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2025 Melbourne Cup

November 4 @ 3:00 pm

Flemington Racecourse, venue for the world famous Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is Australia’s most prestigious annual thoroughbred horse race, famously known as “the race that stops a nation.” Held on the first Tuesday of November, it’s the centerpiece of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, drawing massive crowds for a day of world-class racing, fashion, and celebration.

This guide provides essential information for fans planning to attend the 2025 Melbourne Cup, including the date, venue details, ticketing, and travel/accommodation.

When is the 2025 Melbourne Cup?

The 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The race is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM (Australian Eastern Daylight Time, AEDT).

Where is the 2025 Melbourne Cup?

The Melbourne Cup takes place at:

About Flemington Racecourse

Flemington Racecourse is a historic and iconic venue, home to Victorian horse racing since 1848. Located approximately 6km northwest of Melbourne’s CBD, it boasts a capacity for around 120,000 people and offers stunning city skyline views. The race is run over a grueling 3,200 meters on a turf surface.

Flemington Racecourse (Melbourne)

How do I get tickets to the 2025 Melbourne Cup?

Tickets for the Melbourne Cup are highly sought after, and early booking is strongly recommended.

  • Ticketmaster (Primary Source): Ticketmaster is the best and most popular option for purchasing Melbourne Cup tickets. You can visit the Ticketmaster app, call the company, or visit the nearest Ticketmaster outlet.
    • For tickets specifically for Lexus Melbourne Cup Day – Flemington Pass, you can find them directly on Ticketmaster AU.
    • To explore all events part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, visit the dedicated Ticketmaster page for the carnival.
    • Ticket Options: Ticketmaster offers various options, including “Flemington Pass” (General Admission), and reserved seats within the Hill and Lawn Stands. You can often select your reserved seat using the Ticketmaster Interactive Seat Map.
    • VRC Members: VRC members can access complimentary daily guest tickets via Ticketmaster by entering barcode numbers from their membership renewal pack. The VRC Members on-sale for the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival is expected in August 2025.
  • Official Travel Packages: Numerous official travel operators (e.g., Sportsnet Holidays, RacingBreaks.com, Experience Sport, Spectate) offer comprehensive packages that include official Melbourne Cup Carnival tickets, exclusive experiences, accommodation, and transfers. These packages often provide the easiest way to secure highly sought-after tickets and can include premium hospitality options.
  • Early Bird Tickets: Early bird tickets for the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival were available from April 2, 2025, until April 23, 2025, offering discounted prices.
  • At the Gate: While possible, purchasing tickets at the entrance gate on race day is not encouraged due to high demand and potential sell-outs.

How do I travel to Flemington Racecourse?

Flemington Racecourse is well-connected to Melbourne’s city center via public transport.

  • By Train (Recommended): The easiest way to get to Flemington Racecourse on Melbourne Cup Day is by train. Special Flemington Racecourse railway line services run directly from Flinders Street Station (platforms 8 & 9), with stops at Southern Cross Station (platform 14) and North Melbourne Station (platform 6), then express to Flemington Racecourse station. The journey takes about 17 minutes. Note: Alcohol is generally not permitted on these trains.
  • By Tram: Catch the No. 57 tram from the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders Street in the CBD. Trams stop at Flemington Drive off Epsom Road, near the racecourse. A valid Myki card (Melbourne’s public transport card) is required. The tram journey takes approximately 34 minutes.
  • By Bus: Catch Route 472 from Williamstown, Footscray, or Moonee Ponds and alight on Fisher Parade (near the Riverbank entrance). Route 404 from Footscray or Moonee Ponds alights on Smithfield Road.
  • By Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services are widely available. Designated drop-off and pick-up points are at Flemington’s Main Gate or Hill Gate, but these can become very crowded on race day. A taxi from Melbourne Airport to Flemington Racecourse typically costs around $40-$50.
  • By Car/Parking: Driving to Flemington is generally discouraged due to heavy traffic and limited parking in surrounding streets. Public car parking is available at the racecourse (entry via Smithfield Road at the Stables Drive Entrance) for a fee, but it’s advisable to arrive early.
  • By Boat: For a stylish arrival, some boat charters offer trips up the Maribyrnong River directly to the racecourse.

Where to Stay During the Melbourne Cup in Melbourne?

Melbourne offers a wide range of accommodation options. Booking well in advance is essential due to the high demand during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

  • Melbourne CBD (Central Business District): The most popular and convenient area, offering a vast selection of hotels (from luxury to budget), serviced apartments, and guesthouses. It provides excellent access to dining, shopping, attractions, and direct public transport to Flemington.
  • Docklands: A modern waterfront precinct close to the CBD, offering contemporary hotels and apartments with good tram connections.
  • Flemington/Moonee Ponds: Staying in these suburbs closer to the racecourse can offer convenience, with options like Quest Flemington Central or The Sebel Melbourne Moonee Ponds.
  • North Melbourne/Parkville: Areas north of the CBD, with good transport links to Flemington.

Booking Tips:

  • Book Extremely Early: The Melbourne Cup Carnival is a major event, and accommodation fills up quickly, especially for the Cup Day itself. Prices will increase closer to the date.
  • Consider Location & Transport: Prioritize hotels with easy access to train stations (Flinders Street, Southern Cross) or tram lines that go directly to Flemington.
  • Use Reputable Booking Sites: Utilise well-known platforms like Tripadvisor to find and compare options.
  • Review Cancellation Policies: Given the long lead time, ensure you understand the cancellation policies of any bookings.
TripAdvisor

Helpful Links for Planning Your Melbourne Cup Experience

Enjoy “the race that stops a nation” at the 2025 Melbourne Cup!

Flemington Racecourse

Melbourne, Australia

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