Unless you are one of those lucky folk whose hometown hosts a GP race, getting to see one live involves a fair bit of planning, and not a bit of cash. Now that the (provisional) F1 calendar for 2009 has been announced, it is a good time to start planning next year’s holiday, and maybe catch a race while you are away.

In the first article of a series, we provide all the tips you need to get you started when planning your visit to a round of the Championship; starting with the seasons opening round in Australia. So here is everything you need to know about attending the Australian Grand Prix.

Things to know before you go:

• Australia requires ALL visitors to obtain a visa prior to arrival. Please see the Australian High Commission in your country for more details on how to obtain this.

• The official language is English, and sadly, you will not find any other languages catered for.
• The city to host this event currently is Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city with a population of roughly 3.5 million people.
• The actual track, situated around the Albert Park Lake, is less than 3 kms from the CBD, making it easy for racegoers to get to.
• March in Melbourne brings extremely unpredictable weather. Best to pack for all eventualities.
• If hiring a car, remember, we drive on the left!
• For more information about visiting Melbourne see http://www.visitmelbourne.com

Buying a ticket:

The official website of the Australian Grand Prix is www.grandprix.com.au which gives information on buying a ticket, the track, as well as general tourist information.

There are also many other websites out there that sell tickets to all events, but shop around as the prices vary widely. General admission tickets are available at the gates on the day, as are any grandstand seats left. General admission is a good budget option in Australia, there are plenty of grassy knolls to lounge on, and mini stands set up for better viewing. Large screen TV’s are also placed around the track, so you don’t miss a minute of the action.

However, Grand stand seats tend to sell out quickly, so if this is your preferred option then it is best to buy in advance.

Getting to Melbourne:

Melbourne is served by a large airport, with direct flights from many cities. It is also very easy to fly in via Sydney, Perth, Brisbane or Adelaide and simply connect to a domestic flight to Melbourne.

Tullamarine International Airport, which is approximately 20 kms from the CBD, is the main airport (some budget carriers will fly into Avalon Airport). Taxis are readily available, and there is also the Skybus, which will take you to Southern Cross Station. (See http://www.skybus.com.au/index.php for more information). Hire cars can be collected from the airport.

If you fly into Avalon airport you can also catch a bus to Southern Cross Station. (See here for more information).

If you are arriving by rail or bus from either country Victoria or interstate, then you will also arrive at Southern Cross Station. This station is located at the south of the CBD and is an easy starting point for your Melbourne accommodation. Melbourne has a great public transport system with suburban rail, trams and buses (see www.metlink.com.au for more information)

Where to stay:

Melbourne is well serviced by accommodation to meet all budgets. Most hotels are in the CBD area, but there are even some that overlook the track!
Without a doubt, the most luxurious hotel in Melbourne is the Crown Towers Hotel (http://www.crowntowers.com.au/) which is within easy distance of the track. This hotel is also adjacent to the Casino, handy if you are looking for some off-track entertainment (insider tip – most of the drivers stay here too!)

Another option is the seaside suburb of St Kilda, which is a popular destination. St Kilda has a great beach, funky vibe, nightlife and lots of restaurants. You are even within walking distance to the track!

However, if you are a Ferrari fan then you may wish to consider staying in Carlton, in the area known locally as “Little Italy”. It is only a couple of kms north of the CBD, and is well serviced by the tram network. Lygon Street is the main area, and has a great selection of restaurants and cafes. Beware though – this is party town if Ferrari win the race – forget about any sleep!

Getting to the track:

The track is well serviced by the metropolitan tram service, and the trams from the CBD are free if you are a grandstand ticket holder. Trams run every few minutes, so check your ticket for your entry gate. This will then determine which tram to take. Parking near the track is limited and very expensive, so it is best to take public transport.

At the track:

The Australian GP, unlike the others, is a four day event beginning on the Thursday before the race. Although there are no F1 cars on track on the Thursday, there are plenty of support categories to watch. There are also many trackside attractions such as rides, expo’s, pit stop challenges and the like to look at or take part in. Grab yourself a track programme and a map to see what’s on and where. Insider tip – most of the drivers also do autograph sessions on the Thursday, so if you are interested in meeting your favourite driver head over to the V8 Supercar paddock and check out who will be making appearances. Get in early though, as the queues will be long!

What to bring:

You can bring your own food and drink into the track, with the exception of alcohol. This can only be purchased from one of the licensed premises inside the grounds. Food and drink are readily available at the track, but are expensive.

You must also bring sunscreen and a hat. An umbrella is also advisable. The Australian sun is very harsh, and there is not a lot of shade trackside. The weather is usually warm (although this time of year can be unpredictable), and patrons have been known to suffer sunstroke if they are not adequately prepared (there are first aid stations on site for those who require them). A good camera is also a must, as is a radio that will pick up the local commentary.

And finally, enjoy!