Melbourne Cup events in Sydney
Every year on the second Tuesday in November, the nation stops to watch a horse race. Read on for the best places to catch the live action in Sydney
By Kate Hamilton
Cup in the Park – Best for race-day adrenaline in the city centre
The Domain, between Art Gallery and Hospital Rds, Sydney 2000. 12pm. Cocktail party $172.50; VIP $223.50. Bookings through Ticketek
Experience the guts and glory of the Melbourne Cup at this prestigious event right in the heart of the Sydney CBD. Featuring a huge outdoor screen to watch the race on, fashions on the field, lucky door prizes, gourmet food and drink and exclusive live performances from hot Aussie artists including the Potbelleez, the event is proof that the race that stops a nation can put no hold on the mid-week party!
Royal Randwick — Best for feeling like you’re really there
Alison Rd, Randwick 2031. (02 9663 8400) 9.30am. General admission $40. Food & Beverage packages from $150.
The sights, sounds and smells of Royal Randwick are as close to Melbourne trackside as a Sydneysider will get on race day. Watch nine live races and catch the Cup on the big screen. Racing patrons will have the opportunity to be truly spoilt at the Del Aqua Hair and Beauty Pamper Palace, where Randwick princesses can have their hat hair cured and, rain, hail or shine, look gorgeously regal all day.
Taronga Zoo — Best for a VIP experience
Taronga Centre, Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman 2088. (02 9969 2400). Bookings through Ticketek. 12—4pm. $175 (over 18s only).
Experience Australia’s biggest horse race while marvelling at her most spectacular view (Sydney Harbour - although you might want to take your eyes off the scenery for the duration of the big race). Enjoy all the class of the track sans the incessant waft of horse poo. A scrumptious two-course lunch is included and prizes will be given for best dressed filly and colt.
Cargo Bar — Best for party animals
52—60 The Promendade, King St Wharf, Sydney 2000. (02 9262 1777)
Get swept up by Melbourne Cup fever, harbourside. Head down to Cargo Bar for a fabulous three-course lunch, fashion and sweepstakes prizes, TAB facilities and huge screens to catch all the southern race action. Glam up and kick on at the official AJC after party, where DJs Adam Bozzetto, Trent Rackus, Moneyshot and Scotty Sax will jockey their discs and carry the party into the night.
Hilton Sydney — Best for a combination of comedy and class
Glass Brasserie, Level 2, 488 George St, Sydney 2000. (02 9265 6068) $145 per guest.
Why did the punter cross the road? To get to the Hilton for a yummy Melbourne Cup lunch hosted by Adam Spencer. Guests will be treated to some of the best grub in town including canapés and champers on arrival followed by a three-course meal at Glass Brasserie. Place your bets, join the sweep, watch the David Lawrence fashion parade and dress up in your best gear to win great prizes. And when it’s all over, hit up the after party at Zeta Bar.
GPO — Best for fashion fanatics
No 1 Martin Place, Sydney 2000. (02 9229 7700) Fashion parade at 1pm.
In conjunction with Hugo Boss, GPO will be hosting its biggest Melbourne Cup event ever, including a fashion parade showcasing Hugo Boss’s stylish Spring/Summer menswear collection. There’ll be more than $5,000 worth of prizes given away on the day so glam up and get in the mood to be in with a winning chance. Sweeps will run at GPO; TAB facilities will be on Martin Place; and all the live race action will be broadcast on the big screen and 10 plasmas. Choose from a variety dining options, from casual to über-classy.
Union Hotel — Best for an office party
Cnr Pacific Highway & West St, North Sydney 2060. (02 9955 6099) From 12.30pm. $60—$100 plus drinks (discount available for group bookings of eight or more people).
Gather your work colleagues and tuck into a special Melbourne Cup lunch at this new, sophisticated North Sydney venue. Choose from a four-course set menu at Le Bistro or a six-course degustation at Uncorked, the restaurant upstairs. There’ll be big screens, pub TAB, a guest MC and plenty of prizes to be won.
Quay — Best for an excuse to visit one of Sydney’s best restaurants
Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks, Sydney 2000. (02 9241 4565) $150 per person plus drinks.
Three-hat chef Peter Gilmore has prepared a magnificent "galloping gourmet" three-course lunch for those who would rather skip the track and experience the big race from the luxury of a fine-dining restaurant overlooking sweeping views of Sydney’s icons. Diners will enjoy live coverage of the race, sweepstakes and prizes for best dressed man and lady.
Rosehill Gardens Raceway — Best for a whole-day session
Rosehill Racecourse, James Ruse Drive, Rosehill. (02 9930 4000) From 9.30am. Adult $15; concs $5.
Rosehill is a great place to experience Melbourne Cup Day in a relaxed atmosphere. All the action from Flemington is on the big screen, plus there's live entertainment, five picnic races and a wide range of food and beverage options to suit every taste and budget.
Rydges North Sydney — Best for luxury on your lunch break
54 McLaren St, North Sydney 2060. (02 9965 5104 ). 1pm—4.30pm. $77.
Take a break from the daily grind and enjoy your lunch on race day in the comfort of a luxury hotel. Watch the thrills and spills on the big screen, experience a four-course lunch (including bevvies) and a chance to compete in the Rydges' very own version of "fashions on the field".