The Best Places to Watch the Melbourne Cup around Australia
Tickets are selling fast at venues all over Australia for the race that stops a nation – the Melbourne Cup. If you’re looking to frock up, place a bet or make the most of the celebrations, here are some of the best places to head to.
Sydney
Enjoy four Mediterranean shared courses plus a glass of Chandon NV at the stunning Coogee Pavilion. $115pp.
Bookings: 02 9240 3000
The Morrison Bar & Oyster Room
With champagne on arrival, lucky door prizes, four-course meals and an after party, the Morrison has everything you need for a perfect day. $145pp.
Book Online
La Rosa The Strand
For an elegant four-course lunch coupled with sparkling Italian wine on arrival, look no further than the Strand Arcade’s La Rosa. Prize giveaways and an Italian menu will be just some of the perks. $95pp.
Bookings: 02 9223 1674
POPOLO
Take a seat inside or outside and enjoy head chef Naomi Lowry’s decadent five-course menu with a glass of sparkling. $130pp.
Bookings: 02 9361 6641
Quay
To celebrate Melbourne Cup, Executive Chef Peter Gilmore has created a new 'Snow Egg on The Turf' for guests dining at Quay. It features a cucumber, fennel, sorrel and apple granita with a lychee fool.
Bookings: 02 9251 5600
Melbourne
The Botanical
Head here for a Champagne Breakfast, a set four-course lunch or a dinner with vegetarian options. There will be live entertainment and an after-party, too. From $25pp - $90pp.
Book online or call 03 9820 7888
Madame Brussels
Open and celebrating all day, Madame Brussels’s Rooftop Cocktail Bar will be serving cocktails by the jug!
Bookings: 03 9662 2775
Saké
For something out of the ordinary, visit Saké to try its unique five-course Japanese menu and a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot. $95pp.
Book online
Brisbane
Soleil Pool Bar
Celebrate the Melbourne Cup action at Soleil with a complimentary glass of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial, three hours of beer, wine and gourmet canapés by Bacchus’s head chef Mark Penna, topped off by live music and DJs. $115pp.
Book online or call 07 3364 0852
The Fox Hotel
Raising money for #R4Respect, a local initiative against domestic violence, The Fox Hotel has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a single meal with a few beverages, or an all-day rooftop affair with bubbles included. From $44pp - $129pp.
Book online or call 07 3364 0852
Stokehouse
Are you craving extravagance? With a four course menu, an all-inclusive premium beverage package as well as prizes for best-dressed, Stokehouse’s Melbourne Cup event will not fail to impress. $250pp.
Bookings: 07 3020 0600
Habitat Restaurant & Bar
This new restaurant-bar in Brisbane’s West End café precinct will deliver a slightly more laid-back atmosphere, with a banquet-and-beverage package, complete with live music. $89pp.
Book online
Esq. & Esquire
With a delectable gourmet lunch and lucky door prizes, including a deluxe getaway in Byron, Esquire’s Melbourne Cup celebrations promise to be an exciting affair. $110pp.
Bookings: eat@esquire.net.au
Perth
Atrium
Atrium will host a charming seafood brunch within the gorgeous surrounds of the Crown Metropol lobby. Don’t miss your complimentary glass of champagne as you watch the live action play out on the big screens. $88pp.
Bookings: 1800 556 688
Metro Bar and Bistro
Go for the three-course menu, with or without a drinks package, and enjoy Metro Bar and Bistro’s Sky Cocktail Bar, DJ and photo-booth. $65pp - $98pp.
Bookings: 08 9485 1218
The Aviary
This year, The Aviary hosts two different events: The Bird Cage Restaurant will offer a three-course South-East Asian shared menu, while the Nest Rooftop offers a more relaxed setting, with canapés and a DJ from 5pm. $60pp-$105pp.
Bookings: 08 9226 0259
Adelaide
The Grace Establishment
This stylish, yet somewhat casual Adelaide bar and restaurant located in the heart of The Parade will have a delectable three-course afternoon lunch and drinks package. $75pp.
Bookings: 08 8333 1007
The Highway
Supporting the charity Adelaide4Africa through a silent auction, The Highway will present a multiple-course lunch, exceptional beverage package and live entertainment by Enuf Said. $130pp.
Book online or call 08 8297 8155
2KW
Set atop one of Adelaide’s historic buildings overlooking King William Street, 2KW’s Melbourne Cup Day luncheon will include a cocktail on arrival. There will be a fashion parade by Denim Iniquity and an after-race DJ. $132pp.
Bookings: 08 8212 5511
Warradale Hotel
The Warradale Hotel will offer a four-hour drinks package featuring Yalumba, Jansz, Twin Island and Asahi alongside an unmissable four-course lunch. $140pp
Bookings: 08 8296 1019
Canberra
Parlour Wine Room
This is the place for Spanish tapas and off-beat cocktails on Melbourne Cup Day.
Bookings: 02 6257 7325
Capitol Bar & Grill
Dress to impress at Canberra’s Capitol Bar & Grill for an Italian-themed feast, including, of course, a glass of bubbles. $125pp. Don’t miss out on the after-party at Lucky’s (including sparkling, wine and beer), where ladies in red heels will receive a complimentary cocktail. $49pp.
Bookings: 02 6247 1488
Public Bar
Party into the night on Melbourne Cup Day at Public Bar. Bookings larger than 10 receive a complimentary bottle of Chandon. From $25pp.
Bookings: 02 6161 8808
