Get dressed to the nines for Melbourne Cup celebrations all across Canberra. Photo: Thoroughbred Park.
The Melbourne Cup is almost here, stopping Australia in its tracks as we all watch the most exciting racing event of the year.
Though we are far from the action in Canberra and don’t get a public holiday, there are still plenty of venues across the city that celebrate the grand day.
Fashion on the Field at Thoroughbred Park is a no-brainer, cocktails and a canape menu at Midnight Hotel is a seriously tempting option and the Southern Cross Club has great offerings across the capital.
If you’re looking to cheer on your lucky pick, take Tuesday off and enjoy a day at your local club or just get dressed up for the fun of it. We’ve put together the best spots in town to celebrate the races. Be sure to book early!
Grab a platter for your Melbourne Cup celebrations. Image: Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Melbourne Cup Platters – Woden & Jamison
When: 4 November, 11:30 am
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club, Woden and Jamison
Cost: Members $65 per platter | Non-members $78 per platter | Preorder available via Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Enjoy a spread of marinated prawns, smoked salmon, chicken breast, ham, cheddar, Mediterranean vegetables, olives, rocket, focaccia, hummus and beetroot dip at the Southern Cross Club in Woden and Jamison.
Available by pre-order only, this is a great way to enjoy the races with a full spread of delicious eats and, of course, the races on the big screen.
Join the Atrium Restaurant and Bar for the Melbourne Cup. Image: Capital Hotels.
Melbourne Cup Luncheon at Atrium
When: 4 November, noon to 3:30 pm
Where: Atrium Restaurant (inside Pavilion on Northbourne Hotel), 242 Northbourne Ave, Dickson
Cost: Tickets from $130 to $165 | Buy tickets.
Celebrate the race that stops the nation with a specially crafted three-course lunch and a 3.5-hour beverage package included. Catch every moment on the big screens, dress to impress for Fashion on the Field best dressed and best hat competitions, and enjoy lucky door prizes and live entertainment throughout the day.
Premium beverage packages are also available. Don’t miss out and reserve your spot today.
Southbound is hosting a special celebration of the races. Image: Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Melbourne Cup – Race Day at Southbound
When: 4 November, noon to 3 pm
Where: Southbound, Canberra Southern Cross Club, Tuggeranong
Cost: $80 per person | Tickets available via Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Enjoy a generous charcuterie platter alongside a premium drinks package featuring Mud House Sauvignon Blanc, Grant Burge Shiraz, De Bortoli Prosecco, Coast Ale beer, and soft drinks.
Watch all the race-day action live on the big screen, take part in the sweeps and go in the running for best dressed and other exciting prizes at the Southbound Southern Cross Club.
Head to the Hyatt for a garden party to celebrate the Melbourne Cup. Photo: Try Booking.
Melbourne Cup day at the Hyatt
When: 4 November, 12 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel, 120 Commonwealth Avenue
Cost: Tickets are $195 | Book online.
Race-goers are invited to come the Hyatt’s elegant grounds for a garden party celebrate the races in style. Visitors will enjoy a package that includes canapes, grazing boards, a live grill and plenty of decadent desserts. There will be a glass of sparkling on arrival, followed up with bottomless Hugo Spritz and plenty of wine as well as a Bridge Road Brewery pop-up bar.
There will be live music on the day, races up on the big screen, prizes for the best dressed and sweeps on the day.
Catch the Melbourne Cup at Midnight Bar. Photo: Midnight Hotel.
Taittinger Melbourne Cup at Midnight
When: 4 November, 12:30 pm
Where: Midnight Bar, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon
Cost: $160 per person | Buy tickets.
Whether you’re dressed to impress or just in for the thrill of the race, Midnight Bar offers the perfect setting to celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in style. Soak up the lively ambience, enjoy curated drinks and canapes and catch every moment of the action at this year’s celebrations.
A bespoke race-day cocktail is included upon arrival alongside, a three-hour food and beverage package with free-flowing Taittinger Champagne, house beer, wine and spirits along with a refined savoury and dessert canape selection and live coverage from Flemington on the big screen.
Purchase an Espresso Martini from the pop-up bar to go into the draw to win a luxury night’s stay at Midnight Hotel and end the day on a high note with live music as the celebrations continue into the evening.
Take your Melbourne Cup celebrations lakeside this Tuesday. Image: Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Melbourne Cup Day Long Lunch at the Yacht Club
When: 4 November, noon
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Yacht Club, Mariner Pl, Yarralumla
Cost: $110 per person | Tickets available via Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Dress to impress and enjoy a four-course lunch at The Yacht Club, with a glass of sparkling on arrival, sweeps, and great prizes throughout the afternoon, all with the backdrop of the lake to frame the day.
If there’s anything better than enjoying some great drinks and watching the races, it’s doing it on the shores of the lake.
Fashions on the Field returns for Melbourne Cup day at Thoroughbred Park on Tuesday 4 November. Photo: Dalice Trost.
TAB Melbourne Cup & Big Dance Race Day
When: 4 November, 10:30 am
Where: Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham
Cost: General Admission from $27.05, packages available | Buy tickets.
What better place to enjoy the Melbourne Cup than Thoroughbred Park?
Visitors can enjoy the races alongside Fashions on the Field, plus plenty of other races and entertainment on the day. Food and beverages are available at the Thoroughbred Cafe, the Winning Post Bar and the Black Opal Room (members).
Please call (02) 6204 0000 for further information.
Enjoy a buffet for Melbourne Cup at Woden. Image: Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Melbourne Cup Buffet – Top of the Cross, Woden
When: 4 November, 12:30 pm
Where: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92-96 Corinna St, Phillip
Cost: $95 Members | $115 Non-members | $49 Kids 12 Years and Under. Bookings available via Canberra Southern Cross Club.
Top of the Cross at the Woden Southern Cross Club is a newly renovated, welcoming space with a huge dance floor to enjoy, providing a great spot to watch the races.
The races are set to grace the big screens alongside a seafood buffet, sparkling wine, sweeps, prizes and entertainment.
Don’t miss out on the races at your local club.
It’s a favourite Canberra sports bar for a good reason. Photo: The Dock.
Melbourne Cup at the Dock
When: 4 November, with live music from 3:30 to 6:30 pm
Where: The Dock, 7/81 Giles St, Kingston
Cost: Free | Book on website.
The Dock is offering a Melbourne Cup viewing experience in Canberra’s favourite sports bar, with sweeps, big screens, lunch specials and live music for the after-party.
Enjoy the excitement of the races by the lake at The Dock.
Lunch specials and fashion on the fields await. Image: Labor Club.
Race Day at the Canberra Labor Club
When: 4 November
Where: Canberra Labor Club, 51 Chandler St, Belconnen
Cost: Free to book | Book online.
The Canberra Labor Club is hosting a full day of race day lunch specials, fashions on the field, the races live on the big screens and a free photo booth to help you remember the big day.
Get your mates together, get dressed up and head to the Labor Club for race day.
