Australia’s biggest and most prestigious horse racing event returns next Tuesday, and although NSW isn’t granted a public holiday like Victoria, Sydney is still gearing up for a day of major celebrations.
The Melbourne Cup is one of the most famous horse races in the world, dating back to 1861. Held at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, the Group 1 Thoroughbred horse race is on the first Tuesday of November every year. The 3200-metre race is for horses three years and older and kicks off at 3pm. Dubbed “the race that stops the nation”, the day of the Melbourne Cup is a public holiday for Victoria, but also sparks celebrations across the whole of Australia.
Where to celebrate in Sydney
Venues across the city are pulling out all the stops for a day of indulgence, celebrations and competitive atmosphere. From set menus to live race screenings to giveaways and a chance to dress up fancy, here’s our roundup of the best venues to celebrate Melbourne Cup in style.
Affordable options $
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1. Albion Hotel, Parramatta- $75 per person
Celebrate the Melbourne Cup at the Albion Hotel and soak up every second of the day with a three-course meal for $75 per person, which includes delicious dishes such as salt and pepper calamari, a tender 250g Striploin and crunchy churros to finish it off. You’ll also be treated to bubbles on arrival and a guarantee of all the racing action live and loud. You can grab your tickets to the day here.
Where: 135 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150.
2. The DOG, Randwick- $45-$90 per person
This Randwick local is the perfect place to tuck into some pub classics and enjoy a couple of schooners as you watch the race. They’re offering a $95 set menu featuring buffalo mozzarella and smoked eggplant caponatate, golden rotisserie chicken with garlic and rosemary roasted potatos and rum baba for dessert, along with a glass of Chandon NV or Kirin Ichiban on arrival. If you’re not fussed about a feed, opt for their $45 per person three hour bottomless beverage package.
Where: 2 St Marks Rd, Randwick NSW 2031.
3. The Clock, Surry Hills- $75-$130 per person
The Clock’s iconic Balcony Bar, which looks over the bustling Crown Street, is the best place to catch all the racing action. For $75 per person, guests can enjoy mouthwatering canapes throughout the day, dessert and plenty of raucous racing action. The grazing stations include a charcuterie board, cheese selection, dips and and mezze, as well as chive tarts, smoked salmon on rye, lamb kofta skewers and mini cheeseburgers. Guests can also upgrade to a drinks package for an additional $55 per person.
Where: 470 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
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4. Paddo Inn- $65-$130 per person
Paddo Inn will be screening the race that stops the nation live and loud on their big screens, as well as hosting a cocktail-style afternoon in their front bar. Packages start at $65 per person, which features a drink on arrival plus roaming canapés. For those feeling fancy, you can upgrade to an additional 2-hour drinks package with beer, wine, and sparkling for an extra $65 per person ($130 in total). There’s no doubt that the Oxford Street venue will be packed full of punters for the big day.
Where: 338 Oxford St, Paddington NSW 2021.
5. The Beresford, Surry Hills- $90 per person
Where better to watch the Melbourne Cup than in the Beresford’s sunny Surry Hill’s courtyard. If you’re wanting a lively and loud atmosphere, look no further than the venue’s $90 per person offering, which includes three drinks tokens and a selection of canapés to enjoy in the outdoor space. If you’re looking to kick-on after head upstairs to the Beresford’s famous dancefloor to unwind with friends into the night. Book your ticket here.
Where: 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
Mid-range $$
6. Golden Sheaf, Double Bay- $95-$130 per person
Located in Double Bay, the Sheaf is no stranger to a sports-related party, and their Melbourne Cup festivities will be no exception. They’re offering up to packages, the Garden Bar seated lunch for $130 per person, featuring a three-course shared menu plus a glass of Chandon on arrival. If that’s not for you, opt for the Golden Bar Canape package for $95 per person, featuring standing drinks, flowing canapes and curated grazing tables. You can book your spot here.
Where: 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay NSW 2026.
7. Darling Pavilion, Darling Harbour- $119-$129 per person
Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, Darling Pavilion is known for its stunning city skyline views, lush surrounds and open-air atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to toast your friends as you watch the Melbourne Cup. They’re offering two ticket options, a standard ticket at $119 per person (which doesn’t include set seating) and a cabana ticket at $129 per person, which includes reserved seating for groups of up to six. The packages include fresh oysters and a seasonal sprtiz on arrival, a bottomless drinks package, roaming canapés throughout the day and a live DJ at 3pm to keep the party going.
Where: 1 Harbour St, Sydney NSW 2000.
8. Squires Landing, Circular Quay- $115-$149 per person
Squires Landing is celebrating Cup Day with two huge events across two different levels, set against one of the best views of the Sydney Harbour. Head to their Seated Lunch for $115 per person, featuring a set menu and drink on arrival from 12pm. If you’re more in the mood for canapés and cocktails, opt for their Brewhouse Cocktail party for $149 per person, including a beverage package and roaming canapés before 12-3pm. Both events include live music, a live MC, big screens and the chance to win best dressed prizes and sweepstakes.
Where: Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000.
Pricey $$$
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9. Felons Seafood, Manly- $180-$295 per person
The recently-opened Felons Seafood will be screening the Melbourne Cup this November, set against the backdrop of sparkling Manly Cove. Guests can revel in the race day atmosphere over seafood spreads, bubbles and icy cold pours. They’ll be offering up two different packages, the first is a $180 per person three-course seafood led menu, plus a glass of Champagne or Cup Day cocktail on arrival. If you’re feeling fancy, opt for the $295 package, also a three-course seafood led menu, but with a three and a half hour drinks package, which includes champagne, beer, wine, and a signature spritz. Post-race, they’ll be a DJ spinning tracks until the sun goes down, perfect for those who want to keep the party going.
Where: E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
10. Olympus Dining, Redfern- $250 per person
Olympus’ Melbourne Cup long lunch blends celebration with ease and elegance, in an afternoon made for foodies. They’re serving up a banquet designed for sharing — think olives, village bread and taramasalata, followed by a seafood mezze of Sydney Rock oysters, prawn-stuffed dolmades, and crisp tuna filo. Next is their iconic Spanakopita, zingy horiatiki salad and tender roast lamb shoulder. Polish it off with moist semolina cake and frozen yogurt with Green spoon fruits. Guests will be served a glass of Tattinger on arrival, as well as premium wine and cocktails until 3pm. The race will be shown live, and they’ll also be DJs and a photobooth to enjoy.
Where: Wunderlich Lane, 2 Baptist St, Redfern NSW 2016.
11. mimi’s, Coogee- $425 per person
Luxurious oceanside restaurant mimi’s is known for hosting celebrities like Dua Lipa and Margot Robbie and its iconic caviar bumps. It’s no surprise then, that mimi’s is the most expensive Melbourne Cup celebration on our list. For $425 per person, guests can enjoy Executive Chef Jordan Toft’s sensational menu, including freshly shucked oysters with white kampot pepper mignonette, potato scallop, chicken skin salt and caviar and Eastern rock lobster. Start with a glass of Dom Pérignon or Kirin Ichiban as you enjoy the ocean breeze and stunning bright white interior of one of Sydney’s fanciest venues.
Where: 130a Beach St, Coogee NSW 2034.
