Unfortunately, getting to Flemington Racecourse does prove difficult for most of us, but rest assured that venues are hosting their own Melbourne Cup Day celebrations.
Here’s 10 local places you and your friends can go if you’re in the mood to get dressed up and hopefully cheer on a winner next Tuesday…
Penrith Panthers Leagues Club
Panthers will host several events throughout the club this Melbourne Cup Day.
It all kicks off in the Basement Sports Bar at 10am with live entertainment, an in-house TAB and prizes up for grabs.
Prada Clutch will be hosting a Luncheon at Kelly’s Bar + Kitchen, from 11.30am.
For just $65, guests will enjoy a two-course luncheon with a complimentary Champagne Mimosa on arrival.
If you’re feeling more creative, try your hand at painting while sipping wine on the Squires Terrace before the big race.
To book, visit penrith.panthers.com.au.
Lakeside Restaurant
The Rotary Club will be hosting a decadent Melbourne Cup Lunch at Lakeside Restaurant at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.
From 12.30pm, guests will enjoy a seafood buffet, dessert and champagne.
Fashions on the field prizes, sweeps and lucky door prizes will also be up for grabs.
The funds raised will go to two local charities: Our Community Cares and Pink Up Penrith. Tickets are on sale for $85. To book, visit bit.ly/Rotary-Melbourne-Cup-Lunch.
Penrith RSL
Penrith RSL is often a go-to place to celebrate Cup Day.
If the big race itself isn’t enough, the club will host Race Day Bingo featuring a whopping 40 games from 11am.
There will also be prizes for best dressed, sweeps, and a complimentary Sparkling Wine or Great Northern Schooner if you dine at the Maze Grill Café or Star Buffet
For details, visit http://www.penrithrsl.com.au.
St Marys Leagues Club
Kicking off at 11.30am, Saints will host a Melbourne Cup Day Carnivale Luncheon in the Showroom.
Guests will enjoy a three-course luncheon and a glass of complimentary bubbly on arrival.
There will also be plenty of entertainment, with Samba Brazil dancers and acrobats, and all the day’s action on three giant screens.
Full TAB facilities are available.
Tickets are on sale for $58. To book, visit bit.ly/Saints-Cup-Day-Carnivale.
O’Ddonoghues Irish Pub
If you’re looking for a fun afternoon with some mates, head down to O’Donoghues in Emu Plains before “the race that stops the nation” gets underway at 3pm.
There’ll be plenty of entertainment throughout the day, with sweeps and prizes for best dressed.
And if you book a table for eight or more, you’ll receive a delectable bottle of bubbly on the house.
For details, visit http://www.odonoghues.com.au.
Theo’s Rooftop Bar
Astina will be hosting Penrith’s most exclusive Cup Day event on the first Tuesday in November.
Guests will receive canapés and drinks while they watch live coverage of the races all day.
There will also be a photobook, cocktail cart and fashions on the field event, and plenty of other entertainment.
Celebrations will commence at Midday and continue after the race.
Tickets start at $150. To get yours, visit bit.ly/Melbourne-Cup-At-Astina.
Pioneer Tavern
The Pioneer Tavern is inviting anyone who is keen to watch the big race.
Their TAB will be open from 9am and they are offering a charcuterie board for two for $39.
There will be entertainment, with Jed Zarb performing live from 12pm to 3pm.
Bookings are essential. To secure your spot, visit http://www.thepioneertavern.com.au/whats_on.
Red Cow Hotel
Punters are invited to visit the Red Cow from 7am on Cup Day.
The TAB will be open and the races will be on while you enjoy $16 lunches and $14 margaritas all day.
For details, visit http://www.redcow.com.au/whats-on.
Penrith Paceway
The Paceway will be hosting its traditional Cup Day event again this year.
Starting at 11.30am, there’ll be lots happening throughout the day to keep everybody entertained including sweeps, full TAB facilities, live music, lunch and more.
Bookings are essential. To secure your spot, call 4721 2375.
The Log Cabin
If you’re looking for a lavish race day event, look no further than The Log Cabin on the banks of the Nepean.
For just $90, guests will be able to enjoy a seafood buffet lunch, a glass of Yves bubbles on arrival and have the chance to win prizes in the fashions on the field competition
Those who want to kick on after the race are invited to order a drink and settle in to enjoy DJs into the evening.
To book a table, visit http://www.thelogcabin.com.au/melbourne-cup.
Makayla Muscat
Formerly with the ABC, Makayla is a graduate of Western Sydney University. She covers a variety of news topics for the Weekender, including courts.