The 1979 Australian Open was a tennis tournament played on outdoor grass courts at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club in Melbourne in Victoria in Australia and was held from 24 December 1979 through 2 January 1980.

It was the 68th edition of the Australian Open and the fourth Grand Slam tournament of the year.

The singles titles were won by Argentinian Guillermo Vilas and American Barbara Jordan.

Guillermo Vilas defeated John Sadri, 7–6(7–4), 6–3, 6–2 [1] Barbara Jordan defeated Sharon Walsh, 6–3, 6–3 [2] Peter McNamara / Paul McNamee defeated Paul Kronk / Cliff Letcher, 7–6, 6–2 [3] Judy Connor Chaloner / Diane Evers defeated Leanne Harrison / Marcella Mesker, 6–1, 3–6, 6–0 [4] This event was not held from 1970 until 1985.