At 3pm on the first Tuesday in November every year, the whole of Australia - and millions of horse racing fans around the world - stop to watch the Lexus Melbourne Cup.
The prestigious horse race sees the world's fastest blue-blooded thoroughbreds thunder around Flemington Racecourse over 3,200m, all in pursuit of the 18-carat gold winner's trophy. On average, more than 100,000 punters flock to Melbourne to watch the Cup each year.
Since 1861, some of the world's most famous equines - from legendary Phar Lap to three-time winner Makybe Diva - have galloped to Melbourne Cup victory. And while the race on 6 November may be the pinnacle of the Spring Racing Carnival, the festivities actually begin in late October, with the Caulfield Cup marking the first of the season's six major races.
The carnival has also become one of the county's biggest fashion events. A host of Fashions on the Field awards are held at most of the racing events. Luxury brands such as Mumm and Lexus host exclusive parties in lavish marquees set up next to the Flemington track months in advance, in an area the size of 65 tennis courts. You can expect to spy a who's-who of celebrities, politicians, business leaders and reality TV hopefuls prancing and preening in front of the flashing camera lights.
To get you ready for the ultimate day on the track, here are eight places in Melbourne to shop and eat during the event.
Where to stay?
If you're looking for a comfortable place to stay during your visit to Victoria, consider booking one of the Top Rated Apartments in Victoria at tophotels.com. These apartments provide a luxurious and convenient accommodation option in the heart of the city.
For those seeking a more lavish experience, there are many 5-star hotels in Victoria that offer unparalleled luxury and service. These hotels provide top-notch amenities and are located in prime locations for easy access to the Melbourne Cup festivities.
If you're traveling with your family, you might want to consider a Melbourne Family Self Catering Holiday. These self-catering accommodations provide spacious and comfortable settings where you can enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
Make the most out of your Melbourne Cup experience by staying in one of the finest accommodations Victoria has to offer. Whether you prefer an apartment, a luxury hotel, or a family-friendly holiday home, there's an option that suits your needs and enhances your overall experience.
1. A beautiful Phillip Rhodes hat
You can't attend the races without a striking helmet, and that Phillip RhodesExquisitedesigns are renowned for their rich, bold colours and textures. In fact, a collection of Rhodes' hats is on permanent display at the National Gallery of Victoria, and his designs frequently grace the pages of Vogue and Marie Claire. Visit his studio in South Melbourne for ready-to-wear hats and bespoke headwear. You could meet Rhodes enthusiasts such as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Kim Cattrall.
Philippe Rhodes
2. The big, bold designs of Toni Maticevski
Spring Racing events each have their own sartorial traditions. Victoria Derby Day is all about sultry blacks and whites; the Caulfield Cup embraces flirty florals; while fashion at the Melbourne Cup should be like the race itself - big and bold. Australian designer Toni Maticevski has all the bases covered with his exceptionally tailored sculptural dresses. He has worked with the Australian Ballet and has been exhibited at the Bendigo Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Victoria. His creations can be found inside Myer Grand shop on Bourke Street in Melbourne's CBD.
Toni Maticevski
3. Hair and make-up by Jade Kisnorbo
Instagram should be your go-to when looking for the best hair and makeup wizards. Scroll through the social handles of Melbourne's most social soap starlets, sports stars and musicians and you'll probably find them tagging their favourite salons and stylists. A favourite of former Neighbours star Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Myer department stores' makeup director Jade Kisnorbo has perfected the art of the smoky eye, Hollywood wave and luminous, dewy skin.
4. Brekkie at its best
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at The Higher Ground, a beautiful CBD café. Set inside an 1890 brick structure with high ceilings surrounded by greenery. The dishes are the very definition of the so-called "Melbourne brunch" - think homemade flatbread topped with spicy pickled cauliflower, curry leaves and velvety scrambled eggs; or a wonderfully creamy yet crunchy kale salad with miso, avocado, almond hummus, poached egg, puffed rice and toasted seeds. Coffee is also on the menu.
Higher ground
5. Champagne at Hardimans Hotel
Before heading to the track, you'll need to find a place for your pre-event champagne. Hardimans Hotel is located in an Art Deco building just a few blocks from Flemington Racecourse. In the striking, curvaceous bar, you'll find sumptuous leather banquettes and a stunning outdoor terrace to show off your outfit to passers-by.
Hardimans Hotel
6. Post-race cocktails at Eau de Vie
What do you do when the shopping's all done, but the night's still young? As the revellers emerge from Flemington, find one of the city's best craft cocktail bars. In true speakeasy fashion, Eau de vie is tucked away in one of Melbourne's cobbled lanes and has no signage. Look for the large wooden door next to the hotel car park on Malthouse Lane. Drinks are served with style and a theatrical touch: a crowd favourite is the Noble Experiment, a chilled martini finished with liquid nitrogen.
Water of Life
7. A late supper at Flower Drum
Strong for over 40 years now, this sumptuous space in the heart of Chinatown is the city's premier Cantonese restaurant. Enter Flower Drum through the ruby red door, step onto the poky lift and enter a serene world of succulent Peking duck, exquisite dim sum, wild barramundi 'noodles' and baked jade tiger abalone. It would be wise to call ahead to reserve a table.
Flower drum
8. Peninsula hot springs massage
Sore feet? Are you suffering from a little redness after a few too many hours watching the races in the sun? What better way to recuperate than a visit to Melbourne's nearest hot springs. Peninsula Hot Springs is about an hour and a half's drive around Port Phillip Bay to the Mornington Peninsula. Book a traditional Aboriginal-inspired Kodo massage, where therapists use indigenous aromatic oils to soothe aches and pains.
