How to Experience the best of Melbourne Cup 2019

Affectionately known as “the race that stops a nation” the Melbourne Cup is Australia’s premier Thoroughbred horse racing event hosted by the Victoria racing club at the iconic Flemington Racecourse. 

The excitement of this year’s Melbourne Cup will be held on the 5th of November, hot off the heels of the 2018 event, won for the first time by British horse Cross Counter and British jockey Kerrin McEvoy.

With a line up of events and activities, the Melbourne Cup Carnival is a highly anticipated weeklong event chockful of racing, food, live performances and titillating fashion. 

We’ve put together our top tips on how to make the most of this year’s Melbourne Cup festivities. Read on to find out more! 

Melbourne Cup Parade

Image via Melbourne Point

This fun and free pre-race day celebration gather thousands of people in the city centre to celebrate the Melbourne Cup with a spectacular parade. Watch as thoroughbreds, trainers and celebrity guests stroll along the corner of Swanston Street, winding through Bourke Street and Federation Square. See high profile interviews with jockeys and their trainers and enjoy live entertainment and music. 

When: 04 November 2019  at 12 noon
Starts at Swanston Street, Melbourne City 
Cost: Free to attend!

Melbourne Cup Carnival

One signature party that kicks off the celebration is the Melbourne Cup Carnival, a weeklong event that combines sport, entertainment, fashion and food – all in one place! From the prestigious AAMI Victoria Derby Day, the timeless, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, The Park’s live music and endless entertainment,  and the Seppelt Wines Stakes Day, this year’s Carnival is set to be one of the most iconic events to date. It is truly a must-attend for Melburnians and visitors alike. 

When: 02 to 09 November 2019  at 12 noon
More info at www.flemington.com.au

Where to Eat and Drink?

Looking for somewhere to grub during Melbourne Cup? A number of restaurants serve lunch to coincide with the celebrations with a tantamount of options to suit your taste and elevate your Melbourne Cup experience. 

• Ludlow Bar and Dining Room 

Image via Ludlow Bar and Dining Room 

This chic riverside destination offers Melbourne Cup Day Bottomless Brunch. Located in Southbank on the Yarra River, this restaurant serves up a 4-course meal that includes all your mid-day favourites.

• Young & Jackson

Image via Young and Jackon

Spend Melbourne Cup Day at Young & Jackson, or Y & J, a stylishly decorated boutique bar with a hint of the classic pub interiors we all know and love. This popular venue offers Sweeps and live entertainment, showing you all the races excitement live on the big screen. Their menu focuses on Modern Australian favourites that are generous and unpretentious yet still refined. You’ll also enjoy full tab facilities as you spend the day with other Melbourne Cup enthusiasts. 

• Vue De Monde

Want a fine dining experience at this year’s Melbourne Cup? Indulge at Vue De Monde, a restaurant renowned for being one of the best Melbourne eateries to visit. Located at the 55th floor of the Rialto South Tower, you’ll enjoy the incredible 360-degree views of Melbourne. Try their lamb chops with apple cider, fennel and saffron cassoulet and for dessert, their famous chocolate and Roquefort sponge.

Get Race Day Ready – What to Wear to Melbourne Cup?

Race day fashion has become an integral part of Melbourne. Ladies don intricate fascinators and stunning ensembles while gentlemen impress dapper suits. 

The Myer Fashions on the Field competition is where the best-dressed parade their outfits as a panel of judges pick the top frocks. 

High profile attendees included Jennifer Hawkins, Gigi Hadid, Megan Gale, cricket legend Ricky Ponting, and Sam Smith who performed at last year’s event. 

Join in and become a part of this star-studded event. It’s the time to bring out the most impressive, high-end fashion pieces from your closet. Anything goes from sequins to chiffon, silks, embroidery and everything in between. International guests are even encouraged to sport their formal cultural attire. 

There are just two racing fashion rules you’ll want to take into account. For the gents, it is a requirement to wear tailored and semi-tailored suits. It’s your opportunity to display your excellent sense of sartorialism. Add a colour pocket square and you are ready for the Cup!

Ladies, on the other hand, are asked to wear semi-formal outfits that do not show the midriff. And last but not least, a fascinator is a Melbourne Cup staple and a firm tradition in the racing scene that needs to be honoured. Be it flower crowns, colourful bows and sparkling headpieces, its sure to add something a little extra to your ensemble.  

How to get to the Melbourne Cup?

When the big day arrives, take the train directly to the racecourse from Flinders Street Station. This is the least costly way to get from the city to the track and is an important part of the whole Melbourne Cup experience! You will definitely be among many other dressed-up racegoers who all share in the excitement of the event.

Flinders Street Station is only a 5-minute tram ride or leisurely 15-minute walk from Quality Hotel Batman’s Hill.

You can also take a can or an uber, with the Racecourse being just 17 minutes by car. 

Discover more!

If possible, extend your stay in Melbourne after the big event so you can take in the attractions of the city and surrounding areas. There’s much to see and do, and no time like the Melbourne Cup to get the most out of your visit. 

Races run every two days during the Melbourne Cup carnival, giving you plenty of opportunities to explore the many sights the city has to offer.

Make your way through Queen Victoria Market, spend time with the family at St. Kilda Beach or check out some of Melbourne’s world-class restaurants. 

Whether you prefer to plan your activities in advance or be spontaneous once you arrive, rest assured it will be time well-spent and a trip you will always fondly remember.

Where to Stay during Melbourne Cup?

Quality Hotel Batman’s Hill is centrally located, making it easy to attend all the Melbourne Cup celebrations. It’s also centrally situated close to coffee shops, laneways, museums and everything you might need.

So if you’re looking for a hotel that’s close to the action, Quality Hotel Batman’s Hill on Collins has everything you need for a stress-free holiday. 

Book your Melbourne Cup Accommodation with us today!