In just a few short days, millions of us will once again basically be letting 20 blokes driving in fancy circles dictate our mental well-being. An oddly exciting prospect, especially given one of the fastest blokes is now racing for the ‘red’ team. But high-speed overtakes and motorsport history-in-the-making aside: what else can you expect from the 2025 Melbourne Grand Prix?
As in previous years, from brand parties and pop-ups to almost every manner of freebies, the newly restored season opener – officially dubbed the Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix 2025 – is delivering the goods. You just have to know where to find ’em.
Here are all the extracurricular highlights for this week’s 2025 Melbourne Grand Prix.
Free rides in a McLaren & “Jack’s Garage”
After a sell-out debut in 2024 – and to celebrate its continued partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 Racing Team – Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is returning to offer complimentary “Jack’s Rides” in a McLaren. How does one book this?
You and a mate can call in a supercar chariot by heading to the designated venues: either The Espy in St Kilda or Crown Melbourne in Southbank. You’ll be picked up in pairs and assigned a separate car each, but fear not – given these road rigs have been kitted out with onboard headsets, communication with your fellow passenger/teammate won’t be a problem. Free Jack Daniel’s cocktail at the “finish line.”
But the thrills don’t stop when you pull up to the curb. Because Jack Daniel’s is also launching a dedicated race HQ dubbed “Jack’s Garage.” Hosted at The Espy, there’ll be signature whiskey cocktails and oodles of authentic McLaren memorabilia: driver suits, a stunning replica F1 car, you name it.
The Espy’s Gershwin Room is also wrangling a lineup of live music featuring the beloved likes of alt-rock heroes Rum Jungle, country sensation Brad Cox, US soul powerhouses Durand Jones & The Indications, as well as local legend, Nina Las Vegas.
Where: The Espy in St Kilda, Crown Melbourne in Southbank
When: March 14th to 16th (12 PM – 10 PM daily) for the rides; March 13th to 16th for the party pit stop
Glenfiddich rooftop party
As official partners of Aston Martin F1, Glenfiddich is hosting what they promise will be the greatest post-race-day drinks with QT Melbourne.
Perched on the stylish hotel’s exquisite rooftop, the daily kick-ons – dubbed Club 1959 – begins as soon as the Albert Park gates close every single day, giving guests “pole position to enjoy a sundowner and reflect on a day of racing.”
Local DJs ranging from Clara Yates to Emily Gurr will spin the decks; Glenfiddich signature serves – such as the refreshing ‘59 Spritz and balanced Warehouse 8 sour – will be on the menu; with genuine 2025 Aston Martin F1 Team racing gear worn by two-time champion Fernando Alonso and Glenfiddich’s latest ultra-exclusive 1959 bottling will be on display.
Bonus: anyone without tickets to the race can head to QT Melbourne early and witness it on the big screen from 3 PM.
Where: QT Melbourne
When: March 13th to 16th (6 PM – midnight daily)
Snag a prize from Williams F1
The Atlassian Williams Fan Zone Presented by Kraken is back at Fed Square for a third year with opportunities galore.
While the Q&As with Carlos Sainz Jr and Team Principal James Vowles; state-of-the-art simulators with which you can virtually set a lap time at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit; reaction time games as well as seeing the FW47 show car up close are undoubtedly exciting – the real draw involves the memorabilia up for grabs. Like collectible cards featuring wet signatures (not digitally printed) from the Williams drivers themselves.
To access this Fan Zone, download the free Atlassian Williams Racing App, sign up for your Atlassian Williams Driver Card, and present it to a team member. You can also access the latest event information, secure priority access to the event, and secure extra chances to win prizes all via the app. How good.
Where: Federation Square Atrium
When: March 10th to 16th (11 AM – 7 PM weekdays, 10 AM – 9 PM Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM Sunday
Charles Leclerc’s piano bar (ft. Chivas Regal)
Here’s one the missus will probably be even more eager to attend than you.
Melbourne is welcoming an exclusive pop-up piano bar to commemorate the special partnership between the Prince of Monaco, self-taught pianist, and Scuderia Ferrari pilot, Charles Leclerc; and Chivas Regal.
This one-night-only exploration in the “artistry of piano” and the “craft of whisky” entails bespoke Chivas Regal x Charles Leclerc cocktails, as well as a guest appearance from the charming eight-time Grand Prix winner himself.
Where: Leclerc’s (keep an eye out on socials)
When: March 11th
Enchanté, Danny Ric
Daniel Ricciardo might have been unceremoniously retired from competing in Formula 1, but his presence will still be felt in this upcoming Melbourne Grand Prix. Specifically through his lifestyle brand Enchanté.
The pop-up store presented with Afterpay, for one, is set to showcase an exclusive collection of bespoke t-shirts, hoodies, accessories, and plenty more available for purchase from the location and dates listed above.
And to ring in the launch of his Enchanté Rosé with St. Hugo, Dan Murphy’s South Melbourne will be transformed into an oasis of Enchanté for the duration of the GP – complete with prizes like the Honey Badger’s Shooey Decanter, as well as a Polaroid photo booth.
This fresh and playful drop will also be available at Albert Park via the Enchanté Rosé Bar by Daniel Ricciardo.
Where: Chapel Street, South Yarra (keep an eye out on socials), Dan Murphy’s South Melbourne
When: March 12th to 16th
Party aboard the luxury yacht MISCHIEF with Ahoy Club (ft. Patron)
Ahoy Club’s M/Y MISCHIEF, owned by Aussie Rich Lister Ian Malouf, has steadily made itself an F1 grand prix weekend fixture. Most notably at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix, when the luxe 177-footer dropped anchor in the glitzy principality for a party we actually had the privilege of attending.
This time around, for a single epic night, MISCHIEF’s bridge deck will be transformed into a sophisticated PATRÓN EL ALTO Cocktail Lounge, serving a handpicked selection of tequila-based cocktails designed to “complement the Grand Prix after-party energy.”
Tickets are priced at $1,500 per head and inclusive of selected food & beverage packages – Tattinger Cuveé Prestige NV and delectable truffle-infused canapes available – and also covers the entertainment provided by DJ Richy Penny late into the evening.
Where: TBA
When: March 15th (7 PM – 1 AM)
Crown Lakeside Festival
Across three nights, major international and Aussie acts will take to the stage and headline this affair against the backdrop of the iconic lake: starting with The Living End and Spiderbait, then Tones & I and Baker Boy, finishing strong with the one and only Fatboy Slim alongside Anna Lunoe.
The drinks (including “Red Bull creations”) will be a-flowing, gourmet grub will be served at the stalls, and good times will be had.
Where: Albert Park
When: March 14th to 16th
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