‘The race that stops the nation’ – or parts of it – hits the track on Tuesday 1 November and there is plenty of action happening around the Capital.
CW has compiled a list of the best places to get dressed up and enjoy a drink or three on Melbourne Cup Day.
Thoroughbred Park: Puts you right on a racetrack with general admission tickets from $25. Packages can be bought, with prices including the cost of entry.
Grease Monkey Enclosure offers a burger, chips, and entry to their area for $60. The Stalls Area sets you back $195 and offers a hamper and 5-hour drinks package. The Silks Room costs $250 and includes a 3-course meal and 5-hour drinks package. While the Rich Reward Room also offers a 3-course meal and 5-hour drinks package, including spirits, for $285.
Head down to the track from 10.30am; premier.ticketek.com.au
Fenway Public House: The Woden pub is offering 4 hours of canapes and drinks for $85. Along with delicious canapes including arancini, bruschetta, and sliders, guests will be able to select from the 3m long grazing table – all while holding a glass of sparkling, beer, mimosa, or wine.
There will be a $100 bar tab up for grab for those who come dressed in their best, as well as live music throughout the afternoon and big screen TVs.
Head to Fenway Public House from 12pm; bookings.nowbookit.com
The Pedlar: Head down to Constitution Avenue for the Pedlar’s Melbourne Cup celebrations. With 3 hours of canapes, a welcome drink, and sweeps and prizes on offer for $55. Additional drinks packages can be bought on the day.
Gallop on into The Pedlar from 12pm; bookings.nowbookit.com
EQ Bakehouse & Cafe: The Deakin bar and café is offering a comfortable place to catch the race. A buffet lunch is available for the ticket price of $40 per person. Drinks are available from the bar, with TVs streaming all afternoon.
Straddle a seat at EQ Bakehouse & Cafe from 12pm; trybooking.com
Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club: The Yarralumla club is offering a 4-course long lunch with succulent lamb and French pastries. The $105 ticket also gives you a glass of sparkling on arrival, with more drinks available at the bar.
Sweeps are available as well as prizes for the best hat, tie, and dress.
Sail on into The Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club from 12pm; bookings.nowbookit.com
Top of the Cross: The Canberra Southern Cross Club in Woden is offering a Melbourne Cup Day experience with a ticket price of $95. The 3-course lunch includes fresh seafood, lamb, and a decadent chocolate dessert, with drinks available from the bar.
They host live entertainment, sweeps, prizes and on-site TAB facilities.
Doors open from 12pm; bookings.nowbookit.com
Pialligo Estate: Offers two options for Melbourne Cup Day entertainment.
The Pavilion dining experience offers a 5-course share menu with Pialligo’s own smokehouse goods, seafood, and seasonal produce. With a ticket price of $275 with a glass of Veuve on arrival and a 3 hour drinks package.
The second is for groups of up to 10 people. The VIP glasshouse costs $2,750 per group and comes with sectioned-off tables, a private DJ, lawn games, and bar carts. Drinks and food are flowing with wine, sparkles, seafood, and more.
Giddy-up to Pialligo from 12pm; thepialligoestate.com.au
Howling Moon: Rex Hotel’s rooftop bar is offering celebrations with a view at their event. Tickets are available for $150 which gains access to a grazing station, shared mains and desserts, a cocktail on arrival followed by a 3-hour drinks package. Entertainment includes sweeps and their own fashions on the field.
Enquiries can be made through the website; thehowlingmoon.com.au
QT Canberra: Celebrate in style at QT’s Capitol Bar & Grill with tickets available from $220. Guests will have access to a 2-course feasting lunch featuring oysters, selections of steak cuts and curated vegetables.
Each guest is greeted with a glass of Mumm followed by a 3-hour drink package. There will be fashions on the field, pop-up bars and live music out on the deck.
Ride on into QT from 12.30pm; eventbrite.com.au
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