Gift Cards Book Now
Close
Boutique Hotel
Arrive
Depart
Guests
Nights

1 night

Book Now
View List

Melbourne Cup Guide 2025: How to Get to Flemington, What to Wear, Where to Celebrate

It’s more than just a horse race; it’s the annual event that stops a nation. Melbourne Cup Week is a celebration of sport, fashion, food, and culture. 

The pinnacle of the week is Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, but the entire carnival is a four-day affair filled with glamour and excitement. If you’re a first-timer or a returning punter, knowing how to get there, what to wear, and where to celebrate is key to a seamless day.

From the thunder of hooves at Flemington to the fizz of champagne in the city, here’s your Melbourne Cup Travel Guide to doing the event like a pro.

Getting to Flemington: Your Race Day Transport Guide

Flemington Racecourse, the Melbourne Cup venue, is a short hop from the Melbourne CBD, but on Cup Day, it’s a logistical challenge. The smartest way to travel is by public transport, which runs extra services to handle the massive crowds.

  • By Train (The Local’s Choice): This is the easiest and most direct way to get to the racecourse. During Cup Week, direct event trains run from the City to Flemington Racecourse Station. The journey is quick, efficient, and drops you right at the racecourse gates. You’ll need a valid Myki card loaded with funds.
  • By Tram (The Scenic Route): For a classic Melbourne experience, hop on the number 57 tram. It runs from the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets and drops you near the main entrance on Epsom Road. While it can be slower than the train due to traffic, it’s a great way to see the city as you travel.
  • By Taxi or Ride Share: Taxis and ride-share services will be plentiful, but be prepared for high surcharges and significant traffic delays, especially on Cup Day itself. There are dedicated drop-off and pick-up zones, but the queues can be long.

By Car: Driving to Flemington is generally not recommended due to traffic and limited, expensive parking. The best way to get there is by taking public transport.

What to Wear: Navigating the Dress Code

The Melbourne Cup Weekend is as much about fashion as it is about racing. Each of the four days has its own distinct Melbourne Cup style, dress code and vibe.

  • Lexus Melbourne Cup Day: This is the day for bold, vibrant colours and statement pieces. Think bright suits, eye-catching dresses, and, most importantly, show-stopping hats. The official flower is the yellow rose, so you’ll see this colour everywhere.
  • Derby Day: A more traditional and elegant affair. The dress code is strictly black and white. Think sleek, sophisticated silhouettes, monochrome patterns, and classic headwear.
  • Crown Oaks Day: Also known as Ladies’ Day, this is the time for feminine and graceful style. Pastels, florals, and soft colours are a popular choice. It’s a day for showcasing your most elegant ensemble.
  • TAB Champions Stakes Day: This is the most relaxed day of the carnival, often a family-friendly event. The fashion is smart casual, with an emphasis on comfort and fun.

General Tips: Regardless of the day, remember to wear comfortable shoes! You’ll be on your feet all day, and cobblestones and grass are a challenge for even the most seasoned racegoer. A pair of stylish flats or wedges can be a lifesaver.

Where to Celebrate: Beyond the Racecourse

Can’t make it to Flemington? The entire city of Melbourne becomes a massive celebration on Melbourne Cup Day, with events, parties, and long lunches happening everywhere.

  • Themed Pubs & Bars: Nearly every pub in the city hosts a Melbourne Cup event. Look for local favourites in South Yarra or Richmond for a lively atmosphere, big screens, and often an all-inclusive food and drinks package.
  • Luxury Luncheons: Many of Melbourne’s top restaurants offer elegant Cup Day luncheons. Enjoy a multi-course meal, live entertainment, fashion parades, and, of course, a big screen to watch the race. These events are perfect for a more refined celebration.
  • Rooftop Bars: Melbourne’s rooftop bars offer a fantastic way to celebrate with a view. Sip champagne with friends while you watch the city go quiet for the big race, before the roar of a million cheers fills the air.

Party on the Yarra: Some companies offer boat cruises on the Yarra River with a full race-day experience, including food, drinks, and big-screen viewing. It’s a unique way to celebrate

Your Stylish Base Camp: Ovolo Hotels in Melbourne

To truly experience Melbourne Cup Week, you need a hotel that’s not just a place to sleep, but a part of the city’s vibrant energy. Laneways by Ovolo and Ovolo South Yarra are perfectly positioned to be your launchpad for the week’s events.

  • Laneways by Ovolo: Located in the heart of the CBD, Laneways by Ovolo puts you steps away from the Free Tram Zone, making it easy to hop on the number 57 tram to Flemington. You’re also perfectly placed to explore the city’s hidden laneway bars and restaurants for all your pre- and post-race celebrations.
  • Ovolo South Yarra: Positioned just a five minute stroll from South Yarra Station, this hotel offers incredible convenience for getting around. Its vibrant, retro-chic design and proximity to Chapel Street’s best boutiques make it the perfect place to get ready and celebrate in style.

Whether you’re trackside at Flemington or toasting with friends at a city party, Melbourne Cup Week 2025 is a spectacle not to be missed. So get ready, dress to impress, and embrace the race that truly stops a nation.