With the Australian Open set to commence on Monday, January 12, tennis enthusiasts and food aficionados 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 presence felt at TOPCOURT and John Cain Arena throughout the tournament, running from January 12 to 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 is impeccable. The Australian Open has evolved into more than just a tennis tournament, transforming into one of the country’s most significant summer festivals. The addition of Shake Shack further solidifies this status, offering attendees a taste of one of America’s most beloved burger experiences.
Shake Shack at the Australian Open: Locations and Offerings
Shake Shack will be serving its renowned burgers at two key locations: inside TOPCOURT, a new entertainment precinct located at Birrarung Marr, just outside Melbourne Park, and at John Cain Arena. This setup is poised to become one of the most sought-after attractions of the tournament’s opening week.
Designed with a Gen-Z and festival-oriented crowd in mind, the open-air precinct will blend live electronic music, food pop-ups, gaming, and cultural activities into a vibrant riverside destination. All of this is accessible with a Ground Pass ticket, making it an enticing option for attendees.
Entertainment and Culinary Delights
During the opening week, TOPCOURT will host live performances from international and Australian acts, including Hot Chip, Elderbrook, and The Presets. These performances will be complemented by rotating food offerings and activations, ensuring a dynamic experience for visitors.
Fans can enjoy world-class tennis during the day and then transition to the designated area at night for DJs and drinks, all while indulging in a Shake Shack burger. The Aussie outlet will serve the iconic ShackBurger, featuring a single cheeseburger with a smashed Angus beef patty, melted American cheese, tomato, lettuce, and the secret ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun. Additionally, an exclusive Australian Open Shake will be available at TOPCOURT throughout January.
Public Reaction and Concerns
Shake Shack’s impending arrival has already generated significant excitement online, with many Australians expressing their enthusiasm. “Shake Shack finally coming to Aus is everything,” one fan wrote. Another added, “What?!? World’s best burger finally hits Melbourne. Do I need to start lining up now?”
However, not everyone is convinced. Some Australians have voiced concerns about potential high prices.
“$50 for a burger and chips then, is it?” one person joked. Another commented, “I imagine everything is a fortune.”
Additionally, some questioned the choice of an international brand over local options, with one individual noting, “Absolutely love Shake Shack when I’m in the US, but we have our own Aussie version that would be much better alignment: Betty’s Burgers.”
Shake Shack’s Role in the Australian Open’s Evolution
Following the official media launch in October, Tennis Australia’s Fern Barrett highlighted Shake Shack’s arrival as a reflection of the Australian Open’s growth.
“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,” she said.
Barrett also emphasized innovations such as expanded in-seat ordering, precinct roving vending to reduce queue times, and new automated snack services designed to enhance the spectator experience.
The Australian Open will also bring back other exclusive food and drink offerings, including the fan-favorite dessert, Peach Melbourne. At the 2025 event, spectators consumed over 112,000 servings of this peach and vanilla soft serve topped with raspberry dust. The Grey Goose Lemon Ace cocktail will also return for 2026.
The Countdown to the Australian Open
With tennis, DJs, pop-ups, and one of America’s most famous burgers all converging next week, the countdown to the Australian Open is officially underway. The event promises to be a celebration of sport, culture, and culinary delights, with Shake Shack’s debut adding an exciting new dimension to the festival atmosphere.
