Melbourne Cup Carnival

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is held annually at Flemington Racecourse around the end of October to the start of November, with the headline Melbourne Cup race taking place on the first Tuesday in November. The Melbourne Cup carnival opens with Victoria Derby Day on the Saturday, continues with Melbourne Cup Day on the Tuesday, followed by Oaks Day on the Thursday, and concluding with Stakes Day on the Saturday. Each day has a distinct character, from classic black-and-white fashions on Derby Day to the showpiece two-mile Cup on Tuesday, the elegance of Oaks Day on Thursday and a championship finale on Saturday. Our packages align to the program so you can select one day or curate a full Cup Week itinerary.

All four meetings during the Melbourne Cup Carnival take place at Flemington Racecourse, about 15 minutes by train from Melbourne’s CBD. Dedicated Flemington services operate between Southern Cross and the racecourse throughout the Carnival, with frequent departures after the last race. Trams on Route 57 and several bus routes also serve the precinct, but rail remains the quickest and most reliable option on peak days. Our team pairs tickets with timed transfers or private cars on request, so your arrival and departure are effortless.

Each day at Flemington carries its own unique flair, with traditions that shape the fashion seen trackside. While general admission is smart casual, reserved stands and hospitality areas expect race-day attire, and many guests embrace Melbourne’s fashion culture. Derby Day has a traditional black-and-white monochrome dress code that invites elegant and tailored looks. Melbourne Cup day is the day to make a statement and embrace vivid colours, prints, and standout accessories.Oaks Day, also known as Ladies Day, celebrates pastel tones, floral patterns, and flowing silhouettes.

The Carnival also hosts Fashions on the Field.

For pure sporting history and prestige, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day delivers the iconic two-mile classic and a uniquely charged atmosphere. For purists and photographers, Victoria Derby Day offers a deep card of Group racing and monochrome style. If you enjoy a refined social setting with high fashion, Oaks Day is renowned for its elegance, while Stakes Day closes the week with a finals-day feel and outstanding weight-for-age contests.

The Hill Stand and Lawn Stand provide grandstand sightlines to the straight, winning post and mounting yard. Hospitality areas are ideal for guests who value social energy with quick access to track action.

Keith Prowse Travel has access to a range of reserved seating in the Hill or Lawn Stands and an extensive suite of hospitality and dining experiences. Premium options include the Makybe Diva Marquee, Rose Room, and other restaurant packages with hosted bars, fine dining and elevated viewing over the home straight and winning post. We’ll match your preferred viewing style with the right enclosure and dining package.

Yes! When you travel with Keith Prowse Travel, we’re committed to providing the experience of a lifetime, every time. Many of our package elements can be customised to suit your requirements. This includes accommodation options, ticket type, and additional experiences and inclusions, subject to availability. For more information, please contact us, and one of our travel consultants will walk you through the available options or help curate a custom package.

Keith Prowse Travel has access to a range of 4 & 5-star properties located in Melbourne CBD, providing the perfect base for both the horseracing and exploring the sites during your stay. Such hotels include The Dorsett, The Langham, the Pan Pacific and more. For more information, please contact us and one of our travel consultants will walk you through the available options.

Whether you wish to explore Melbourne at your own leisure or choose to add on a tour or additional experience, enjoy your experience beyond Flemington Racecourse and explore key tourists attractions and local favourites such as Federation Square, Hosier Lane, St Kilda, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and more. Our team will provide recommendations for restaurants and locations to help you make the most of your time in Melbourne. We can also arrange Mornington Peninsula vineyard visits and other regional escapes.

Our team is available to contact 24/7 through our event contact number, provided in your documentation. Our team will be on the ground in Melbourne for the duration of the event, and will be able to assist you throughout your trip as required.

Flights are not included in our packages unless specifically mentioned in the product details. Flights can be added to any of our experiences and this can be arranged through our travel consultants.

In general, our package prices are shown on a per person twin or double share room basis, unless otherwise specified. Please note a single occupancy surcharge applies for solo passengers.

Cup Week demand is exceptional, particularly for Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup Day and premium hospitality. The most sought-after hospitality experiences often sell out months ahead. Reach out to our team to secure your place.

All non-Australian citizens are required to obtain a visa or travel authorisation to enter the country. Most short-term visitors for tourism or business can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which allows multiple visits of up to 90 days within a 12-month period.

This application costs $20 per person and while most are approved within minutes, can take up to 3 working days to process. The fastest and easiest way is to apply via the ETA app, which takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Once your payment has been processed, you will receive a booking confirmation with your reservation number. A detailed travel itinerary will be emailed approximately 2-3 weeks before your event.

A link to accept your ticket(s) will be sent via email prior to the event.

Our team are always available should you have any questions or concerns.

Our payment terms vary depending on the event, however our standard payment terms is typically a 50% upfront deposit, with the remaining 50% balance due 3 months before the event. If the event is less than 3 months away, the price must be paid in full.