Getting ready for Melbourne’s Formula One weekend is basically a sport of its own. First, you fight the queues for tickets. Then you scramble for flights. And finally… the real challenge: finding a place to stay.
Having done this a few times, I’ve learned a thing or two about snagging the perfect Airbnb (and yes, once even a hotel right across from Albert Park!) for a weekend of cars, chaos, and celebration.
How long you stay depends on your tickets. Got a Sunday pass? Fly in the night before (or even the morning of) race day, then head home Monday. Got a 4-day pass? Plan to soak up practice, qualifying, and the race.
My pro tip: stick around Monday and Tuesday. Drivers linger in the city, and if you’re lucky, you might even bump into one – trust me, running into Carlos Sainz at Bourke Street Mall after his 2024 win was the highlight of my year.
But if you’ve left your Airbnb planning to the last minute, don’t panic. There are still plenty available, and I’ve rounded up the best ones below, ready for you to book.
The best Melbourne Airbnbs to book
Sunlit Prahran Retreat
$1,738.20 for min. 3 nights at Airbnb
Available from: March 6 to 10
Situated just a few streets from Albert Park, this bright 1-bedroom retreat in the heart of Prahran is perfect if you want to be steps away from all the action. No need to stress about getting to the track, simply skip the tram queues and Uber fights, then stroll right back to your Airbnb after the race.
Key features:
- Private balcony
- Open-plan living area
- Modern furnishings
- Washing machine
Cosy South Yarra Apartment
$1,959.67 for min. 3 nights at Airbnb
Available from: March 6 to 10
Just a 2-minute walk from South Yarra Station, this stylish studio puts the track within easy reach. Inside, you’ll find a plush queen bed, modern bathroom, fully equipped kitchen with plunger coffee, Smart TV, free high-speed Wi-Fi, gym access, washing machine, and heating and cooling – everything you need for a comfy weekend.
Key features:
- Free secure parking
- Reverse cycle heating and cooling
Stylish Southbank Unit
$1,897.98 $2,344.87 for min. 3 nights at Airbnb
Available from: March 5 to 10
Need an extra room and bed? This stylish two-bedroom unit shares a bathroom with a shower and bath. The open-plan living and dining area flows into a sleek marble-and-timber kitchen with a breakfast bar. You’ll also enjoy a small balcony, parking, and access to a communal gym and pool. Located closer to the city, it’s an easy stroll to Crown Melbourne, Kings Domain, or the CBD.
Key features:
- Private balcony
- Washer and dryer
- Secure undercover parking
- Communal pool and gym
Skyline View CBD Apartment
$2,233.24 for min. 3 nights at Airbnb
Available from: March 5 to 9
Another city stay that sleeps four, this spacious two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is fully air-conditioned and comes with a balcony offering stunning skyline views. The interior is finished in a sleek Scandinavian style. Ideally located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD on Elizabeth Street, it’s right next to the iconic Queen Victoria Market and just a short stroll to Melbourne Central shopping and the train station.
Key features:
- Fully air-conditioned rooms
- Indoor pool, sauna, steam room and spa facilities
- Free Wi-Fi
Modern Hawthorn Apartment
$1,476.36 $1,609.20 for min. 2 nights at Airbnb
Available from: March 6 to 8
This beautiful two-bedroom apartment (three if you count the queen-sized sofa bed) in Hawthorn makes the perfect Melbourne base. Just 20 minutes from the CBD, you’ll love the modern comfort and convenience. Bonus: unlike many listings for this time period, you can book this one for a minimum of just two nights.
Key features:
- Queen-sized sofa bed
- Capsule coffee machine
- Washing machine and dryer
- Travel essentials, towels, and hairdryer provided
If you want to be right in the middle of the action, Prahran and South Yarra are your best bets. Just a short walk from Albert Park, so you can skip the tram queues and Uber fights on your way to and from the track.
Want a bit more space or a quieter stay? Look at Hawthorn or the CBD. Hawthorn gives you a peaceful base just 20 minutes from the track, while the CBD puts you close to the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shopping (and still within easy reach of the track).
This year, the Australian Grand Prix kicks off on Friday, March 6, and runs through Sunday, March 8. If you want to catch every moment, plan to arrive Thursday night or Friday morning – you’ll want to be at Albert Park by 12:30 pm when Practice 1 (P1) gets started.
Stick around for Practice 2 (P2) at 4 pm, then repeat the schedule on Saturday with Practice 3 (P3) at 12:30 pm and qualifying at 4 pm.
On Sunday, the main race starts at 3 pm and will likely go until 5 pm (or later, depending on the chaos on track). After that, you can either head home that night or stay an extra day to recover from the weekend madness.
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