With all the festivities being held in honour of the Melbourne Cup, it’s hard to know where to begin – but rest assured, if you’re looking for things to do in Melbourne this Cup Carnival week, we’ve got you covered.

 

AAMI Victoria Derby Day (Sat Oct 29)

Kick off your Carnival in style and set the pace for the rest of the festivities with Victoria Derby Day – this one’s all about glamour and sophistication.

Eureka Skydeck
Nothing says glamour and sophistication like a Black & White breakfast from the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere. This all-inclusive experience gets you VIP entry to level 89 of Eureka Tower, a two-hour beverage package, seated gourmet breakfast and a special preview of the upcoming races. As if that weren’t enough, you also score yourself a one-way Luxury Coach transfer straight to Flemington at the conclusion of the event. Talk about exclusive!

Put your name on the guest list – tickets here.

The Botanical

The Botanical will certainly be donning their Saturday best: head down for a fabulous a la carte lunch OR dinner, and experience all major races Live and Loud in the perfect setting. And, of course, they’re hosting an after party – come for the food, stay for the tunes.

Lunch bookings do sell out – check out all the info and secure your booking here.

 

Emirates Melbourne Cup Day (Tue Nov 1)
More than just a public holiday – with spectacular fashion, exquisite hospitality and entertainment and, of course, world class racing, the race that stops the nation firmly puts Australia on the international sporting map. Join the 100,000 plus crowd to experience an unmissable day of revelry.

Sister of Society
What could be more ‘Melbourne’ than Cup Day in a laneway? Sister of Society in Prahran has it all worked out, offering a 4-hour food and beverage package, entertainment and races on the big screens all inside Chapel Street’s newest boutique laneway.

Since they sold out their Grand Final event, you’d be lucky to catch this one! Tickets here.

Republica
Experience the most glamorous day to hit St. Kilda Beach, as Republica provides the bubbles, big screens and sweepstakes with no fuss. That leaves you to simply don your best frock-and-fascinator or suit-and-tie combo, fill yourself a la carte and lose yourself in live music between the races.

Bookings are available here.

Melba Restaurant @ The Langham
Some of us prefer kicking back to being amongst hustle and bustle… This year, thanks to Melba, you can certainly get into the Cup Day atmosphere without being trackside! They’ve got plasma screens, fabulous prizes on offer for best dressed and acoustic jazz to set the tone (not forgetting the food!). You even get a delightful keepsake to take home – in the form of an A5 print from Kerrie Hess who’s won awards illustrating for Kate Spade, Chanel and more!

There’s too much to mention, which is why this one’s selling fast! Be quick to check out everything here.

 

Crown Oaks Day (Thu Nov 3)
Finally – it’s ladies’ day! The pinnacle of feminine style, this is a day to gather the gal pals, dress in our most majestic ensembles and straight up indulge in the finest fashion, food, wine and racing.

Left Bank
The renowned Oaks Day Ladies Lunch returns, promising celebration in style and glamour right on the banks of the Yarra. Your three-course lunch (including flowing wine) will be complemented by live racing on the screens, live entertainment and some healthy competition (best dressed, anyone?).

Scope out the menu (if you dare), and book your tickets here.

The Wharf Hotel
The perfect opportunity for you to dress up, eat delicious food and drink champagne, invite your Ladies Who Lunch down to South Wharf for Rosé on arrival, the Races live over eight screens, sweeps, door prizes and – get this – complimentary manicurists and masseuse. Where’s the monkey-covering-mouth emoji when you need it!

Groups are most welcome, bookings essential from here.

 

There you have it, our picks for this year’s big Carnival season. We can’t wait to see you guys all dolled up – so don’t forget to show us if anything from our list made it on your list with #onthelistmelb.

 

Written by:
Christine is an avid blogger, photographer and pop-culture-indulger. When she’s not practising Japanese or Korean (or dreaming of being in those respective countries!), you’ll find her sharing her love of Melbourne on her instagram.