For all you punters out there (and those that just love the chance to sip champagne and let loose!) we’ve rounded up the best places to get that trackside feel this Cup Day. Whether you’re planning a huge blowout, a more modest affair or simply chasing a spontaneous drink, this list has you covered for that first Tuesday in November.
Only a stone’s throw from George Street and Martin Place, this semi-hidden basement bar and restaurant is host to one of Sydney’s most stylish Melbourne Cup events. Take in all the excitement and splendour amidst the dark timber, gleaming brass highlights and plush green velvet of this buzzy, subterranean haunt infused with a New York flavour. With free entry from 12pm, complimentary champagne on arrival, two large viewing screens and an all-day DJ, what more do you need for the perfect Cup Day celebration?
Cost: Free
Time: 12pm – 3am
Where: 9a Barrack Street, Sydney
The Greenwood Rooftop Racecourse is back again, offering Sydney-siders the glamorous, party experience of Flemington in a vast converted church. Boasting the biggest screens on the North Shore, themed pop-up bars, live horse bingo, sweeps, best dressed prizes and more, the race that stops the nation has never been so fun. General Admission tickets are available from $60 so book in, dress to impress and verse yourself in all the colourful trackside lingo.
Cost: $60
Time: 11:30am – 3pm
Where: 36 Blue Street, North Sydney
Make Melbourne Cup the Mexican Fiesta of your dreams and gather your group for a combination of food, fun and tequila in this sundrenched outdoor cantina. Relish the good vibes with a feast of all your Mexican favourites and take in the live screening of the big race amidst the festive tunes of an in-house band. With tickets starting from $99 this is one party that’ll have you saying olé!
Cost: $99 +
Time: 12pm – late
Where: 111 Sussex Street, Sydney
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Sydney Opera House, Buckley’s is offering a truly Australian way to celebrate Cup Day this year. Gain exclusive access to the whole venue with a General Admission ticket and gorge yourself on a three hour beverage and canape feast amidst some of the most beautiful views of the Sydney Harbour foreshore. If you’re after a unique spot to enjoy the first Tuesday in November, you have Buckley’s chance of a better view!
Cost: $98
Time: 12pm – late
Where: 18/7 Macquarie Street, Sydney
If you’ve left it too late to book a package, then this airy eatery and bar in the heart of Sydney is all about having a pint, placing a bet and letting your hair down on the first Tuesday in November. Soak up the relaxed party vibe in the ivy precinct’s beer garden, place a bet at the onsite TAB and view the spectacle that is the Melbourne Cup live. While the restaurant package is sold out, you can still enter the bar for free from 12pm!
Cost: Free
Time: 12pm – 1am
Where: Level 1 The Ivy, 330 George Street, Sydney
