Cover image credit: Ludlow
Melbourne Cup is nearly here, and across Australia, venues are pulling out all the stops to make race day unforgettable. From buzzing city hotspots to charming local favourites, there’s a table ready for every kind of celebration. To help you plan the perfect Cup Day, Now Book It has rounded up a list of venues to book in every state.
Venues listed by state in no particular order.
Western Australia
1. The Stables
If you’re after a Melbourne Cup experience that blends city sophistication with race-day excitement, The Stables is a top pick. Guests can enjoy a 4-course share-style menu alongside free-flowing Veuve Clicquot, Belvedere, spirits, selected wines, and tap beers, all set to live entertainment from Howie Morgan and DJs. The venue ramps up the fun with sweepstakes, best-dressed prizes, and spot giveaways, creating a vibrant atmosphere that keeps the energy high from the first race to the last.
Location: 888 Hay Street, Perth
2. The Brisbane Hotel
MC’d by Dean Misdale, the venue will transform into the ultimate garden party, complete with live entertainment, garden DJs, and a live saxophone to kick things off. Guests can enjoy free-flowing drinks, including bubbles, wine, beer, and cider, paired with a delicious three-course menu, all while watching the race on huge screens in the lush garden. Add prizes, giveaways, and post-race DJ vibes, and it’s a vibrant, all-day celebration that perfectly blends fashion, fun, and fine food at this iconic pub.
Location: 292 Beaufort St, Perth
3. C Restaurant
For a Melbourne Cup experience with a view, C Restaurant delivers a stylish and unforgettable celebration. Guests can enjoy a 3-course lunch paired with a glass of Champagne on arrival, with the option to extend the fun with a 3-hour beverage package. Doors open at 10:30am, giving plenty of time to dress up, gather friends, and soak up the excitement before the big race kicks off.
Location: Level 33, St Martins Centre, 44 St Georges Terrace Perth
4. Servo
Servo is serving up three hours of free-flowing drinks and a banquet of eclectic share plates. From Mediterranean to Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, all unified over wood-fired bread, it’s a feast made for sharing. Bottomless cocktails, sparkling, beer, wine, and spirits keep the celebrations flowing, while guests can continue the party in Leederville with free entry to the precinct festivities.
Location: 9 Electric Lane, Leedervile
Queensland
5. The Rose & Crown Pub
If you’re all about good food, great drinks and lively company, The Rose & Crown Pub is the event for you. Guests can enjoy a 3-course shared menu crafted by the Executive Chef, paired with a drink on arrival or a 3-hour drinks package. With all the racing action live on the big screen, the excitement is matched only by the atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to catch the race that stops the nation while indulging in delicious food and flowing drinks.
Location: 271 Grey St, South Brisbane
6. Medley Cafe & Restaurant
Set in a stunning riverside location, Medley Café & Restaurant offers a Melbourne Cup celebration full of style, flavour, and fun. Enjoy a three-course lunch with welcome canapés and a drink on arrival, all while soaking up live music from 12pm–3pm. Sweepstakes and best-dressed prizes add to the excitement, and big screens ensure you won’t miss a moment of the race.
Location: 62 Wharf Street, Kangaroo Point
7. Medé
Experience Melbourne Cup with a Mediterranean twist at Mede Café & Restaurant. Enjoy a three-course sharing-style menu paired with a three-hour beverage package (with spirits available for a little extra), while cheering on the races on the big screen. With best-dressed prizes, sweepstakes, and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to combine great food, drinks, and race-day excitement in one unforgettable day by the river.
Location: 161 Oxford Street, Bulimba
8. Transcontinental Hotel
Get ready for Melbourne Cup at Transcontinental Hotel with a day packed full of racing, fashion, and fun. Choose a drink on arrival with a main course lunch, or go all out with a two-course lunch and two-hour beverage package. TAB facilities, sweepstakes, and best-dressed prizes keep the excitement rolling, while large projectors and TV screens make sure you catch every thrilling moment of the race.
Location: 482 George St, Brisbane City
New South Wales
9. Wollongong Golf Club
Melbourne Cup comes alive at Wollongong Golf Club! Whether you’re digging into the spectacular buffet at The Deck Restaurant + Vue Room, indulging in the premium ocean-view dining experience, or kicking back at the Tap Inn Bar & Lounge, there’s a spot for every kind of race-day fun. Stunning views, great food, and all the racing action on screen.
Location: 151-161 Corrimal Street, Wollongong
10. Basin Dining Room
Celebrate beachside at Basin Dining Room with a 4-course lunch and a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival. Watch the race live on big screens, dress to impress, and join in the sweepstakes and best-dressed prizes. Great food, bubbles, and plenty of race-day excitement make this a celebration to remember.
Location: 1 Surfview Rd, Mona Vale
11. Sugarlane Restaurant
Experience Melbourne Cup at Sugarlane Restaurant in The Cove with an à la carte menu and special race-day dishes designed to impress. Big screens throughout the venue make sure you won’t miss a single moment of the action, while pre-ordered oysters let you kick back in true Sugarlane style, glass in hand, oysters on ice. With expertly crafted dishes, delicious drinks, and all the excitement of the races, it’s a lively and indulgent way to enjoy Cup Day with friends or family.
Location: 4/2 Rosenthal Avenue, The Canopy, Lane Cove
12. Australian Hotel & Brewery
Go big at The Australian Hotel & Brewery with meat, beer, and mates. Dig into a hearty carvery with smoked brisket, slow-roast pork, chargrilled chicken, and beer-infused sausages, plus cold platters, sides, and baked mac ‘n’ cheese. Sip on an Esker Beer Co. tasting on arrival while catching every thrilling moment on the big screen. Book your spot for Cup Day fun and be in the running to win the ultimate Esker Beer Co. experience, a private brewery tour and beer-inspired lunch for 10, plus a premium merch pack valued at over $1,000!
Location: 350 Annangrove Rd, Rouse Hill
Victoria
13. The Temperance Hotel
Catch every moment at The Temperance Hotel, Chapel Street’s favourite local. The race will be live on all screens, with sweepstakes, prizes, cold beers, and great food keeping the day lively. With happy hour from 5–7pm and plenty of good vibes, it’s a relaxed and fun spot to enjoy the race that stops the nation.
Location: 426 Chapel Street, South Yarra
14. Ludlow
Melbourne Cup comes alive at Ludlow with an afternoon full of excitement, elegance, and entertainment. Enjoy a three-course menu with a glass of bubbles on arrival while catching the big race live on screen. Sweepstakes, prizes, and best-dressed awards keep the energy high, making it the spot for fashion, fun, and all the Cup Day action.
Location: 6 Riverside Quay, South Bank
15. Hophaus
Join the ultimate party at Hophaus, with stunning views of the city and Yarra River. Enjoy hot, cold, and sweet canapés alongside a three-hour drinks package featuring beer, wine, and sparkling from your private bar. Dress up, mingle and make the most of your Tuesday off.
Location: Shop MR5, Mid Level, Southgate Restaurant & Shopping Precinct, Southbank
16. Olympia
Fans can watch the big event live on screen at Olympia while enjoying a lively, social setting. With drinks flowing and great food on offer, there’s plenty to keep the energy high, from race sweeps to cheering on favourites. It’s a spot where friends can gather, soak up the buzz, and enjoy all the thrills of the nation’s favourite race.
Location: Level 1, 12-18 Chester Street, Enter Via Portman St Oakleigh Market Entrance, Oakleigh
Tasmania
17. The Shoreline Hotel
Join the Melbourne Cup Luncheon at The Shoreline Hotel for a day packed with food, fashion, and fun. Step into the Dining Room for a three-course alternate drop menu while watching the races live on big screens. With sweeps, prizes, giveaways, and a best-dressed competition hosted by MC Andy ‘Tubes’ Taylor from Triple M, there’s plenty to keep the excitement going. Limited seats make it a sought-after spot to enjoy a buzzing Cup Day with friends, great food, and all the action from start to finish.
Location: 10 Shoreline Drive, Howrah
18. Boatyard Launceston
Step into The Boatyard Launceston for a day overlooking the Tamar River. Enjoy a refreshing drink on arrival before indulging in a three-course set menu, all served in a relaxed, vibrant setting. Stunning river views and delicious food make it a day full of racing excitement and good times.
Location: 13 Park Street, Launceston
19. The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania
Set on the waterfront in Hobart, The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania offers the perfect setting for Melbourne Cup. Enjoy an exciting afternoon of delicious food, flowing drinks, and all the thrills of the races live on screen. The club’s stunning views and relaxed yet vibrant spaces make it ideal for friends and families to gather, while the Best Dressed prize adds an extra layer of fun and festivity to the day.
Location: Marieville Esplanade, Sandy Bay
20. Motor Yacht Club Tasmania
Set along Hobart’s scenic waterfront, Motor Yacht Club Tasmania offers a relaxed and inviting spot. Sit back and enjoy a delicious two-course lunch while keeping an eye on the races live on screen. With river views all around and a friendly, welcoming club vibe, it’s a place to enjoy great food, company, and all the excitement the day brings.
Location: 1 Ford Parade, Lindisfarne
South Australia
21. COLAC Port Adelaide
Raise a glass at COLAC Port Adelaide, where the excitement of the race pairs perfectly with exceptional Australian food and wine. Enjoy a specially curated set menu featuring local produce, paired with fine wines and cocktails, while watching the races live on big screens. Join in the sweepstakes and get dressed to impress for a chance to win Best Dressed and Best Hat prizes. COLAC is a standout spot to enjoy the race that stops the nation, complete with a complimentary glass of Arras sparkling on arrival.
Location: 1 Santo Parade, Port Adelaide
22. Louca's Restaurant
Melbourne Cup Day at Louca’s Restaurant brings together friends, fashion, and Mediterranean-inspired flavours for an unforgettable afternoon. Enjoy a three-course set menu designed for sharing, featuring the best of Louca’s seafood and produce, from semolina fried squid and tuna crudo to grilled barramundi and a sticky toffee pudding finish. Pair it with flowing drinks and soak up every thrilling moment of the race trackside for a lively, delicious, and stylish Cup Day experience.
Location: 242 Pulteney St, Adelaide
23. Rezz Hotel
Step into Rezz Hotel this Melbourne Cup and enjoy a vibrant venue perfectly set for the race that stops the nation. Watch every moment on the large screen while enjoying a three-course menu crafted by the head chef, sip on a sparkling on arrival, and get in on the fun with TAB facilities, cash sweeps, and prizes scattered throughout the space. Whether you’re gathering friends, colleagues, or fellow racing fans, Rezz delivers a lively, delicious, and downright fun Cup Day you won’t forget.
Location: 20 Hamilton Terrace, Newton
24. Thirty Five Stirling
Indulge in a three-course lunch, canapés, and a cocktail on arrival, all paired with a selection of wines from 12–3pm, while live music, a DJ, and an MC keep the energy high. Watch the big race live, join in sweeps and fashion-on-the-fields fun, and stick around for the afterparty with cocktails and tunes until 6pm. With exquisite food, stylish surroundings, and non-stop entertainment, Thirty Five Stirling delivers a Cup Day experience that’s hard to beat.
Location: 35 Stirling St, Thebarton
