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 world’s most famous horse races, with a history dating back to 1861. Held annually at Melbourne’s Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday of November, the Group 1 Thoroughbred race has become a highlight of Australia’s sporting calendar.
The 3200-metre race is open to horses aged three and older, with the field set to jump at 3pm. Known as “the race that stops the nation”, Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in Victoria, but the celebrations extend well beyond the state, with Australians across the country getting in on the action.
Venues in Sydney are pulling out all the stops for a day of indulgence, celebrations and competitive atmosphere. From set menus and 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 $
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 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.
Albion Hotel, Parramatta- $69 per person
Celebrate the Melbourne Cup at the Albion Hotel and soak up every second of the day with a two-course meal for $69 per person, including a 250g Scotch fillet and salt and pepper calamari. You’ll also be treated to bubbles on arrival and a guarantee of all the racing action live and loud.
Where: 135 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150.
Paddo Inn- $45-$110 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 $45 per person, which features a curated selection of canapés alongside a generous grazing station.
For those feeling fancy, you can upgrade to an additional 3-hour drinks package with beer, wine, and sparkling for an extra $65 per person. 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.
The Glenmore, The Rocks- $109 per person
In the heart of The Rocks, The Glenmore is serving up a Melbourne Cup feast, with a two-course set menu for $109 per person. Expect a shared entrée spread of cumin-spiced chicken skewers, tuna tartare and burrata, followed by an alternate-drop main of rolled lamb shoulder or roasted barramundi, plus shared sides. Got a sweet tooth? You can add dessert for an extra $15 per person.
Where: 96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000.
The Beresford, Surry Hills- $130 per person
Where better to watch the Melbourne Cup than in the Beresford’s sunny Surry Hills courtyard. If you’re wanting a lively and loud atmosphere, look no further than the venue’s $130 per person offering, which includes a selection of canapés alongside a bottomless beverage package.
If you’re looking to kick on after, head upstairs to the Beresford’s famous dancefloor to unwind with friends into the night.
Where: 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010.
Mid-range $$
The Tilbury, Woolloomooloo- $110-280 per person
The Tilly is celebrating the Melbourne Cup in style this year, with a $110 Social Soirée package, featuring roaming canapés, live hibachi, a sushi station and oyster girls.
Guests can also upgrade their drinks package, with options ranging from house wines and beers for an additional $60 to premium spirits for a further $60, or a champagne package for an extra $50.
Where: 12/18 Nicholson St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011.
Golden Sheaf, Double Bay- $149-179 per person
Double Bay’s Golden Sheaf knows how to throw a sports-themed party, and its Melbourne Cup celebrations are set to be no exception.
Two packages are available. Head to the rooftop for a three-hour cocktail-style party, complete with eight roving canapés and free-flowing beer, wine and Moët & Chandon.
Prefer a seat at the table? The $179-per-person sit-down lunch includes a four-course, shared-style menu, plus free-flowing beer, wine, and Moët & Chandon.
Where: 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay NSW 2026.
Darling Pavilion, Darling Harbour- $119 per person
Located in the heart of Darling Harbour, Darling Pavilion is known for its stunning city skyline views, lush surrounds and open-air atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to toast your friends as you watch the Melbourne Cup.
This year, they’re offering a seated lunch with a three-hour beverage package, as well as live acoustic music and DJs to keep the party going.
Where: 1 Harbour St, Sydney NSW 2000.
Pricey $$$
The Dry Dock, Balmain- $220 per person
The Dry Dock is offering a special “one-day-only” five-course set menu, with tickets including one glass of Lallier Réflexions R.021 Brut Champagne, or Asahi Super Dry on arrival.
Guests can choose between a reservation in The Dining Room or The Lounge Bar, with seating times available between 11:30am and 1pm. For an extra touch of indulgence, a caviar and vodka trolley will be available to purchase from, while the celebrations continue post-race in the Public House, where live DJs will keep the party going until close.
Where: The Dry Dock, 22 Cameron St, Balmain NSW 2041.
Olympus Dining, Redfern- $170-$285 per person
Olympus is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Melbourne Cup Day with a long lunch centred on its signature sharing feast (think their iconic Spanakopita, barrel-aged feta and tender lamb skewer).
Guests can choose between two packages: the $285-per-person Olympus Package, which includes a glass of Taittinger Champagne on arrival, the Olympus Feast banquet menu and a two-hour beverage package featuring wine and beer, or the $170-per-person Taverna Package, which includes Champagne on arrival and the banquet menu.
Where: Wunderlich Lane, 2 Baptist St, Redfern NSW 2016.
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 a sensational menu, including freshly shucked oysters with white Kampot pepper mignonette, potato scallop, chicken skin salt and caviar, and slowly grilled lobster. Start with a glass of Krug Grande Cuvée 173ème 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.
