The Melbourne Cup is among the highlights of the Australian sporting calendar. Known as the race that stopped the nation, it has been viewed live from offices, pubs, homes, and even airport lounges across the country. Chances are, if there is a TV around, the Melbourne Cup will be showing.
But when you can race anywhere and everywhere on the first Tuesday in November, it is hard to know which option is best for you. So that’s why we put together a list of the top 4 ways to see Melbourne Cup!
Hospitality Packages at Flemington Racecourse
If you have the money and luck to get to Flemington Racecourse that day then you really should. It does not take a genius to determine that the best way to take in the atmosphere and witness every second of the action is to watch the event yourself live.
Of course, thanks to its status as the biggest race of the year, there are various different packages and options to pick from. From private boxes and suites to restaurants and tents, there are various opportunities to indulge in luxury, treat yourself to luxurious food and drink or impress friends and clients. So grab your fascinator and cravat and have fun racing. But be warned, it can set you back a few dollars!
Go to the pubs!
If your budget does not quite fit for a corporate suite at an actual race, you can still enjoy the grandeur and glitz of a pub, restaurant or club. Nearly every pub in the country will feature racing so if you are just trying to find a drink with a little bit of atmosphere you can get one without much trouble.
However, if you still want to dress up or need to impress some clients, there will be hospitality packages available throughout the country. From hotels and rooftop bars in Melbourne to racetracks and golf clubs in Sydney, most places most likely have some sort of entertainment package to fit your needs. So whether you are looking to host an expensive formal dinner, only a few drinks with a buffet, or make it an all-day event starting with a champagne breakfast, you are sure to find a venue that can offer you just that.
But if you’re planning to have a big day of racing be sure you plan ahead particularly if you’re in a big group. Many of the best venues will be booked in advance and the best hospitality packages will have limited availability. Planning is everything to make the most of the Melbourne Cup.
Host a BBQ
If crowds and dress codes aren’t your thing, why not host your own BBQ? Turn on the barbie, prepare sizzling sausages and enjoy the event in the comfort of your own garden. You can go all out with a seafood and bubbly platter, otherwise you can keep it easy with a burger and sausage. You can adopt a smart dress code or keep things casual. It’s totally up to you. And, as an added bonus, you can comfortably tell everybody to close up and be quiet when the race starts because you know everybody in the room!
Office Party
If you are one of the less lucky stuck in the office for the Melbourne Cup, don’t fret! You are absolutely not alone and there’s still plenty of fun to be had. If you have a TV or some kind of screen you can show the race. And so you can get in on that all-important vibe, why not make it a fundraising day too? You can do an office raffle, have a Melbourne Cup parade (where everybody dresses in their best and prizes go to the best dressed) and host a Melbourne Cup trivia competition. You can bake office cakes and get delicious food delivered too.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your fascinator and let’s go!
So there you have it. Four great ways to enjoy the Melbourne Cup. Whatever your budget or whatever logistical factors you are dealing with, there is a way to relax, take in the vibes, and become involved in the Spring Racing Carnival spirit!
