mostly temporary, but some year-round) so queues are short at most times over the weekend, though race day is busy everywhere.
As seems to be common at most F1 venues around the world, food and drink are expensive by international standards and the quality of the food on offer is generally low. Options include hamburgers, fish and chips and pizzas; most meals cost around $10-15 AUD. Alcohol is freely available around the circuit. A can of beer will set you back around $8 while soft drinks are $6. Free drinking water is available at various locations around the track, so keep your empty plastic bottles at the ready.
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how can we reach the AUS GP circuit at 9 A.M, as it is mentioned that the gates open at 10.30 A.M. for the drivers autographs.
You make a good point! I updated the text – you won’t have much time with gates opening at 10.30am to get autographs in the morning around the entrance to Paddock Club. The alternative is to try and catch them as they enter the circuit at this gate in their cars (that is, you get there earlier and stay outside the circuit near the entrance to Gate 1). Otherwise, you can try and catch them as they leave the circuit at the end of each day. We will update this guide for the 2015 race in the coming months. Enjoy the race!
Much more disturbing is that after spending almost $450 on seats I find that there is No Section F in the Prost stand. A monumental stuff up!!! When I finally got a seat the seats were either covered in bird mess or too dirty to sit on. The boys have been coming to the GP for over 20 years but this year it is a shambles
No you’ve got me concerned as I’ve bought tickets for section ‘D’ in the Ricciardo stand even though the map doesn’t show a section ‘D’
Where did they seat you?
Alan, do you know what FM channels the trackside radio is on. The F1 Apps donโt work for more than 2-3 minutes, so no commentary and the cheap Chinese radio headphones are $100, not great when weโve all paid for the F1 apps
99.7 Iโve heard
No hydration stations for the public on the outside – ( on drivers left side) of the track between gates 2 and 8. So many patrons were asking today.
Hi. is it possible to walk on the track with every ticket? and what time is it possible? and is it absolutely necessary to have a paddock club ticket to do a pit lane walk? in your opinion whats the best/ affordable circuit to do a pit lane walk?
thank you very much
You can do track walk and podium after the race with any ticket, but I recommend getting closer to the main straight near the end of the race. On Thursday several pitlane walks are held, but you need to have bought your tickets before November 30 and have GP Advantage to take part. I recommend buying the Starter package from F1 Experiences and you get an exclusive pitlane walk on Thursday, plus some other benefits.
How do I know what time the pit lane walk included with my ticket is. Also where do I go for the walk?
Is the Melbourne walk available for grandstand ticket holders, where is it located and what’s that beat time to go there on the friday
Yes, grandstand ticket holders can visit the Melbourne Walk. It’s near the Paddock Club behind the pits. I would say best time on Friday is later in the day, to catch the drivers leaving the circuit between 19:00-20:00
Is earlier In the day an option to when drivers are arriving- what time is that? Also do general admission tickets give you access?
Earlier in the day could also be an option if you head there as soon as the gates open at 9am, but I think some drivers will arrive earlier than this. You cannot get to this area with General Admission tickets, unfortunately.
Hi, are there gate sale tickets available over the 4 dayโs?
Yes, I believe so Joe
Is there live on track Radio commentary and what’s the best way to access/hear it?
Yes, you can hear over the loudspeakers at the track, or tune in to 99.7FM
Thanks Alan, sorry for giving you wrong info on 3AW. Hope the rest of the weekend works out better for you
can i listen away from the track..eg tune in somewhere whilst at work
Yes, 99.7FM should work anywhere in Melbourne
Can you upgrade general admission tickets to grandstand on the day?
It’s possible, but you will need to check with the ticket offices at the gates about availability
Is there an internet address for 99.7? I’m at the track, but can’t hear the announcers over the cars. I do have headphones. Thanks.
I think you just need an app on your phone for internet radio, then you’ll be able to tune in
Internet radio apps just stream radio stations. You canโt manually tune into 99.7 and there does not appear to be a place you can stream it from
Is there a ray ban merch store on site? Friend looking for sunglasses
What were the cars that were used in the drivers parade today?
I am planning to attend the 2019 Sunday race with general admission tickets. Where is the best place to view with a giant screen to view the action for the whole of the race and track?
I am going to the 2019 Melbourne GP on Friday Saturday and Sunday. I really want to get an autograph from a driver. Is the autograph stage only on Thursdays? And when the best chance to get an autograph during the days I’m there?
The best place is called the Melbourne Walk, which is where the drivers come in and leave the circuit each day. So you need to go there early or late. You can find it on the map – near the orange VIP parking.
Are there speakers at the track so you can hear the real time commentary?
Or can you suggest another option of how to hear the commentary.
There are speakers, but you can also tune in to commentary on the radio – 99.7FM
Since 1996 I have been permitted to bring non alcoholic drinks in cans to the circuit, this year I was stopped at gate 3. Outside it only states glass, it does not mention cans, the head gate person said outside is wrong info?
Are people allowed to walk on the race track after the race has finished. Eg to view presentations and such.
Yes, you can go on the track. They will open some gates a few minutes after the chequered flag and then you can run to the podium!
Is it possible to visit the track before Thursday? I’ll arrive one week before race day and want to get an overview about the are before the race weekend starts.
You can walk around Albert Park, for sure. Not sure you will be able to go to all parts of the track however, but worth a look!
Do they have a restriction on types of Cameras you can bring? Is it fixed lens only or can we bring something a little more powerful?
Hi Seb, according to the attendance conditions for 2020, you are not allowed to enter the circuit with a “camera lenses with a physical length greater than 400mm.”
Is the radio still broadcast on 99.7FM in 2020 ?
Hi there, are the F1 experience packages in addition to regular tickets. Cheers
Hi Thomas, there will be F1 Experiences packages for the 2021 Australian Grand Prix but they are not yet on sale. I would guess they will go on sale in April or May. You can already join the mailing list to find out more (or also pay a deposit towards your package). More information here
How much roughly are the cheapest tickets? (And what do you get). Looking to travel over from Perth and wanting to work on a budget. Thanks
Hi Adrien,
More more info about costs, you can read this post: How much will a trip to the 2021 Australian Grand Prix cost?
We don’t yet know the prices for 2021, but the cheapest 4-day General Admission tickets (AusGP Park Pass) should be around $200 AUD.
Wonderful. Thanks for your reply!
Is it possible to camp anywhere trackside?
Sorry, it’s not possible to camp officially anywhere near Albert Park – unless you can find a local homeowner that agrees to let you camp in their backyard!
What are everyone’s thoughts on a race start time for 2022? With it being almost a month later than normal & daylight savings time ending surely it will have to be 2pm start? Sunset is listed as 6pm so a 3pm start would only allow 1hour leeway and probably not even that if it is cloudy and wet. Weighing up whether to fly back to Adelaide Sunday night or stay another night
You make a really good point Ross. 2pm Melbourne time will be 5am London, 6am Rome, 9 pm LA and 12 midnight in New York. Yeah, I’d say 2pm is it.
First time going to the Aus GP (2022). Where is the best spot to set up camper chairs for gen admission ticket holders?
At a fence but you look thru mesh, or on a grass covered mound , get there early. On a straight is boring, bends have incidents if you are lucky
Near Turn 3 inside of the track. You will have view of straights finish at turn 1, 2 and 3
I have a sixth sense 2022 will be a poor experience compared with the previous 24 years I have been. Based on finding little useful info on a confusing Aus gp website, Iโm expecting higher prices, reduced facilities, less mobility allowed, lower quality entertainment and crappier places to have a beer.
What a shitty attitude.
Itโs been awesome the last few days and Iโm really enjoying it.
Just here trying to figure out how to get to the podium after the race – super disappointed to see all the negative comments when itโs anything but.
Such a great article, thank you! Was wondering if anyone here had success meeting any of the drivers in the Melbourne Walk?
Practice session 1 on Friday starts at 1pm, do drivers usually come 2-3 hours before the session starts?
Thanks! The drivers will be at the track earlier on Friday this year, as the media sessions got moved from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning. I’d say drivers will probably arrive between 8-10am on Friday (if I had to guess!)
Thanks for the reply Andrew! Just wondering, are all grandstand holders able to access Melbourne walk? As weโre planning to get Fangio tickets but theyโre across the track (is there a bridge so we can access the Melbourne precinct?)
Yes, I think all grandstand ticket holders can access – but not 100% sure. And yes, there’s a bridge over the track
Not sure how it will be this year as it’s first time post covid era.
Else each year on Fri, Saturday n Sun almost all drivers walk through Melbourne walk giving autographs and pictures. It’s between 10 am to 11:30 am as drivers reach the circuit. People line up at melbourne walk from as early as 8:30 am when gold gp advantage were allowed, may be 9:15 this year
Can you do a pitlane walk on Thursday or Friday with a standard grandstand ticket?
Pit Lane Walks in Melbourne are normally offered to GP Advantage members (circuit members), but according to the website these will not be available in 2022 due to COVID restrictions. It seems there’s a Supercars Pit Lane Walk on Thursday, not sure if that is open to all or just specific hospitality packages
The Supercar hospitality package for Thursday ($299) includes a Supercar pit walk. F1 pit walks need a Paddock Club pass or a pit walk pass offered by a Corporate provider.
Have you any idea what time the drivers will be in the fan zone? Nothing on The website
No I don’t. This is probably something that will be confirmed closer to the weekend. Keep an eye on social media channels for the Australian GP
Do you know if the drivers will be at the track on thursday (tomorrow)? If so what will they be doing and can we see them without having grandstand tickets?
The drivers will probably be around and normally the Melbourne Walk is best place to see them arriving and leaving, but I don’t know if you can get here without grandstand tickets. The other idea is to follow social media accounts for the race, as the drivers may be appearing on the stage in M Lane
Hi, What days and times will the F/A 18 jet be flying over?
Thanks
Hello anyone know how to get the gp tv via mobile this year?
Is there camping at the track for self contained camper
i.e volunteers
I don’t believe there is any camping at the track, even for volunteers
Thanks for the great info on here.
Got a question about the upcoming 2023 GP.
On the park pass page (https://www.grandprix.com.au/tickets/park-pass) it states that you can do the Melbourne Walk. It seems like historically you needed a grandstand ticket to do this.
From your experience do you think that this is likely or a typo?
I would also point out that this has been added specifically for this year (it wasn’t on the page last year for park pass / general admission tickets)
Honestly, I would believe it if it’s written on the official website. Yes, in the past access for the Melbourne Walk was only for grandstand ticket holders. But probably worth sending the promoter a quick email or asking them on social media just to check.
Thx, I’ll do that and post an update on here ๐
Yup, got it from the horse’s mouth.
General admission can get involved with the Melbourne Walk ๐
Hi, where is the autograph session located at the Melbourne GP on Thursdays and are we allowed to snap a pick with a driver then?
I’m not 100% sure there will be an autograph session this year, but the drivers should be making an appearance on the Fan Forum Stage (check here on the map). Don’t forget you can also try to get driver autographs on the Melbourne Walk. More info: https://www.grandprix.com.au/event/off-track/fan-zone/melbourne-walk
I noted above the Gate Opening Hours listing has a text error : 20223 Gate Opening Hours
Also can I buy the programme at my regional newsagent?
Thanks for spotting the error, I have fixed that. As for programme, I don’t even know if there will be a physical version this year. Most race programmes are only virtually since the pandemic. I know you used to be able to buy the programme in newsagents.
Hi! Thanks for all the info so far. But I was wondering where the podium celebration would be as this is my first GP Iโm attending, as well as where would be the best place to view the race as a GA ticket holder so I would be able to run in time for the podium celebration.
Thanks
Hi Tali, lots of good places to watch in GA. If you are going the whole weekend, I suggest using Thursday and Friday to walk around the circuit and check out the GA areas. When you find one you like, head there early on Saturday and Sunday to reserve your place. Make friends with those around you if you are travelling alone, they will help keep your spot if you need to get food or go to the toilet. As for the podium, you should head towards the start/finish line some laps before the end, they will open the gates to the circuit at either end of the main straight after the race, and then you run as fast as you can!
Hi, fabulous article, super helpful! I’m going to the Melbourne GP this Saturday and I’m hoping to get an autograph from any drivers really in the Melbourne walk. I also want to get some F1 merch on my way to the Melbourne Walk because if I order online, it won’t come in time. Do you think I would stand a chance if I arrive at 8:30, walking from gate 5, buy my cap and then go to the Melbourne walk. Or would it be really crowded already?
Hi Shannon, I have a feeling that there will be A LOT of people at the Melbourne Walk every day from early to late. If you miss the drivers in the morning, you can always hang around at the end of the day as well and try to get some autographs as they are leaving the track.
Thanks for ur reply! I’m now planning to enter via gate 1 at 8! Do you think that’ll be better? Also, around what time should I go back to the Melbourne Walk, as in when do they leave the track on Saturday? One more question! If I think I don’t stand a chance in the Melbourne walk, do you think I should just sprint to the fan forum and try to get to the front row? Do drivers sign autographs in the fan forum? Thank you!
Sorry I didn’t get to this message in time. How did you get on?
Love your site and the helpful guides. Can I suggest you do a similar assessment of grandstands and GA tickets like youโve done with Monza? My take below: (happy to provide more detail if need-be)
The 2023 GP has seen the standard drop and prices increase. GA, while affordable, is completely oversold and virtually impossible for anyone to get a decent vantage point. Queues snaking everywhere for entry, exit, food, toilet, coffees. Only thing no queues for is the merchandise (expensive by international standards. A team hat will set you back $90 AUD minimum + 1.5% credit card surcharge).
Amenities in and out of the track are not equipped for this volume. The need for bridges to go over the track means you queue to get into the park, and then you queue to go over the bridge, and then you battle to find a spot. AusGP need a major re-think on their ticketing approach. Need to have amitheatre style builds on the viewing points OR increase the viewing mounds on the exterior side of the track.
Also – grandstand tickets need significantly more shaded areas given weโre in Melbourne. This weekend saw lots of rain and unfortunately meant that even Grandstand ticket holders had to leave their spots and seek shelter – putting pressure on an already oversold GA area (which had limited shade already).
Overall – I am unimpressed with this years Melbourne Gran Prix and think the promoter needs to re-think a lot of their strategies for future year success.
Hi Joseph, thanks a lot for your feedback. This overcrowding is a real issue now at many F1 circuits that are not really built for such large attendances.
Hi!
I’m about to attend the australian gp 2024. When do they usually announce the tickets? And for me who’s not from australia, is there wifi on the track or is it better to get a sim-card?
Ticket on-sale dates will probably be announced soon. You can sign up for alerts via grandprix.com.au. I also suggest subscribing to our site (don’t forget to tick the box for Australia) as we will send updates about tickets. I don’t know if there will be free WiFi at the track – even if there is, the service is often bad as too many people are trying to use it. I do suggest getting a sim card for when you are in Australia, it will make your life much easier. If you upgrade your phone before your trip, most new phones should have an e-sim rather than a physical sim card. It’s easy to go online and purchase an e-sim for Australia.
is there any way we can meet f2/3 drivers? or are they all hidden away?
You can meet all the drivers if you have Beyon Grandstand ticket. That’s because it’s the only grandstand on the inside of the circuit, near the Paddocks for both F1 and F2/F3, also the carparks that the drivers use. If you don’t have Beyon grandstand, you cannot get inside the circuit and I think it will be very hard to meet the drivers.