Melbourne Cup

Flemington Racecourse, venue for the world famous Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is a world famous horse race, known as “the race that stops the nation”. First run in 1861, the race is the world’s richest handicap and the world’s richest 3200-metre horse race.

Makybe Diva is the most successful horse at the Melbourne Cup, winning the race three times (2003, 2004 and 2005). The 2020 race was won by by Twilight Payment, ridden by Jye McNeil and trained by Joseph O’Brien.

The Melbourne Cup is just one of the prestigious Group 1 races on offer during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, which includes the Victoria Derby (traditional for spectators to wear black and white), the Crown Oaks (ladies day) and the Emirates Stakes (family day).


When is the Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup is held annually at 3pm on the first Tuesday of November, with race day a public holiday in the state of Victoria.

Victoria Derby Day is on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup, Oaks Day is on the Thursday after and Stakes Day is the last day of the festival.


Where is the Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup has been held at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Australia since it was first run in 1861.

Address: 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031, Australia


How do I get to the Melbourne Cup?

Flemington Racecourse is situated in the Melbourne suburb of Flemington, next to the Maribyrnong River and approximately 6km north west of Melbourne’s CBD.

Air – Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine Airport) is the second busiest airport in Australia, with international and domestic connections to many of the world and Australia’s destinations.

The airport sits approximately 25km north of Melbourne CBD, with Skybus being the most convenient option of getting to the CBD. The shuttle buses run 24 hours a day one way tickets starting from $18.

Thinking of flying? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.

Bus – Bus route 472 from Williamstown, Footscray or Moonee Ponds takes you to Fisher Parade, where you can enter the Racecourse via the Riverbank entrance. Or bus route 404 from Footscray or Moone Ponds to Smithfield Road, with entry being at the Stables Drive entrance. Further information is available on the Public Transport Victoria website.

Parking – Limited parking is available for $20 off Smithfield Road at the Stables Drive entrance.

Train – Flemington Racecourse has its own railway station which is only operational on race days. Trains travel from Flinders Street, calling at North Melbourne and Southern Cross, departing from platforms 8 and 9 at Flinders Street Station.

Alternatively, on non-race days you can catch a train to Newmarket station on the Craigieburn line and can either walk to the Flemington Racecourse in 10 minutes or can take the tram as below.

Tram – The No. 57 West Maribyrnong tram from the City (on the corner Elizabeth and Flinders Streets) stops at the Epsom Road entrance on Flemington Drive (stop 30).


How do I get tickets to the Melbourne Cup?

Ticket information for the Melbourne Cup and other races as part of the festival is available on the official website here.


Hotels for the Melbourne Cup

Use TripAdvisor to find some great places to stay in Melbourne by clicking here.

TripAdvisor

Further Information

Melbourne Cup Official Website

Flemington Racecourse Official Website

Melbourne City Guide


Last Updated on October 19, 2022 by Sports Tourist

Leave a Reply