Top spots to watch the Melbourne Cup

It’s that time of year again. Frock on, suit up and back a winner this November 5 at these top race day spots across the country.

VIC

There will be complimentary manicures, sweeps and live entertainment from 1pm onwards.

Relax with a lazy BBQ, a few beverages and a chilled out vibe.

There's a trash and treasure market, cakes and jams, food court, Devonshire teas, arts and crafts, plants, books, a silent auction, toys, bouncy castle and much more.

As the jewel in the Melbourne Cup Carnival crown, this iconic day is a heady mix of revelry embraced by local and international visitors set to enjoy spectacular racing, fashion, hospitality and entertainment at Flemington Racecourse. Timmy Trumpet will be off and racing when he showcases his musical and DJ talents across the afternoon.

Great marquee packages to suit all needs are available, shaded lawn area for a relaxing picnic and a great kids playground.

NSW

Melbourne Cup Day Lunch on the Harbour
Park Hyatt Sydney

Enjoy an afternoon of fine Australian cuisine, champagne and live coverage of the Melbourne Cup races at the Park Hyatt Sydney's waterfront restaurant in The Rocks with spectacular views of the Opera House and Sydney Harbour. Five course lunch with a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, beverage package including a selection of sparkling, wines, beers and soft drinks, live coverage of the races and sweeps.

Melbourne Cup Day at the White Horse Hotel
The White Horse Hotel

The White Horse is an immaculate venue exclusively positioned in the heart of Crown Street Surry Hills. With premium fittings special canapés menus, fireplace and lounges, rooftop garden terrace, DJ’s and live entertainment, why would you risk any other venue?

Melbourne Cup 2013 at Sugar Lounge Manly
Sugar Lounge

For a day of fun and excitement, watch the race that stops the nation at Manly’s premier beachfront venue. Complete with complimentary signature cocktail or glass of French sparkling on arrival, plentiful supply of delicious canapés and pizza, decadent chocolate fountain, ‘fashions on the field’ prizes for best dressed, live entertainment and magician 
and a professional photographer.

Alpha's Melbourne Cup Bash
Alpha Restaurant

Kick up your hooves and don your hats – Alpha Restaurant is getting ready to celebrate Australia’s biggest day of racing in signature luxurious style. For Alpha’s inaugural Melbourne Cup bash, guests will be treated to a sumptuous Modern Greek banquet as well as a bevy of prizes and entertainment. Enjoy a glass of exquisite Duval Leroy Champagne on arrival, before feasting on a vast selection of Head Chef Peter Conistis’ favourite dishes.

Melbourne Cup Lunch with Esca Bimbadgen
Esca Bimbadgen: Bimbadgen Estate Winery

2013 Melbourne Cup celebrations are a one-horse race this year as Esca Bimbadgen pulls out all the stops for the ultimate in race-day hospitality. The award-winning winery restaurant invites you to trade the hustle and bustle of the race-track for sweeping wine country views as you enjoy the true spirit of Cup day - Hunter Valley style. Frock up in your finest and head over to Esca Bimbadgen at 11.30am for Sparkling Semillon or Rosé on arrival before selecting from a two-course menu of delectable dishes

Melbourne Cup Day
Bella Vista Hotel

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style with old world glamour, cocktails, champagne and canapes. Join the party at the Bella Vista Hotel with a substantial 3 hour canapé and beverage package, fashions on the field, mini manicures, prizes, giveaways, big screen TV's, live entertainment, TAB and an after Party DJ on the decks 4pm until late.

WA

Melbourne Cup 2013
The Brown Fox

Enjoy The Brown Fox’s delicious three course menu and a glass of sparkling on arrival as you watch the race live on 7 big screens.

Celebrate your way with either a three-course lunch or an assortment of outstanding canapés complemented with a glass Pol Roger Brut Réserve NV. There is an assortment of entertainment including live screening of race day events, sweepstakes and prizes for best dressed.

Enjoy a delicious three course lunch, beverages including beer, wine, sparkling, soft drinks, tea and coffee, fashion by Betty Tran, live entertainment by Ms Paula from The Voice (Season One) and hosted by Channel Ten’s Narelda Jacobs.

Hosting the celebration of fine equines will be WAtoday.com.au’s Jillian McHugh supported by Luxe Bar DJs and live entertainment, a gala of the latest Summer fashions by Zara Bryson Shop as well as a bounty of prizes for best dressed, prettiest and slowest horsey.

Guests will be treated to a cocktail on arrival made by 1907’s Cocktail Mixologists on arrival followed by a specially crafted 4 course menu created by 1907’s award winning team of chefs. Throughout the event there will be sweepstakes, Fashions on the Field competition as well as other door prizes awarded to those who frock up for the occasion.

QLD

Bacchus Melbourne Cup High Tea
Bacchus Bar Restaurant & Pool

My Kitchen Rules' Jake and Elle host a high stakes High Tea at Bacchus this Melbourne Cup Day, with all the trackside action live on the big screen. Meet the dynamic duo from the hit TV show and enjoy a special High Tea menu they have collaborated on with Bacchus Head Chef Mark Penna.

A Bohemian Melbourne Cup
Depo

With a casual, bohemian vibe, West End's Depo is something a little different to your usual racing soiree. Sink into a comfy lounge or seat yourself on a fur-covered armchair as you watch the race that stops the nation. Guests are treated to a four-hour food and beverage package from 12pm-4pm, with Louis Roederer Champagne, wine and beer. There will also be a DJ and live telecast of the race with lucky door prizes. Enjoy hot and cold canapés, and delicious petit fours throughout the afternoon as you take a chilled approach to this year's Melbourne Cup.

Knight Frank Melbourne Cup Rockhampton Races
Callaghan Park

Callaghan Park Racecourse comes alive in Spring, offering great racing, catering and fun with a fully air-conditioned grandstand to enjoy great racing action and witness the day that stops a nation, the Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne Cup Raceday Doomben
Doomben Racecource

With casual and premium hospitality available, Doomben Racecourse offers something for everyone to witness history being made. The Champagne will flow, the fashion stakes are high and celebration will be the theme of the day. Brisbane Racing Club will feature eight live races, impeccable spring fashion, corporate entertaining and The Cup telecast on large screens throughout the racecourse! Doomben Racecourse is the place to be this Spring. They're moving in, and ready to jump for Melbourne Cup Day at Doomben... are you?

Alfred & Constance's Vanguard Melbourne Cup Lunch
Alfred & Constance

Known for their fabulous, fresh produce and wood-fired fare, Alfred & Constance are holding a delicious Melbourne Cup lunch for this year's race day. This three-course affair is sure to make your mouth water. Bet on juicy Josper-grilled prawns and wood-roasted pig carved from the whole hog itself, or play it safe with chickpea & zucchini fritters and harissa chicken to follow. Revel in your winning choice of a banoffee pie, passionfruit pavlova or tiramisu for dessert. Celebrate your wins with an accompanying three-hour beverage package including sparkling, white and red wine, draft beers and cider as well as basic spirits and soft drinks. No matter how you place your bets, you'll come out on top!