The Melbourne Cup is the most popular annual horse race in Australia. Similar to the Kentucky Derby, the thoroughbred race is one of the largest events of the year and brings in 100,000 spectators. The festivities include music, a parade, over-the-top attire and, of course, a bit of gambling to spice up the day.
The headline race has been held at Flemington Racecourse since 1861. The site is capable of housing 120,000 guests and boasts a variety of precincts for well-to-do travelers that aren’t afraid to throw down money for fine dining and entertainment. If you’re not so well off that you can spend a couple thousand dollars, the local bars and restaurants get in on the action, too, with tons of specials and showings of the race.
The parade is one of the highlights of Melbourne Cup Day. Tens of thousands of people flock to the streets to watch the march of thoroughbreds, jockeys and celebrity guests as they make their way to the track. The day also features a Ladies Day, where the local women and guests enjoy music and entertainment while showing off their outfits in a catwalk display.
Melbourne Cup Day is just one day of a weeklong event known as the Melbourne Cup Carnival. So even if you’re not able to make it for the main event, there are plenty of festivities and three other races to explore.
Read This Next
“Live Like a Local” Experiences
Top Trends
Dec 11, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Mar 27, 2024Earn a Free Night with BWH Hotels This Spring
Earn a free night with BWH Hotels this spring by being a member of its Best Western Rewards loyalty program. Through May 5, BWR members who stay two nights (do not need to be consecutive) at BWH Hotels properties in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean will earn one free night to be used for stays through Aug. 25. Register for the promotion prior to the completion of your first stay online or with the hotel directly. The awarded free night is eligible at any Best Western-branded hotel in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, and members can only earn one free night via the promotion.
Sponsored Content
Experience Ireland’s
Wild Atlantic Way
From the windy tip of Malin Head in County Donegal to the colorful harbor town of Kinsale in County Cork, Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way amazes at every turn. Feel the blast of fresh sea air with a lighthouse walk. Get up close to history, grab a fireside seat at a traditional music session, experience the world-famous Irish hospitality and explore some of Ireland's most exhilarating coastal scenery. It is a place that inspired dreamers and travelers, poets and painters with a landscape filled with stone walls, thatched cottages, deserted beaches and breathtaking views. Charming towns and villages, 1,500 miles of soaring cliffs, incredible landscapes and unique experiences await.
Products / Technology
Mar 27, 2024Getting to the Airport Just Became Easier with FlyPool
A new service launched last month that may make your trip to and from the airport just a little easier and less costly. FlyPool is an online platform and app that facilitates carpooling, specifically to airports around the world.
Surveys
Mar 26, 2024Study Discovers Destinations Where Hotels are Cheaper Than Home Rentals
For the longest time, travelers touted home rentals as an affordable alternative to hotels. However, is that really the case? Do you really get more for your money when you book an Airbnb versus a hotel room?
Sponsored Content
Your Home Away from Home in Dallas
Open spaces, open thinking and open expression thrive at Aloft Dallas Downtown.
Surveys
Mar 25, 2024Vacasa’s 2024 Spring Travel Trend Report
Vacation rental home platform Vacasa recently revealed the results of its spring travel survey.
ShareThis