Australian F1 Grand Prix 2017

WrightAnvil on 28/09/2016 - 10:54

HI there,

I would be grateful if anyone who has previously attended the F1 races in Melbourne could provide a recommendation or two to help make the most of a planned visit next year, which will be my first time.

I live NSW and plan to fly to Melbourne, where I have accommodation already sorted, and attend for 3 days.  I was thinking of purchasing tickets for Friday (free practice), Saturday  (qualifying) and Sunday (race day).

I've never been to an F1 race before and would like to make the most of the experience (not sure if it's one of those 'once in a lifetime ' things?).

1.  Is a 3-day visit the best approach?
2.  What grandstand / grandstands afford a better view than others?
3.  There are 3-day tickets that have a different grandstand for each day.  Is the the best approach?
4.  When is the best time to purchase tickets?  Availability now v's possible deals closer to the time?
5.  Anything else?

Many thanks in advance for your assistance ……

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • meowmeowmeow on 28/09/2016 - 11:31
    +1

    We went a few years ago. If you buy the 3 day grandatand pass with the silver advantage membership i think you get to go on a pit lane walk on the Thursday.

    Keep in mind it's a street circuit, so you only see limited track from the grandstands and general admission. The best grandstands are the turn 1 and 2 i believe, it's where the most action usually is. Doing a different grand stand each day is fun as well, and a bit cheaper than buying 3 days of turn 1/2 grandstand seats.

    There's no grandstand "deals" closer to the time. The earlier you buy, the more extra benefits you get - check the GP Advantage comparison table here:
    http://www.grandprix.com.au/gpadvantage2017

    There's free trams that run to the GP, very crowded, try and go early so you don't miss anything.

    Be prepared for all types of weather. We had a hot day and then a freezing cold and rainy day. Typical melbourne weather.

    • WrightAnvil on 28/09/2016 - 12:41

      Hello meowmeowmeow,
      Many many thanks, I very much appreciate you taking the time to help with such a detailed reply.

      Cheers …..

  • niiko on 28/09/2016 - 14:36

    I would take grandstand only for the race. You can easily find great views in General Admission area on Friday and Saturday without being stick to one Grandstand in one corner. We had Grandstand for all three days but used it only on Sunday.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/09/2016 - 14:39

      You can only buy 3 day grand stand passes

      • Stewardo on 28/09/2016 - 19:49

        You can buy single day tickets closer to the event however availability is reduced.

        • [Deactivated] on 28/09/2016 - 20:16

          Never heard of this and I've been going since 1996

        • Stewardo on 28/09/2016 - 21:31

          They never announce it or tell you they are going to, because most people buy tickets early to avoid missing out, they make more more money selling three day passes, closer to the event you can buy the remaining tickets individually, if there are any left.

        • WrightAnvil on 28/09/2016 - 22:15

          @Stewardo: Thank you for the clarification however I won't be taking the risk of unavailability. It'll be a 3 day pass for me …..

    • WrightAnvil on 28/09/2016 - 14:52

      Hello niko,
      Many many thanks, I very much appreciate you taking the time to help with your reply.

      Cheers …..

  • [Deactivated] on 28/09/2016 - 14:42

    OP, I generally get a ticket in the Fangio stand, on the start finish line. That way I get to see all the pit stops, the start and end of the race, and two corners. It's not the most expensive, but I think it's a good compromise. Turn one is always good for overtaking action. Grand stand tickets are the best because they give you full circuit access, unlike GA tickets, which lock out the pit side of the circuit. If it's your bag, you can get autographs and photos with the drivers by going behind the pits with a grand stand ticket.

    • WrightAnvil on 28/09/2016 - 14:56

      Hello thornton82,
      Many many thanks, I very much appreciate you taking the time to help with your response and informative reply.

      Cheers …..

  • dlf73 on 28/09/2016 - 15:41

    Hey, do you want to see them going past you fast, or potential action, accidents, overtaking, spins, etc? If you have a preference this may dictate which grandstands will be best suited for you.
    Turn 1 passing, accidents, etc. Front straight speed and pits.
    I have been many times, and must say general admission is nowhere near as good for watching the action, except for turn 9 I think where there is a hill on the golf course which gives a decent view! Everywhere else is ground level Bar a few seats here and there and unless you have people to save them for you if you go get food, etc, you lose them!
    Stick to grandstands imo.
    There are plenty of stands and displays to see so try to get them in before sunday. Southern Cross train station normally has a few popup stands selling merchandise. Understand it is F1 and everything is dear!
    I think 3 days should be sufficient, pick grandstand(S) based on above, and get tix now! Hope this helps in you having a great trip.
    Also why not check out eureka Tower observation deck, china Bar or rose garden restaurants when not at the track!

    • WrightAnvil on 28/09/2016 - 18:11

      Hello dlf73,
      Many many thanks, I very much appreciate you taking the time to help with your informative and thoughtful reply. In many respects the TV gives you both so I guess it's time to make a choice :)

      Cheers …..

      • dlf73 on 28/09/2016 - 18:41

        Mate a pleasure to offer tips that may help. That's the trick pick a spot that works for you as tv you get everything!
        I have not been for a few years now, but also try to findn out where they have the big screens, as this may help your experience there!

        • WrightAnvil on 28/09/2016 - 19:05

          Yep good point, the ticketing site I've been looking at shows a schematic of the track, grandstands and TV's.

  • shaz0316 on 28/09/2016 - 16:30

    Mate I've gone to the past 3 years- best stand in my opinion is Schumacher stand which is at the last corner- you get to see the cars at full throttle as they approach the turn and slow down for the last 2 turns before the main straight.

    If you get the tickets to the main straight you get to see the cars for a few seconds as they zoom passed.

    Ticket prices do not change closer to the date so if there is something you want just get it in case it gets sold out.
    See you there!

    • WrightAnvil on 28/09/2016 - 18:21

      Hello shaz0316,
      Many many thanks, I very much appreciate you taking the time to help with your response and the heads up. 3 years in a row, obviously you enjoy it :)

      Cheers …..

  • meowmeowmeow on 28/09/2016 - 16:31

    Also a lot of people prefer the top rows of the grandstand as you can see over the wire fence, instead of looking through the fence the whole time

    • WrightAnvil on 28/09/2016 - 18:24

      Hello meowmeowmeow,
      Thanks again, appreciate the supplementary.

      Cheers …..

  • dlf73 on 30/09/2016 - 10:03

    Hey OP, how have you gone with this?
    Have you made plans for things to do when not at the track also?
    If you have any interests or whatever I may be able to help with some suggestions, being a local…ha ha
    Where will you be staying, in CBD?

    • WrightAnvil on 30/09/2016 - 15:31

      Hello dlf73, yep well into the planning process with a couple of mates yet to confirm attendance. They have until Monday :) We're staying with a mate, who's not into F1, however will be spending 'catchup time' outside of the races.

      Thanks again …..

      • dlf73 on 30/09/2016 - 18:45

        Good to hear. Seems like after race stuff sorted. Enjoy!

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