The Melbourne Cup stops not only Melbourne but also the rest of Australia. But it is in Melbourne where the race is run that so many events and things are happening to excite the senses! Just as the gorgeous backdrop of the Maribyrnong River gives depth to Flemington the Yarra River in Melbourne is abuzz as a centre of activity during Melbourne Cup Weekend.
It is Spring time in Melbourne for the first Tuesday in November and fashion, fillies and colts are key talking points as well as what will you be doing before, during and after the big horse races. Yes... it's all about a horse race, but with so much going on it's easy to forget it's not just one big party! The night before is Cup Eve with lots of great parties at venues and then of course if you are not at the course there are some many options for Melbourne Cup Lunch at super restaurants and venues all over Melbourne. Finally there are the after party options to dance the night away.
We have compiled some great ideas for your Melbourne Cup Day! We hope you back a winner!
Melbourne Cup Day Lunch 2025 Ideas and Fun
Melbourne Cup Lunch package ideas for your Cup Day in Melbourne. So if you can't be at Flemington for the horse races, then you can still have fun and even feel like you are part of the action!
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Ludlow Bar & Dining Room
Melbourne Cup Day Lunch
Ludlow on Southbank is set for a stylish Melbourne Cup celebration with a 3-course lunch and a glass of Chandon or Kirin Ichiban on arrival. Enjoy live race screenings, sweeps, prizes, and best dressed awards. $110pp (+BF).
Make Cup Day unforgettable at Ludlow.
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Hophaus
Melbourne Cup Day Party
Hophaus presents a stylish Cup Day celebration on Tuesday, 4th November 2025. From 1pm to 4pm, enjoy a 3-hour package with flowing drinks, hot, cold, and sweet canapés, sweepstakes, prizes, and live racing action. $130pp (+BF).
Celebrate Cup Day with city views.
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Marnong Estate
Silks Melbourne Cup at Marnong
Marnong Estate hosts a stylish Melbourne Cup celebration with flowing estate wines, gourmet food stations, live entertainment, and Fashions on the Field. Enjoy live race coverage from multiple screens in the private marquee, just 35 minutes from Melbourne CBD.
Experience Cup Day in country elegance.
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Young & Jackson
Melbourne Cup Day Bottomless Brunch
Kick off Cup Day with a 2-hour bottomless drinks session, shared entrée, and your choice of main lunch item. Watch the races live and loud, with TAB facilities available for all your bets. $90pp, 1-3pm, 4th November 2025.
Brunch, drinks, and racing excitement combined.
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Amora Hotel Riverwalk
Melbourne Cup Day Lunch
Amora Riverwalk Hotel hosts a vibrant Cup Day celebration with Taittinger Champagne and canapés on arrival, followed by a 3-course lunch and 3-hour drinks package. Enjoy live race screenings, sweeps, fashions on the field prizes, and post-race entertainment. Adults $149, teens $95, children $65.
Celebrate Cup Day riverside with elegance.
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Yarra Botanica
Cup Day on the River
Yarra Botanica brings Cup Day to life with big screen race coverage, riverside drinks, and the Yarra as your backdrop. As the sun sets, the afterparty takes over with DJs, live music, and unbeatable deck vibes.
Celebrate Cup Day riverside with style.
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Brewmanity
Melbourne Cup Long Weekend
This Cup long weekend, Brewmanity is keeping the good times flowing with all-day Happy Hour - $8 Mouth of Melbourne Lager and $8 sparkling wine, from open to close on both Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 November. Catch the main race live and loud on Cup Day, with no public holiday surcharge, just great drinks, good vibes, and a reason to celebrate.
All-day happy hour, all-day celebration.
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Temperance Hotel
Melbourne Cup Day
Temperance Hotel on Chapel Street is set for a lively Cup Day with races live on all screens, sweeps, prizes, cold beers, and great food. Happy Hour runs from 5-7pm to keep the celebrations rolling.
Catch every moment of Cup Day at Temperance.
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Hotel Esplanade
Cup Day in the Sunroom
Step into the Sunroom this Cup Day and enjoy live race coverage on big screens, flowing drinks, and a curated 3-hour canapés and beverage package. Gather friends for a relaxed, seaside celebration of fashion, fun, and the races. $150pp.
Seaside style, drinks, and racing excitement.
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The Balaclava Hotel
Melbourne Cup Day
Open from 10am, The Balaclava Hotel is serving the races live and loud on the big screen with Cup sweeps and a $10 Quaddie Syndicate. Make your day a little more indulgent with the $50 Gourmet Grazing Platter for two perfectly paired with a bottle of sparkling to share.
Grazing, bubbles and races - the perfect match.
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Fargo & Co
Cup Day Eve: Bottomless Sunset Sessions
Fargo & Co celebrates Cup Day Eve with Bottomless Sunset Sessions on Monday, 3rd November. Enjoy two hours of cocktails, wine, beer, share plates, and Detroit-style pizza for $89. With DJs spinning from 6pm till late, it's the perfect pre-Cup celebration.
Start Cup Day Eve with bottomless flavour.
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P.J. O'Brien's Irish Pub
Melbourne Cup Festival
Kick off Cup Day at P.J. O'Brien's from midday with all races on screens live and loud. Stay for the afterparty with live music from 5pm, great vibes, and friendly competition for best dressed. Free entry, first in best dressed.
Celebrate Cup Day with live music and fun.
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The Provincial Hotel
Cup Day Weekend
Relax and enjoy Cup Day Weekend at The Provincial from 31st October to 4th November. Savour great food and drinks in a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere—the perfect spot to unwind and celebrate the public holiday with friends or family.
Unwind and celebrate Cup Day in comfort.
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Plus 5
Melbourne Cup Day
Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day at Plus 5 Bar with riverside views, handcrafted cocktails, wood-fired tapas, and gourmet pizzas. Enjoy a lively, stylish atmosphere perfect for friends, fashion, and fun, making it the ideal riverside spot to toast the nation's biggest racing day.
Riverside style, food, and racing excitement combined.
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BangPop
Melbourne Cup Day
Immerse yourself in Melbourne Cup Day celebrations at BangPop, where bold Thai flavours, hawker-style dishes, and refreshing cocktails set the tone. Enjoy vibrant riverside vibes and a stylish atmosphere perfect for friends, fashion, and festive fun.
Riverside dining with flair and festivity.
More Melbourne Cup Day Lunch and Celebration Ideas for the Melbourne Cup Weekend
These hotels, sports venues, restaurants and venue will be saddling up for a Melbourne Cup Day to remember. Pick a winner this Spring Carnival.
| LOCATION | VENUE | EVENT | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southbank | Ludlow Bar & Dining Room
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Oaks Day Lunch | Ludlow celebrates Ladies Day with a 3-course lunch and a glass of Chandon on arrival. From 12pm Thursday, 6 November, enjoy spring style and fun for $95pp. Reserve your table for Oaks Day elegance. |
| Southbank | Hophaus
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Melbourne Cup Day Party | Hophaus hosts a Melbourne Cup celebration with 3 hours of flowing drinks, gourmet canapés, sweepstakes, and big screen coverage. $130pp (+BF). 1-4pm, Tuesday 4th November 2025. Book now for a Yarra-side Cup Day. |
| Melbourne | The Duke of Wellington
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Cup Day LIVE & Loud | Keep it classic this Cup Day at The Duke of Wellington, with races live and loud in the Duke Bar and on the Rooftop. Grab a pint, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and soak up all the carnival action with friends. Book your spot for Cup Day celebrations. |
| Melbourne | Morris House
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Melbourne Cup Day VIP Viewing Party | Morris House is set for a glamorous Melbourne Cup celebration with 4 hours of free-flowing drinks, roaming canapés, and deluxe cheese, charcuterie, and seafood stations for $210pp. Live race coverage, music, and DJs keep the festivities rolling. Secure your place for an unforgettable Melbourne Cup Day. |
| St Kilda | Village Belle Hotel
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Cup Weekend | Kick off Cup Day at The Village Belle with TAB access, two sweepstakes, and live race coverage from 10am. Enjoy DJs on Cup Day Eve and live music afterward, making it the perfect spot for friends, fun, and festive celebrations. Reserve your table for Cup Day excitement. |
| Southbank | Eureka 89
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Melbourne Cup Lunch | Enjoy Melbourne Cup Day in the sky at Eureka 89. Feast on the spectacular view of the Melbourne skyline as you're treated to a lovely lunch and more. With the race on the big screen. Book for Melbourne Cup Day |
| Mickleham | Marnong Estate
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Melbourne Cup Garden Party | This Melbourne Cup Day Treat yourself to a elegant Cup Day Garden Party at the Marnong Estate. Be treated to a delicious menu and enjoy the Big Race in The Green Grove. Plus LIVE entertainment, Fashions on the Field Competition and more. Check out Marnong Estate for Melbourne Cup Day. |
| Melbourne | Young & Jackson
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Melbourne Cup Day Lunch Package | Awesome Cup Day fun with Cup Day dining. Get your crew together and jockey for your booking! Try the rooftop too! |
| Port Melbourne | Rubira's
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Melbourne Cup Day Seafood Lunch | Sensational seafood by Rubira's for the ultimate Cup Day dining. Book in advance! |
| Vermont South | Swing Factory Morack Public Golf
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Giddy Up Putt to the Cup | Watch the Melbourne Cup and Putt for the Cup at Morack Mini Golf! A great family outing to get out and about this Cup Day. Book for Cup Day. |
| Melbourne | Luvlee Gourmet Ice Cream
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Melbourne Cup Ice Cream Treats | Treat the family this Melbourne Cup Weekend with awesome Luvlee Ice Cream Hampers delivered and very well priced to enjoy! |
| Richmond | Amora Hotel Riverwalk
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Cup Day Lunch | Awesome food from Amora in Richmond. Enjoy a 3 Course Lunch, Races on the Big Screens and much more. |
| Albert Park | Albert Park Mini Golf
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Putt it into the Cup | Bring the Jockeys to Albert Park Mini Golf this Cup Day. Family fun for all 2km from the Melbourne CBD. Cup Day Tee Time. |
| Mornington | The Royal Hotel
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Melbourne Cup | Catch all the races this Melbourne Cup Day at the Royal Hotel. Indulge with delicious snacks, beverages and more. Check out Cup Day at The Royal. |
| Bulleen | The Manningham
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Oaks Day Luncheon | This Oaks Day treat yourself to a fantastic Luncheon at the Manningham. Enjoy a delicious meal plus Fashions on the Field and more. Book for Oaks Day. |
| Southbank | P.J. O'Brien's Irish Pub
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Melbourne Cup Day Lunch | Let's make a bet on the Ponies this Melbourne Cup Day with friends. And have a fabulous Melbourne Cup Lunch dining experience. Hopscotch is a great restaurant in a fabulous location on the Southbank side of the Yarra River. |
| Dingley | Goanna Golf Dingley
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Family Cup Day Putt Putt | Two mini golf courses with Cup Day fun inside and outside. Putt it! Cup it! At Goanna Golf Dingley. Book for Family Fun. |
| Southbank | BearBrass
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Melbourne Cup Day Cheer | Bearbrass on the Yarra is a Melbourne favourite. Book Lunch and enjoy the ponies with friends. And maybe you can all enjoy the spoils of picking the Cup Winner! Reserve a table for Melbourne Cup Day. |
| Wheelers Hill | Wetlands Mini Golf
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Cup Day Fun for All | Cup Day Mini Golf this First Tuesday in November at Wetlands Mini Golf. Mount up for the Indoors and Outdoor Mini Golf Courses. Book in for Cup Day. |
| South Yarra | Temperance Hotel
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Melbourne Cup Day Lunch or Dinner | Don't have a tip for the Cup? Here's a great Tip. Temperance has fabulous dining and drinks that you and your friends can share the Cup Day spoils. Book in online for Lunch or Dinner. Book a table on Melbourne Cup Day. |
| Melbourne | Turf Sports Bar & Grill
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Cup Day Lunch or Dinner | Cup Day's at the Turf Sports Bar are thriving. This iconic sports hotel will have the big screens on the big race. Get in for lunch or dinner with family and friends. |
| Brunswick | What The Putt
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Carry the Putt to the Cup | Can you sink the Putt into the Cup in one this Cup Day? Watch the Cup live on the Big Sports Screens. Book in for Cup Day. |
| Aireys Inlet | Great Ocean Road Mini Golf
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Sink it on Cup Day | Giddy Up for fun this Cup Day. Putt into the Cup at our awesome mini golf courses. Jockey your mini golf ball for the best position! Get out and about for family fun this Cup Day! Book a Round for Cup Day. |
| Yarra Valley | Kellybrook Winery
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Melbourne Cup Wine | Kellybrook have a super Spring selection of wines perfect for your Melbourne Cup Day celebrations. Order online and have them delivered. Giddy Up! Kellybrook also have Kelly Brothers Ciders and Beers. Get yours ordered today! |
| Docklands | Byblos
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Cup Day Dining | Inspired Lebanese flavours and taste. Book your table for on the first Tuesday in November! |
| Melbourne | Bourke St Imperial Hotel
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Treat the Family for Cup Day | Spectacular dining options from a super Melbourne Hotel for Melbourne Cup Day. |
| Richmond | Precinct Hotel
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Cup Day Bottomless | Cup Day celebrations at the Precinct Hotel. Packaged party refreshments with entertainment, sweep stakes and fun for all. |
More Great Ideas to help Melbourne Cup Day and Spring Carnival Celebrations 2025
Products and service ideas to make your Cup Day in Melbourne even better. Do you need a picnic hamper or maybe you need your hair and makeup. These local products and services are first class for the Spring Carnival.
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Chefscene
Cup Day Lunch Grazing Boxes
Set yourself up for a picnic on Cup Day with a delicious grazing box by Chefscene. Selection of dips, meats, crackers fresh and seasonal. Sweet and savoury options. Why not try the Sweet & Savoury for your Cup Day affair? Order online.
Great for the whole family!
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Kellybrook Winery
Cup Day Wine
Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day with some of the gorgeous Wines from Kellybrook Winery in the Yarra Valley. Order Online and have the wines, brandy and ciders delivered.
Race along for Awesome Wines
Post Cup Carnival there are more Big Days in Melbourne
Once the Spring Carnival horse racing in Melbourne is over the party people start to think about Christmas, Boxing Day and the Biggest of the Big Days, New Year's Eve. To checkout ideas for Christmas Parties and Christmas Day Lunches see Christmas Day Melbourne!
And with November turning into December that means New Year's Eve is not far away. At NewYearsEve.com.au we have all the best NYE events in Melbourne. See NYE Melbourne!