Queenslanders love horse racing and also love the Melbourne Cup. When it runs on the first Tuesday in November most around the state will be tuning in to the live coverage. In Brisbane many venues will open their doors with Cup themed events to add to the spectacle around the country.
Whether it's a Melbourne Cup Day lunch at the restaurants or cruising along the Brisbane River or a Cup Day Eve party be quick and gather your friends as many events will sell out. We hope with these ideas around Brisbane that you will be on right track!
Melbourne Cup Day Lunch 2026 and Party Ideas in Brisbane
These Melbourne Cup Day fun ideas for Brisbane and South East Queensland are sure to figure in the photo finish for your celebrations on the race that stops the nation. Hotels, restaurants and venues are all getting in the spirit of the great race. The winner is you and the event you choose and we hope you enjoy Melbourne Cup Day in the Sunshine State.
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Regatta Hotel
Melbourne Cup Boatshed Luncheon
Treat yourself to an all inclusive Melbourne Cup Luncheon in the Regatta Hotel Boatshed. Indulge with a luxury Set Menu and beverage package. Plus best dressed prizes, sweeps and more.
All the Cup Day action in the Boatshed
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Babylon Brisbane
Melbourne Cup Day by the Brisbane River
Celebrate Cup Day in style at Babylon Brisbane, where riverside glamour, lively entertainment and elevated dining create the perfect backdrop for Melbourne Cup celebrations. From long lunches to post-race cocktails, the venue blends vibrant energy with luxurious surrounds for groups chasing an unforgettable race day atmosphere.
Celebrate Cup Day in style.
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Riverland Brisbane
Melbourne Cup Day
On Melbourne Cup Day enjoy an ultimate riverside Cup Day Party at Riverland. Expect an all inclusive package with food and drinks. Plus prizes, sweeps, fashions and more. With Live Entertainment to help you get down on Cup Day.
Dress to Impress on Melbourne Cup Day
More Melbourne Cup Day Lunch 2026 Ideas for Brisbane
More fabulous ideas for fun things to do celebrating Melbourne Cup Day in Brisbane.
| LOCATION | VENUE | EVENT | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toowong | Regatta Hotel
|
Melbourne Cup Gala on Level 1 | Dress in your finest to celebrate the race that stops the nation in the Regatta Hotels Level 1, Winterford Room. Be treated to a cup day food and beverage package featuring canapes and more. Book for Melbourne Cup Day. |
| Brisbane | Riverland Brisbane
|
Cup Day | Treat yourself to a riverside Melbourne Cup Day. Enjoy the delicious food and drinks. Take part in the fun of all the fashion and more! Book for Melbourne Cup Day. |
| Fortitude Valley | Cloudland
|
Melbourne Cup | Fuses of Fashion as Glamour meets the Garden. Cloudland makes it a royal affair on Melbourne Cup Day. Choose from the spectacular offers like a glitzy Garden Party or Gala Luncheon. |
| Brisbane | Plough Inn
|
Melbourne Cup Lunch | Big Races and Big Fun this Melbourne Cup Day with a lunch to impress the most ardent race lovers. Delicious food and beverages will get the whips cracking for the race that stops the nation. |
| Herston | Victoria Park
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Melbourne Cup Day Spring Fling | Melbourne Cup Day lunch gala event. Saddle up quickly as sells out each year. Packaged to please with fun sweeps and prizes. Race day dress to impress! |
| Paddington | Darling & Co
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Cup Day Fun | Fabulous and stylish fun this Melbourne Cup Day with Lunch and drinks. A packaged fun day awaits with sweeps, fashions on the field, tipping and entertainment! |
More Big Days in Brisbane post the Cup Carnival
Once the Melbourne Cup has been run the festive attention moves towards ideas of Christmas Parties and Christmas Day lunch. make sure you checkout ideas for Christmas Day Brisbane!
Also don't forget the biggest day of all, NYE Brisbane! Get your crew together and plan a fun New Year's Eve. See NewYearsEve.com.au for all the best NYE events in Brisbane.