New Tracks and Grand Slam Glory: The Melbourne Morning Briefing

A City Transformed

Melbourne wakes up this Tuesday with a distinct sense of pride and a brand-new rhythm to its daily commute. Following a weekend that saw global sporting history made at Melbourne Park and a total overhaul of our rail network, the mood of the city is one of energized modernization. There is a palpable 'post-event' glow in the air, mixed with the curiosity of a population finally testing out the future of its own infrastructure.

The 'Big Switch' Talking Point

The primary talking point across the city today is the first full workweek of the Metro Tunnel’s "Big Switch." As of February 1, 2026, the Cranbourne, Pakenham, and Sunbury lines have officially moved out of the City Loop and into the new dedicated 9km twin tunnels. For many Melburnians, this morning marks the first time they are using the completed Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall, and Anzac stations as part of their standard routine.

The transformation is significant: commuters are now benefiting from more than 1,200 extra weekly services, with trains arriving every three to four minutes during peak periods. While some travelers are still adjusting to the Frankston line’s return to the City Loop, the opening of the new Swanston Street entrance to Town Hall Station has already begun to ease the morning crush. This project, the largest change to our rail network in 40 years, has effectively doubled the capacity of the underground network, and today is the day it truly gets put to the test by the Melbourne workforce.

A Record-Breaking Feel-Good Story

Our feel-good story remains centered on the historic conclusion of the Australian Open 2026. The tournament didn't just crown new champions; it smashed attendance records with a staggering 1.368 million fans visiting Melbourne Park over the last three weeks. The city is still buzzing over Carlos Alcaraz’s monumental victory. At just 22 years old, Alcaraz became the youngest man in history to complete a career Grand Slam after defeating Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final on Sunday night. The sense of being the center of the sporting world has left a lingering euphoria that is helping to offset the usual Tuesday morning blues.

What’s On Today

If you are looking to make the most of the mild 26°C weather today, there are several local highlights to keep the summer spirit alive:

• Midsumma Festival: The celebration of queer arts and culture continues through February 8, with various community events and exhibitions still running across the CBD and inner suburbs.
• Outdoor Cinema: Federation Square is hosting "In Defence of Satire," a free outdoor cinema program. Tonight features a curated selection of cult-classic satires starting after sunset.
• Montmorency Village Rockabilly Car Show: For those in the north-east, the annual car show brings a splash of vintage style and classic engines to the village today.