If you’re not heading to the tracks this Melbourne Cup day, we’ve got you covered! Our Melbourne Cup Day Guide has something for everyone to get on board for the race day excitement!
National Press Club
A delightful day of Melbourne Cup celebrations is coming to the National Press Club! The day will kick off at 11am for an exclusive VIP drinks and canapes, followed by a delicious buffet luncheon from 12pm with the big screens on. Special guest MC Tim Shaw from Radio 2CC will be running the show and there will be best-dressed prizes and lucky door prizes to be won. The entertainment continues at the free after party from 4pm in the club lounge with Tony Haley and John Black on piano. Tickets are $95 for the buffet luncheon, or $110 for VIP drinks + luncheon. You can purchase here!
The Duxton
Giddy up to The Duxton for a Melbourne Cup in style. They’ve got a delightful Pimms bar in the upstairs Terrace and in the outdoor beer garden, live music and entertainment and their gorgeous flower wall for your race-day pics. Before the big race starts, indulge in one of their food and beverage packages in the loft or bistro from 12pm. For $119pp, The Loft is serving up a 4-course meal and 4-hour beverage package. The Bistro package is $59 and includes a glass of bubbly or beer on arrival and a 2-course set menu. Book your seat here, or call 6162 0799 to book for an a la carte menu.
First Edition Restaurant & Bar
Enjoy champagne in style whilst catching the race action on the big screen at Canberra’s premier venue. Have a delicious dining experience with a variety of fresh produce and seasonal dishes. Pre-order packages are available with delicious snack and beverage packages (did someone say wine and cheese?). The event is from 2pm and table bookings are essential. Contact Elna Jennings 62455019 or [email protected].
QT Lounge
In the iconic Canberra establishment, settle in for a day of celebration in the QT Lounge. Welcome a day of excitement with a glass of G.H Mumm Champagne on arrival, accompanied by three hours of premium beverages and roaming canapés. All the day’s action will be on-screen, with best dressed & quirkiest fascinator competitions and sweeps. The event will run from 12.30pm- 3.30pm. Tickets are $99 and you can buy them here.
Vikings (Lanyon, Erindale, Chisholm)
Catch all the race day excitement at your favourite Vikings club! Enjoy a day of spectacular racing and fashion with superb hospitality and entertainment. From 12pm they’re offering two to three course lunches with packages starting from just $25.90 per person. It’s all happening with sweeps, lucky-door prizes and best dressed prizes to be won. Click here for more information about the fantastic inclusions and to book your seat!
Hopscotch
There’s a lot of talk about champagne and canapes, but Hopscotch is ready to stir things up with their annual dildo racing. You heard it right- ‘the vibration that stops the nation’ is returning with five races over a short turf distance, and plenty of cash to be won. From 12pm, have a hilarious time with your mates whilst taking in the Melbourne Cup action all-day long. Give them a call on 02 6107 3030 to book a table because it’s set to be a big one!
Walt & Burley
The canapes are roaming and the Rose is flowing at Walt & Burley on the Foreshore! From 12pm, sip on a glass of Mumm on arrival or try their Spring carnival cocktail special. Take in the action of the races on large screen TV’s whilst taking in the blissful lake view! Enjoy the all-day entertainment with prizes for best-dressed and sweeps! Packages are $80pp and you can give them a call on 6239 6648 to book!
Canberra Labour Club Belconnen
Sit back and relax with your friends or family whilst enjoying a delicious Melbourne Cup luncheon at your local Labour Club Belconnen. For $55pp, enjoy their wonderful hospitality with a delicious buffet including a variety of hearty meals and desserts. Call 6251 5522 to book your seat!
Casino Canberra
Place your best bet at Canberra’s ultimate venue for entertainment. They have free entry all day long with special $10 cocktails and they’re partnering up with Ladbrokes to bring some grand prizes for your winnings. Happy hour is from 4pm and why not stay back for Tuesday Trivia from 6.30pm! With dining options, function spaces and the sophisticated Onyx Lounge and Chandelier Bar, there’s something for everyone!
EQ Café and Lounge
EQ’s fourth annual Melbourne Cup is set to be sensational. Settle into their spacious venue from 12pm with indoor and outdoor seating available for a fun filled day of fashion on the field prizes and EQ’s sweepstakes. For just $49pp, indulge in an amazing buffet lunch and dessert, and add on a drinks package for $40pp. Book your tickets by calling 6161 1666.
Akiba
Take in the race day action whilst satisfying every sense at AKIBA’s champagne lunch! From 12pm, they’re serving two packages to choose from with a complementary Perrier-Jouet Champagne on arrival. Choose between the delectable Feed Me Menu for $49pp or Luxe Menu for $64pp. Bookings are essential so call 6162 0602 to reserve your seat!
Mint Garden Bar
A beautiful Melbourne Cup garden party is set to impress at Mint Garden Bar. Relax in the divine courtyards from 1pm whilst you watch the live-streaming of the race. Enjoy endless canapes and champagne in an elegant setting, or choose from their selection of boutique wine and beer. Canapes are roaming from $35pp, Champagne is pouring for $15pp and Premium Sparking for $10pp. Bookings are essential, call 6249 6050.
Agostinis
If canapes aren’t enough, how about a delicious Italian feast at Agostinis! They’re serving up a package of a four-course luncheon with Aperol Spritz on arrival. Dress-up and get into the excitement of the races in their comfortable setting from 12pm. Bookings are essential and you can reserve your table here.
Thoroughbred Park
Last but not least, what better way to celebrate the races than heading to Canberra’s own tracks. Experience Thouroughbred racing and the Melbourne Cup screening with plenty of racing fans, socialites and fashionistas. From 10.30am, the first 500 people will receive first-in, best-dressed packages worth $90. There will be food and bars with happy hour drinks pouring from 12-1pm. Make sure to dress to impress because there’s fashion on the field prizes to be won (a trip to Paris, maybe?). Tickets are free!
