The highly anticipated Australian Grand Prix is returning to the iconic Albert Park this week, and Melbourne’s gone all-out with things to do to get rev-heads in the mood. From themed-cocktails and huge street parties to photography exhibitions and racing simulators , we’ve curated a list of every F1-themed event you can race to.
Get going:
Fiery Cocktails And Vodka-Infused Degustations
Image credit: Token | Supplied
Newcomers Token in South Yarra and Maven by Morgan in Fitzroy are teaming up with Australian-owned rye vodka Idle Hour to get into the F1 spirit with a bunch limited of cocktails and vodka-infused bites. Sip on the 'Lift And Coast' number with blood orange and rhubarb vodka, the 'Rumblestrip' for a mandarin cosmo, or our favourite pick the 'Jumpstart', a delightful grapefruit and pomegranate vodka sour.
If you missed out on tickets, Idle Hour team are swinging a four-day double pass to the race, an exclusive Pit Lane Walk experience and a four-night stay at the QT Melbourne. Huge. Get your entry in here.
QT Melbourne’s Pop-Up Deli
Image credit: QT Melbourne | Supplied
Trusty QT Melbourne is popping up for the ultimate lunch pitstop with a slick new QT Deli in their Russel Street lobby. For a modest $30, race in and grab any sandwich or gourmet panini and pair it with a glass of Daniel Riccardo’s Ric Red by DR3. Get the full menu over here.
Meet & Greet Williams Racing’s Alex Albon
Skip the chaos at Melbourne Walk and race down to the Melbourne Fan Zone at Fed Square on Tuesday 19 March to meet and greet Williams Racing F1 driver Alex Albon. Fuel up with questions for his on-stage Q&A at 4pm, and for those early birds that pop by at 11am can score a special token that grants a selfie with Albon and signed driver’s card. There’s a few important things you need to know so make sure you read all the details here.
Middle Park Hotel’s GP Street Party
The Middle Park Hotel’s playing host for a mega Grand Prix Street Party this week, and you’re invited. If you missed out on a ticket to the sold-out F1 weekend, you can still take part in the bustling actionwith the hotel’s live screening of the races. There’ll be flowing drinks and food, paired with epic games and competitions to rev you up. Hurry and snag the best seats with free entry and party all four-days long.
Free Margaritas At Flour Child
Image credit: Flour Child | Arianna Leggiero
If you've got a golden ticket to the F1, you've got yourself a margarita (if you arrive early enough). Flour Child in St Kilda are giving away 50 classic and spicy margs every day leading up to race day on Sunday 24 March. Call it a boozy pitstop on your way to Albert Park, because you're just a 15-minute stroll away. You have to have a ticket to the F1 though, so make sure you have it handy when you arrive.
An Evening with Guenther Steiner
If you’re a fan of Netflix’s fly-on-the-wall Formula 1 series Drive to Survive, chances are you’ve also been captivated by the witty and famously uncensored former-Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner. Turns out, Steiner is coming to Melbourne on Wednesday 20 March for an up close and personal in-conversation session. You can get personal with Steiner at Playhouse, where he’ll talk all about the behind-the-scenes action of running a motor racing team. Tickets are still available for the 3pm session, so get booking over here.
Pullman & Mercure’s GP Activities
Image credit: Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park | Supplied
Come to Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park for an exhilarating F1-themed experience, jam-packed with action from themed coffee masterclasses and racing simulators to an array of food and drink to devour and live DJ entertainment. They've even got their hands on F1 and F2 vintage cars on display to take an up-close squiz at. Book your spot over here.
Racing Through The Lens: F1 Photography Exhibition
John Toscano’s F1 photography exhibition Racing Through The Lens has parked up in South Yarra for a limited time this March. Peruse the passion-fueled imagery of past and present F1 drivers, filled with emotional victories and dramatic moments. Journey through time through the lens of Toscano, with a tribute to acclaimed milestones and drivers, such as the three-time World Champion Ayrton Senna. Entry is completely free, get all the details over here.
Set A Fast Lap Like An F1 Driver
There’s go-karting, then there’s simulations of the real deal. At Fortress, they've got the latter. Jump in the virtual cockpit and attempt a pole around the Albert Park Circuit just like the pros. If you’re speedy enough to set a fast lap in the top three, you might just win yourself a nifty prize. Better again, if you beat the 2023 fastest lap record (1:16.714 seconds), you’ll score an invitation for a hot lap around Sandown International Motor Raceway in a proper Racing Supercar. Up for the challenge? Get going.
The Espy’s GP Street Party
Image credit: Hotel Esplanade | Supplied
No one puts on a party like the age-old Espy, and this race weekend, Aus GP madness is taking over neighbouring Pollington Street. Revel in the roaring atmosphere with the pop-up big screens blaring the Grand Prix action non-stop. You can also jump on the racing simulator or cop a drink from the outdoor bar–all accompanied by a live musical act from 6pm, including Client Liasion headlining on Friday. Check out the full program here.
If you're looking for the best eats and drinks while you're in town Melbourne for the F1, head over here.
Image credit: Supplied