Melbourne Cup Carnival Racing Days & DatesFor those that are considering attending the race that stops the nation in 2022, there are so many hospitality packages available that will firmly elevate your day. With seats and packages ranging from general admission to Hill stand tickets and not to mention a never ending list of first-class hospitality, there really is something for everyone.
To help you secure the perfect experience for both your budget and intention, we’ve put together this trusty guide that breaks down all your options for the big day. As always, our team of Travel Specialists are on deck to help you customise a first-class experience with flights, accommodation, transport and marquee access.
Melbourne Cup Carnival Racing Days & DatesDate: 29 October 2022
Location: Flemington Race Course
Perfect for: big stakes, fashion, thoroughbred racing
Kicking things off strong, Penfolds Victoria Derby Day is thoroughbred racing at its very best. Showcasing Australia’s best three-year-old horses across nine races – this day not only takes things seriously on the track but also in the fashion department. Myer Fashions on the Field take centre stage with a black and white theme this year.
Date: 1 November 2022
Location: Flemington Race Course
Perfect for: first-class hospitality, fashion and prestigious races
The main event, the big show! This centrepiece race day puts Melbourne firmly in a holding pattern for the day. Showcasing the very best racing across the globe, The Lexus Melbourne Cup is the world-leading Group 1 thoroughbred race and attracts a never ending list of celebrities and racing syndicates.
Date: 3 November 2022
Location: Flemington Race Course
Perfect for: fashion, sophistication and elegant moments.
Commonly referred to as “ladies day”, this day is about fashion, elegance and sophistication. Kennedy Oaks Day brings together the best millinery moments, national winner of the Myer Fashion on the Fields and some very fashion-forward looks. This day is very popular with all hospitality marquees.
Date: 5 November 2022
Location: VRC Champions Stakes Day
Perfect for: families, music and trackside activities.
Finishing off the carnival in style, the VRC Champions Stakes Day is perfect for families and features the famous Group 1 VRC Champion Stakes for middle-distance horses. This finale typically brings together over 80,000 people for the final day and is certainly a party vibe.
An event of this magnitude seriously requires a very well-planned and executed outfit. Although racing is obviously important, for some, the fashion on the fields is equally, if not more a drawcard. Flemington really attracts some of the best race-day kits you’ll see across the globe, where pushing the envelope whilst keeping to traditions are encouraged. For a quick guide, the only things they recommend for the Melbourne Cup Carnival are below if you are in a marquee or the Hill Stand:
Ok, so once you’ve selected the day(s) that are of interest, the next step is securing a ticket and marquee access. This is where we come in. There is a never ending list of options from general admission, Hill stand and Grandstand to first-class hospitality. Our team of travel experts can talk you through the variety of options below to create a tailored venue to suit your budget and intentions for the day.
Dining & Beverages: seated dining with table service, degustation menu
View: elevated track views
Location: Located in the Hill Stand opposite the Winning Post
The Terrace Restaurant is perched in one of the most envious locations at Flemington, with elevated views of the Winning Post. Offering an uninterrupted panoramic view of the Melbourne skyline in the distance, first-class service and hospitality will include a seated degustation menu with drinks and a flat-screen TV on every table (perfect for those moments where you’d like to watch a race but are too busy eating)!
Dining & Beverages: grazing plates and beverage packages
View: private balcony overlooking the track
Location: trackside, just past the Winning Post
Situated very close to the Maribyrnong River, getting to this marquee can also be via ferry with access directly to the venue. The private balcony also offers views of the Winning Post, where you’ll witness greatness as the winner gallops across the finish line. While inside, you’ll be offered first-class grazing boards, drink packages and a private betting facility.
Dining & Beverages: grazing plates and beverage packages
View: private balcony overlooking the track
Location: infield location
Located on the inside track rails, the Panoramic venue brings to the table world-class views of the Winning Post from a different perspective. You’ll have exclusive access to the middle track with the Winning Post and impressive hill stand as the backdrop for your day. This spectacular location is made even better with the options for VIP parking or drop-offs right outside the venue, delicious grazing boards, and drink packages a plenty!
Dining & Beverages: grazing plates and selection of sparkling wine, red, white and beers.
View: views of the Winning Post and city skyline
Location: Hill Stand with undercover reserve seating sections
Located in the premium Hill Stand, the Skyline Private rooms can be booked for you and your friends, where you’ll have access to your own room styled by the in-house VRC design team, betting facilities and a grazing menu. The perfect addition for those wanting their own space on the big day!
Dining & Beverages: four-course fine dining experience, full drinks package included G.H Mumm on arrival
View: views of the Winning Post and city skyline
Location: Hill Stand
Situated right next to the Skyline private rooms, the dining room brings together a four-course fine dining menu and all-day drinks packages, including G.H Mumm on arrival (just for good measure). The best bit is live entertainment between races all day long and views that look directly across to the Winning Post and the front lawn.
Dining & Beverages: grazing plates, all-day drinks package including a cocktail on arrival
View: views of the Winning Post and city skyline
Location: Hill Stand
New in 2022, the Skyline Lounge is located close to the Skyline Dining venue and offers a high-end luxe lounge featuring an eclectic and modern grazing menu from renowned feature chefs. To sweeten the deal, the cocktail bar will be operating all day long, throwing out some of the best combinations in town. You’ll also secure access to a reserved section of seats in the Hill Stand section to experience the atmosphere between rounds.
Dining & Beverages: four-course plated lunch with morning and afternoon tea, selection of standard spirits, sparkling, wine and beer
View: views of the Winning Post and city skyline
Location: Hill Stand
Steeped in colourful tradition, the Rose Room is very much a part of the quintessential Flemington experience. You’ll be graced with waiters for the day, serving a four-course seated menu while you sit back experiencing live music. Between races you’ll have access to your own private bar, betting facilities and world-class viewing locations.
Dining & Beverages: seated dining three-course lunch and beverage package including sparkling, wine and beer options.
View: finishing straight
Location: located next to the lawn stand, including an outdoor courtyard viewing area
Located on the ground floor marquee section, the Makybe Diva Marquee boasts exquisite, fine dining cuisine and beverages to match. This marquee is highly popular and is generally one of the first ones to sell out due to its location, its easy walk to the track and its all-star entertainment lineup.
Dining & Beverages: grazing menu and all-day drinks package including beer, wine and sparkling
View: parade ring and track views
Location: above the horse stalls
Very popular with the young professional crowd – the Parade Lounge is located close to the horse parade ring and offers two views for the price of one. On one side, you’ll get to witness the majestic thoroughbreds prepare for the race before jumping to the other side for elevated views of the track. DJs and live entertainment are also in supply for the entire day keeping the energy up.
Dining & Beverages: all-inclusive buffet menu and drinks package including beer, wine and sparkling
Location: just past the winning post
Located just after the Winning Post, the Riverside Bar offers an elevated view, outdoor viewing deck and bar. An awesome entry-level option to the marquee experience complete with a DJ, entertainment and access to private betting facilities, you’ll be spoilt for viewing choices with this location!
Dining & Beverages: all-inclusive street food and drinks package including Furphy beer, wine and sparkling
View: Winning Post and Flemington front lawn
Location: Flemington front lawn
Brought to us by our favourite brewery – the Furphy Deck offers world-class views of the Winning Post and is very popular for those who love a brew (or 5). All-day drinks will be flowing with access to an exclusive outdoor area all branded with distinct umbrellas and seating. A live DJ will be behind the decks for the whole day, keeping the energy up.
So with all that in mind, there is a serious list of seating options and marquees up for grabs for the 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival . We know it can actually be a bit of a confusing process to select which one is the best option for the day. The good news is our team has experienced each and every marquee so can seriously help you match a marquee to your needs. Chat to one of our sports travel specialists today.
