Grab a mate: Airbnb’s throwing an Aussie tailgate, hosted by Volk

• Airbnb and Aussie icon Alexander Volkanovski are teaming up to throw a tailgate – Australia's first proper crack at the great American tailgate, done our way.
• It's free to book and 20 spots are up for grabs, each one covers one guest plus up to four mates. Bookings open August 26, 9:00AM AEST, at airbnb.com/tailgate.
• Guests score the full tailgate experience: their own decked-out tailgate spot, American food and drink, entertainment hosted by Volk himself, and a healthy dose of friendly rivalry through games and competitions.
• Search interest from American travelers to Melbourne has gone off this September, up over 250% year-on-year¹, and locals are just as keen, with Melbourne searches up more than 75% on last year².

The Americans are coming, and Melbourne can feel it.

With football fever in the air, Airbnb and Alexander Volkanovski are launching “Experience an Aussie Tailgate with Volk” at Seaworks, bringing the food, the games, and the rituals of a proper American tailgate to Melbourne for the very first time, hosted by locals for fans, foodies, and mates keen to celebrate.

Here’s what’s on offer:

• 100 guests get their own tailgate setup for the day, going head-to-head in backyard classics: cornhole, quarterback throws, tug of war, beer pong, and the thong toss
• American-inspired food and drink—hot dogs, wings, sliders, and root beer, with Volk himself on the grill
• A slo-mo throw camera moment to take home
• A local DJ keeping vibes high and a Tinnie Bar to see it out
• 20 bookable spots that are completely free

“I love good food, good company and a good reason to fire up the grill, so tailgating with Airbnb was always going to be my kind of day,” said Alexander Volkanovski. “Bringing that spirit to Melbourne, and hosting a crowd that’s never experienced it like this before, has got me genuinely pumped.”

American football fans are descending on the city, and demand is red-hot. Search interest from American travelers is up over 250 percent year-on-year from September 8-14,³ while local interest for that week has jumped more than 75 percent,⁴ making this one of the most anticipated sporting weekends in Australia this year.

Sporting events can serve as a real opportunity for Melbourne hosts. Locals can consider listing their homes for future events, turning a busy weekend into an open door, and a local host into a local guide.

“This is a huge moment for Melbourne, and we wanted to bring fans together to celebrate it in true American style, with a fair dinkum Aussie twist. And it’s not just the fans kicking goals here. Our Melbourne hosts are just as fired up to show off their own brand of hospitality, offering more than a place to stay, by showcasing the best of the city’s community spirit, from people who actually love living in it,” said Susan Wheeldon, Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand at Airbnb. “Sport is a huge reason people travel, and with a massive sporting calendar ahead for Melbourne and Australia next year, there’s never been a better time to open your door and become a host.”

How to book

Bookings open August 26 at 9:00AM AEST at airbnb.com/tailgate with 20 spots, first come, first served. Each spot covers one guest plus up to four mates, for 100 guests in total. The tailgate is happening on September 11, 2026 in Melbourne. Travel and accommodation aren’t included. Everything at the tailgate is.