With the Australian Open set to begin on Monday, January 12, tennis fans and food enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the debut of the iconic American burger chain, Shake Shack, on Australian soil. The New York-based brand will make its first appearance at TOPCOURT and John Cain Arena throughout the tournament, which runs until February 1. This marks the first opportunity for Australians to savor a Shake Shack burger without the need for international travel.
The timing of Shake Shack’s arrival coincides with the Australian Open’s evolution into a major cultural event, extending beyond just tennis. The presence of Shake Shack further solidifies the tournament’s status as one of Australia’s premier summer festivals.
Shake Shack’s Festival Presence
Shake Shack will be serving its renowned burgers at TOPCOURT, a new entertainment precinct at Birrarung Marr, just outside Melbourne Park, and at John Cain Arena. The venue is designed to attract a Gen-Z and festival-oriented crowd, blending live electronic music, food pop-ups, gaming, and cultural activities into one vibrant riverside destination. Access to this open-air precinct is available with a Ground Pass ticket.
During the opening week, the precinct will feature live performances from both international and Australian artists, including Hot Chip, Elderbrook, and The Presets. Attendees can enjoy a mix of rotating food offerings and activations, creating a dynamic festival atmosphere. Fans can watch world-class tennis by day and then transition to evening entertainment with DJs and drinks, all while enjoying a Shake Shack burger.
The Menu and Public Reaction
The Australian outlet of Shake Shack will offer its iconic ShackBurger, a single cheeseburger featuring a smashed Angus beef patty, melted American cheese, tomato, lettuce, and the signature ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. Additionally, an exclusive Australian Open Shake will be available at TOPCOURT throughout January.
Shake Shack’s impending arrival has sparked significant excitement online, with many Australians expressing their enthusiasm. One fan exclaimed,
‘Shake Shack finally coming to Aus is everything.’
Another added,
‘What?!? World’s best burger finally hits Melbourne. Do I need to start lining up now?’
However, some have expressed concerns about potential high prices, with one person joking,
‘$50 for a burger and chips then, is it?’
Others questioned the choice of an international brand, suggesting local alternatives like Betty’s Burgers might be a better fit.
Impact on the Australian Open
The inclusion of Shake Shack at the Australian Open highlights the event’s growth beyond the tennis courts. Fern Barrett from Tennis Australia commented,
‘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.’
The tournament has introduced innovations such as expanded in-seat ordering for accessible seating, precinct roving vending to reduce queue times, and automated snack services to enhance the spectator experience.
The Australian Open will also reintroduce other exclusive food and drink offerings, including the popular dessert Peach Melbourne. At the 2025 event, over 112,000 serves of this peach and vanilla soft serve topped with raspberry dust were consumed. The Grey Goose Lemon Ace cocktail will also make a return in 2026.
Looking Ahead
With the convergence of tennis, music, pop-ups, and one of America’s most famous burgers, the countdown to the Australian Open is officially underway. Shake Shack’s debut in Australia represents not only a culinary milestone but also an enhancement of the festival atmosphere surrounding one of the world’s most prestigious tennis events. As the tournament kicks off next week, fans are in for a unique blend of sport and culture that promises to be a highlight of the Australian summer.
