The race that stops the nation returns on Tuesday 3 November and whether you’re planning a champagne lunch, a day at the track or a casual pub feed with the sweeps on, there’s plenty of options around Canberra to watch the Melbourne Cup in Canberra this year.

 

1. QT Canberra 

If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up, QT Canberra is taking the celebrations from Capitol Bar & Grill out onto the hotel’s deck. 

Tickets include a glass of G.H. Mumm Champagne on arrival, three hours of premium canapés and a three-and-a-half-hour drinks package, with pop-up bars from Patrón, Aperol and Hendrick’s Gin. There’s also live music from midday and a Fashions on the Field competition, with prizes including bottles of Mumm and Tom Dixon prize packs. 

Location: 6 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra City
Dates/Times: Tuesday 3 November, 12pm–3:30pm
Ticketing/Booking: From $195 per person. Book here.

 

2. Thoroughbred Park 

For the full race-day experience, head to Thoroughbred Park for the TAB Melbourne Cup & Big Dance Race Day. 

Alongside the Melbourne Cup on the big screens, there’ll be live local racing, Fashions on the Field, DJs, roving entertainment and food vans throughout the day. General admission starts at $20, with premium packages also available. 

Location: Randwick Road, Lyneham
Dates/Times: Tuesday 3 November, from 10:30am
Ticketing/Booking: Adults $20–$330, concession $10. Book here

 

3. Hyatt Hotel Canberra 

The Hyatt’s Melbourne Cup Garden Party is an elegant outdoor celebration, set on the hotel’s lawns. You’ll get a chilled seafood bar, an Australian grill, sliders, charcuterie and a live tiramisu bar. Three hours of drinks, live music, sweeps and best-dressed prizes are included too. 

Location: 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla
Dates/Times: Tuesday 3 November, 12:30pm–3:30pm
Ticketing/Booking: $200 per person. Book here.

 

4. Top of the Cross, Woden 

Bring the whole family to Top of the Cross for a Melbourne Cup buffet with plenty of seafood on the table. There’ll be sweeps to fill, prizes to win and entertainment through the afternoon, with every race on the big screens so you don’t miss a moment. Kids get their own price too, so the little ones can come along for the fun. 

Location: Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden, 92–96 Corinna Street, Phillip
Dates/Times: Tuesday 3 November, from 12:30pm
Ticketing/Booking: Members $105, non-members $125, kids under 12 $59. Book here.

 

5. Midnight Bar, Midnight Hotel

For something a bit more polished in the middle of Braddon, Midnight Bar is running a three-hour Melbourne Cup package that keeps your glass full from the moment you arrive. 

You’ll start with an Espresso Martini and a glass of Taittinger Champagne. After that it’s free-flowing Borgo Prosecco, AIX Rosé, Hendrick’s G&Ts and Bridge Road beer for the rest of the afternoon. Canapés come round all afternoon, including oysters, duck liver parfait, and lamb and mini prawn sliders. There’s also a charcuterie grazing table to pick at between races, plus a live DJ and a photobooth if you want something to remember the day by. 

Location: Midnight Hotel, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon
Dates/Times: Tuesday 3 November, 12:30pm-3:30pm
Ticketing/Booking: $135pp book here

 

6. Olims Bar & Bistro 

If you’d rather skip the formal lunch, Olims at Mercure Canberra in Braddon is free to get in. Every race from Flemington will be on multiple screens, including the big screen in the beer garden. There’s a $25 lunch and drink menu, smoked meats from the Olims smoker, and drink specials through the day. 

Location: Mercure Canberra, 39 Limestone Avenue, Braddon
Dates/Times: Tuesday 3 November, from 9am
Ticketing/Booking: Free entry, bookings recommended. Book here.