Spring is here which means it’s almost time for The Race That Stops The Nation – Melbourne Cup. The racing extravaganza is set to get hearts racing as racegoers dress to impress and head down to the iconic Flemington Racecourse to have a flutter at the biggest horse racing event in Australia.
Read on to find out more about Melbourne Cup and Melbourne race dates, from the opening Derby Day races to the closing Stakes Day race.
What Date is Melbourne Cup Day 2019?
Looking for the Melbourne Cup Day date? Melbourne Cup is held annually on the first Tuesday of November. This year, Melbourne Cup will be on Tuesday 5 November at Flemington Racecourse, with races starting at 10:50am local time. The Lexus Melbourne Cup race will begin at 3:30pm local time.
Race Guide: Melbourne Cup Carnival 2019
Not sure which race is the Melbourne Cup race? Melbourne Cup may be the main event, but did you know that Melbourne Cup is just one race in a jam-packed Spring Racing Carnival calendar? Well, now you do! Check out Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival dates and races below:
Victoria Derby Day – Saturday 2 November 2019
Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday 5 November 2019
Oaks Day Thursday 7 November 2019
Stakes Day Saturday 9 November 2019
How To Get To Melbourne Cup 2019
Melbourne Cup is held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. Direct International flights to Melbourne are available from most airports across the world, and all major domestic airports in Australia. There are two airports in Melbourne – Tullamarine and Avalon. Avalon is a little further out, around a 40 minute drive from the CBD. If you’re travelling from Melbourne CBD, you can get the 57 tram to get dropped off right outside the racecourse, passing Flinders Street and Elizabeth Street.
Visiting Melbourne For Melbourne Cup?
Melbourne Cup isn’t your typical Melbourne race day, and crowds are expected across the city as horse racing fans from around the world descend upon Flemington Racecourse for The Race That Stops The Nation. If you’re visiting the city for the first time, here’s some helpful tips for finding your way around:
Download the Flemington Raceday Guide
Download the Flemington Raceday Guide mobile app to explore on-course experiences, events and more. The app is great for viewing race times, filed information and even shows betting odds for all of the races – so you can make your picks way in advance!
Plan your day
Plan your day before you get there to save any unnecessary stress on race day. Familiarise yourself with the best route to Flemington from your location and have a look at the Flemington race guides to see what races are on at Melbourne Cup this year.
Drop some pins
If you’ve never visited Melbourne before and want to see some of the sights in between race days, try dropping some pins on some of the big attractions you want to visit. Open up Google Maps on your phone and save locations you want to visit. These are available to view offline on some phones, too, so you won’t get stuck if your data runs out!
Leave yourself some wriggle room
Leave yourself enough time to get to the racecourse when booking your transport. Melbourne is a busy city and is sure to be busier over Spring Carnival season, so make sure you set some extra time aside for travel.
What To Wear To Melbourne Cup
Known for its conservative dress code, Melbourne Cup is a prestigious event that is steeped in heritage and tradition. Make an entrance on the racecourse this year in bold brights, floral prints or muted neutrals. Read on to find out more about how to dress for the 2019 Melbourne Cup races below.
Melbourne Cup Essentials
The festival vibe is always in full swing at Melbourne Cup, with excited revellers coming far and wide to witness the iconic race. Don’t get caught out on the day! Check out some essential survival items to bring to Melbourne Cup Day 2019 below:
- Tickets!
- Cash
- Phone or Camera
- ID
- Band aids
- Shoe gels
- Flat shoes
- Wet wipes
- Bobby pins
Womens Race Day Dress Code
Melbourne Cup has a strict conservative dress code. For women, this means choosing a hemline that falls just above the knee, and avoiding any glitter or strappy minidresses. Other races have specific dress codes, a la Derby Day’s traditional black and white theme, so be sure to check the dress code before you go. Melbourne Cup is known for its fashion-forward guests and is the perfect race to make a statement with your outfit. Choose bold colour-blocking and lively prints and brights to stay on-trend.
Mens Race Day Dress Code
From Caulfield race days to the iconic Melbourne Cup, the Spring Racing dress code for men is traditional and polished. Think a well-fitted suit, stylish brogues and a crisp, white shirt and you’re won’t go far wrong. Remember that all races have a slightly different dress code, for example, if you’re headed to the Oaks Race at Melbourne’s famous Flemington race course, choose a pastel suit and colour-coordinating shirt to match the romantic Ladies Day theme, or, if your opt for neutral separates for the more relaxed Stake Day races.
Head to our Spring Racing Season Page for exclusive deals plus cashback.