Our history

Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP) acknowledges the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as Traditional Owners of the land on which the precinct is located and recognise their ongoing connection to this land, and rich culture. We pay respects to their Elders past, present and future. 

The land that now hosts the M&OP precinct has been a gathering place for generations.

Prior to Federation, the area was reserved as part of ‘Government Paddock’, which over time included police barracks, zoological gardens and parklands. In 1909, the area now encompassing Olympic Park was proclaimed Crown Land by the Victorian Government as a “site for the recreation, convenience and amusement of people.” In this period, the area hosted cycling, racing, athletics, wrestling and Australian Rules Football.  

In 1933, the Olympic Park sporting arena was established, and speed-car racing joined the roster of events. By 1940, World War II was underway and petrol rationing made motorsports unviable. The arena was demolished in 1946 before significant redevelopment was undertaken to prepare the precinct to host field hockey and cycling events during the 1956 Olympic Games. After the Olympics, soccer, rugby union, greyhound racing, and even equestrian competitions were often held across the precinct. 

By 1988, a significant redevelopment was underway to establish a new, purpose-built, multi-venue National Tennis Centre to host the Australian Open, establishing the venues that would come to be known as Rod Laver Arena and Margaret Court Arena.

In 2000, a new multipurpose area (now John Cain Arena) was established, and in 2006 the precinct hosted various events for the Commonwealth Games. 

In 2010, AAMI Park was opened, and over the last decade, nearly a billion dollars has been invested by the Victorian Government to redevelop Melbourne Park, securing the precinct as the home of the Australian Open until at least 2044.