From Track to Tap: Melbourne’s Best Grand Prix Hubs

The Australian Grand Prix is back, and Melbourne’s best pubs are ready to deliver the ultimate race-week experience, whether you’re coming straight from the track or settling in to catch every lap on the big screens.

From beachside McLaren show cars and high-tech racing simulators to headline live music acts, street parties, and exclusive race-week drink specials, these five venues are transforming into Grand Prix headquarters. Here’s where to watch, celebrate, and make this F1 weekend unforgettable.

Puma x McLaren Mastercard F1 – Ignition Beach

The thrill of Formula 1 is coming to the shores of St Kilda West as Puma & McLaren Mastercard takes over West Beach Pavilion. This isn’t just watching the race; it’s stepping into the world of F1 with unprecedented access that you won’t find anywhere else in Melbourne.

Get up close with the 2026 McLaren show car on the beachfront, test your skills against the pros on cutting-edge racing simulators, and snap that Instagram-worthy photo with the 2025 Constructors’ Championship trophy. No paddock pass required, just turn up to this fan-centric destination that brings the racing world to St Kilda’s iconic beachside location. The combination of ocean views, F1 immersion, and beachside vibes makes West Beach Pavilion the ultimate pre-race, during, or post-race destination for fans who want more than just screens.

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Off Track with Belvedere B10 (Official Vodka of Formula 1)

When the track empties out and race-goers are looking for the ideal spot for cocktails and sophistication into the night, Death & Co on Flinders Lane becomes the home of Belvedere B10, the Official Vodka of Formula 1 . This recently opened bar has quickly earned its reputation for expertly mixed cocktails and a delectable bar menu with a difference.

From Monday 2nd March, experience Belvedere B10 served three ways: neat and chilled for clean, structured elegance; on the rocks for slow dilution and fuller expression; or in The B10 Martini with dry vermouth, sea salt, and olive oil. For those looking to truly elevate the experience, pair any serve with a caviar bump. Death & Co proves that Grand Prix weekend isn’t just about the race—it’s about celebrating in style with world-class cocktails in Melbourne’s most sophisticated setting.

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Jack’s Street Party

From Thursday 5th to Monday 9th March, Middle Park Hotel’s iconic street party returns for another massive year—five days of high-energy vibes, big screens showing all the F1 action live and loud, great food, and flowing drinks just minutes from the Albert Park circuit.

Soak up the atmosphere and catch the aerial displays overhead as fighter jets scream past between races. The pop-up bar and street-party food menu featuring Jack Daniel’s inspired choices keep everyone refreshed across the long weekend, while daily entertainment includes DJs, games, competitions, and prizes. Located so close to the track you can hear the engines, Middle Park Hotel delivers that perfect combination of being part of the action while having the comfort of cold drinks, great food, and a crowd that gets it. This is five days of Grand Prix celebration—the way Melbourne does it best.

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Jack’s Garage

Famous for its live music legacy, The Espy is putting on four nights of amazing FREE live music acts as Jack’s Garage transforms the venue into the ultimate Jack Daniel’s pit stop party. This is Grand Prix weekend entertainment on another level—The Presets, Slowly Slowly, Anna Lunoe, and Keli Holiday all taking the stage across four massive nights.

All shows are free and first in, first served, so get down early to lock in your spot (tickets available via the website, but they’re selling out fast). The Jack Daniel’s food and beverage menu is designed to impress, while DJs keep the energy pumping throughout the weekend. But here’s where it gets wild: The Espy’s Engine Room (Basement) transforms into Jack’s Loudest Lap—a supercharged karaoke competition where patrons compete for the mic across the F1 weekend. Thursday and Friday Practice Sessions get the crowd warmed up, Saturday Qualifying Heats narrow the field, then it’s lights out for the final Loudest Lap where the Top 4 take to the stage with the Jack Daniel’s House band for the ultimate showdown. Top prize? Cash, kudos, and maybe 15 minutes of fame.

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Heineken Grand Prix Viewing Party

Big days and even bigger nights are calling at The Prince with the Heineken Grand Prix Viewing on The Deck. This is where St Kilda gathers to watch Practice, Qualifying, and the big Race play out live and loud across massive screens, with the atmosphere building from midday through to late-night celebrations.

Doors open from 12pm daily so you can settle in for the long haul—cold Heineken flowing, great sound pumping, and all the racing excitement captured from every angle. From 6pm-8:30pm, live music and DJs take over to keep the energy high between sessions and after the chequered flag drops. The Prince’s legendary Deck becomes race headquarters for those who want comprehensive coverage, cold beers, and that St Kilda atmosphere that makes every sporting event feel like a celebration. Whether you’re coming from the track or making The Prince your home base for the entire weekend, this is Grand Prix viewing done right.

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Make your Grand Prix experience even better with exclusive drink specials available at select venues during Race Week via The Pass app:

• $13 Heineken pints – Because race week shouldn’t break the bank
• Extra points on Jack Daniel’s + mixer or JD’s F1 cocktail Pineapple Podium – Earn rewards while you celebrate

Download The Pass to access these specials, order straight to your table so you never miss a lap, and earn rewards with every visit. Whether you’re coming straight from the track or making these venues your race-week headquarters, The Pass keeps you in the action.