Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024

WHEN
2-9 Nov 2024
WHERE
Melbourne
FROM
A$599
POSITION
Official Tour Operator
MCC 2024 Official Tourism Operator Logo - Events Travel
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Your Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024 travel experience starts here.

Join us at Flemington Racecourse over four unique race days to experience the excitement, glamour and fun of Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024. The carnival includes Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, VRC Oaks Day and TAB Champions Stakes Day, each with their own traditions and styles.

Our official Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024 packages are on sale now including; official tickets (general admission, Lawn Stand and Hill Stand), hospitality (Makybe Diva Marquee, Parade Lounge and others), hand-picked 4-star and 5-star hotels, luxury coach transport, train tickets, champagne breakfasts and our private and exclusive Mornington Peninsula Winery Tour. Enhance your trip further with extra travel services including extra nights, flights, transport, sightseeing, travel insurance and extensions to other destinations. Our 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival packages offer direct access to official tickets and hospitality, plus a host of additional travel services to ensure you have an unforgettable travel experience to Flemington. Browse our selection of packages to enjoy any day of the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival, a combination of days, or for the most discerning racing enthusiasts, all days with our Ultimate Carnival Experience package. Or design your own customised package with our expert team.

We’ve been helping fans experience Melbourne Cup Carnival since 1994 and look forward to welcoming you to Flemington for The Race That Stops a Nation™.

Ready to experience MCC2024? Book your trip today with the longest running Official Tourism Operator.

Browse packages.

LOW AVAILABILITY

Official Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024 packages

Derby Express

2 nights (1-3 Nov), daily breakfast, official tickets to Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, return luxury coach transport and more.

FROM

A$599 pp

Derby & Cup

5 nights (1-6 Nov), daily breakfast, official tickets to Penfolds Victoria Derby Day and Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, transport and more.

FROM

A$1,479 pp

Cup Express

3 nights (3-6 Nov), daily breakfast, official tickets to Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, transport and more.

FROM

A$949 pp

Cup & Oaks

5 nights (3-8 Nov), daily breakfast, official tickets to Lexus Melbourne Cup Day and VRC Oaks Day, transport and more.

FROM

A$1,389 pp

Derby, Cup & Oaks

7 nights (1-8 Nov), daily breakfast, official tickets to the first three race days, transport and more.

FROM

A$1,889 pp

Le Carnival

9 nights (1-11 Nov), daily breakfast, official tickets to all four race days, transport and more.

FROM

A$2,299 pp
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  • Introduction

    Join Events Travel in 2024 at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

    The Melbourne Cup Carnival transcends a mere horse race; it’s a four-day spectacle of sport, fashion, gastronomy and entertainment, that captivates families and enthusiasts alike.

    Run during Melbourne’s vibrant spring, and often referred to as Spring Racing, the Carnival unfolds over a week featuring four race days: Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, VRC Oaks Day, and TAB Champions Stakes Day. Each race day offers a unique experience with distinct themes, dress guidelines, racing categories and activities.

    Lexus Melbourne Cup Day is the jewel of the Carnival, drawing over 100,000 fans to Flemington to witness the A$8 million Lexus Melbourne Cup, a globally celebrated 3200m race that shapes the legacies of trainers, jockey’s and horses alike.

    Melbourne is the perfect host city for The Race That Stops a Nation™. It’s Australia’s sporting capital, and offers an eclectic mix of experiences from exceptional dining and shopping to world-class attractions. Opt for a luxury hotel along the Yarra River, savour meals at sought-after restaurants, and indulge in the Crown Entertainment Complex or immerse yourself within the National Gallery of Victoria’s acclaimed exhibitions.

    Conveniently, Flemington is a stone’s throw from the city centre, and the broader Melbourne area brims with attractions – trendy bars, serene beaches, esteemed wineries, scenic drives, and a rich arts scene.

    Extend your journey further with a coastal drive down the Great Ocean Road or a visit to a brewery along the Mornington Peninsula’s rugged coast, once stables for the legendary Makybe Diva. Experience the Mornington Peninsula’s famous wineries on our included Winery Tour, an option for many of our packages.

    Since 1994, we’ve been crafting unforgettable Melbourne Cup Carnival experiences for visitors worldwide. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned guest, our official travel packages offer superb value to enjoy the festivities, the city and beyond.

    Whichever race day or combination you choose, we look forward to helping you make the most of your travel experience to Flemington and Melbourne — the city that we are proud to call home.

    Join us in Melbourne this November for the 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

    Glenn Hedley,
    Director, Events Travel

  • Event information

    2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival Map

    2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival Map

    Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024 schedule and race day information

    Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, Saturday, 2 November 2024 One of the most prestigious days of racing with nine group races, four at the elite group 1 level including the Penfolds Victoria Derby, Australia’s premier staying classic for three-year olds. The fashion stakes are equally high with the commencement of the Fashions on the Field competition. This is the day for classic elegance, which sets the tone of the week. Women typically opt for black and white, while men wear a grey morning suit and pin-stripe pants.
    Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, Tuesday, 5 November 2024 The focal point of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, there’s nothing quite like being there as over 100,000 fans erupt as the race unfolds. The excitement slowly builds to its 3pm fever pitch when everything at the track comes to a stop for 200 heart-pounding seconds. Each year, a new chapter is written, a new legend is made and a new dream comes true in the quest to win Australia’s most famous sporting trophy.
    VRC Oaks Day, Thursday, 7 November 2024 Known as the style day of the carnival and commonly called ‘Ladies Day’, women of all ages come together dressed in their most feminine ensemble. The winner of the Myer Fashions on the Field is announced, reinforcing its importance on the fashion calendar. The racing highlight is the Group 1 Oaks, the classic for three-year old fillies over 2500m.
    TAB Champions Stakes Day, Saturday, 9 November 2024 The Melbourne Cup Carnival concludes with TAB Champions Stakes Day, featuring Victoria’s premier 1600m event, the Group 1 Stakes. TAB Champions Stakes Day is the fastest growing race day for the four day carnival with crowds topping 80,000 in recent years. It is also recognised as the carnival’s family day, with the focus on family fun and an abundance of free activities available for children.

    Fast facts

    • Melbourne Cup start time: 3:00 pm (subject to change at any time)
    • Distance: 3200m (2 miles)
    • Race record: Kingston Rule in a time of 3:16.3 (1990)
    • Weight: Handicap
    • Purse: $8,000,000
    • Qualification: Three-year-olds and up
    • Most wins by horse: Makybe Diva with 3 (2003, 2004, 2005)
    • Most wins by jockey: Bobby Lewis with 4 (1902, 1915, 1919, 1927)
    • Most wins by trainer: Bart Cummings with 12 (1965 – 2008)
    • Most wins by owner: Lloyd Williams with 6 (1981 – 2017)
    • Michelle Payne is the only female jockey to have won the Melbourne Cup, won in 2015
    • Makybe Diva is the most successful Melbourne Cup horse, having won three years in a row
    • The largest attendance at the Melbourne Cup was in 2003, with 122,737 fans watching on
  • Travel tips

    • Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable, we recommend upgrading to a covered grandstand or hospitality suite to ensure your race day comfort.
    • Extend your stay and venture beyond Melbourne to explore the Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road or many fabulous holiday destinations not far from the city including Daylesford, Healesville, Bright and more.
    • Melbourne is renowned for its incredible coffee culture, our top suggestions: Seven Seeds (Carlton), Proud Mary (Collingwood), Dukes (CBD), Sensory Lab (CBD), Patricia (CBD).
    • One of the best ways to get to Flemington on race day is with a helicopter transfer or a river cruise up the Maribyrnong River.
  • Destination

    Melbourne

    Melbourne is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city that combines cutting-edge style with a relaxed and carefree spirit. Celebrated for its creative arts, world-class dining, stunning galleries, cozy cafes, boutique shops, and spectacular sports events, the city offers a wealth of experiences. In the heart of the CBD, explore hidden laneways filled with vibrant street art, and just to the north, discover bohemian shopping strips and some of the finest Italian cuisine outside Italy. A short stroll or complimentary tram ride from the CBD takes you to the world-renowned MCG and Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open. For the intrepid traveller, Melbourne is a treasure trove of opportunities: within just an hour or two, you can find enchanting wineries, majestic National Parks, charming alpine towns, and breathtaking coastal drives. With its myriad offerings, Melbourne is the ideal backdrop for your dream Spring Racing adventure.

    Climate

    November heralds spring in Melbourne, an ideal season for a visit. Expect average highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. With longer days and higher UV indexes, sunscreen is a must. Weather can vary, so we recommend checking the forecast beforehand and dressing accordingly. Melbourne Cup Carnivals have historically featured everything from clear skies to cooler, cloudy days – a delightful mix that we Melburnians embrace as part of the charm.

  • Extra travel services

    Enhance your trip

    Customise your package with extra travel services. Get in touch for a quote, recommendations and options.

    SERVICE WHAT WE OFFER
    Accommodation - Extra nights and room upgrades at featured event hotels.
    - Extra nights and other accommodation pre/post or during major events.
    - 4-star and 5-star hotels.
    - Apartments and retreats.
    - Plus specials and benefits with partner properties.
    Flights - Domestic and international flights.
    - Premium carriers.
    - All classes bookable (Economy, Premium, Business and First Class).
    - Flights ticketed in-house as an IATA Travel Company.
    - Itinerary managed start to finish including schedule changes and seat selection.
    Transport - Car rental (pre-book or pay on pick-up).
    - Airport transfers.
    - Coach transfers for groups, including guides and tour managers.
    - Rail tickets.
    - Other transport journeys.
    Travel insurance - Tailored policies issued with Cover-More and Go Insurance.
    - Available for Australian residents or international visitors travelling to Australia.
    - 10% discount applies to all annual policies.
    Sightseeing and small group tours - Tickets to attractions
    - Sightseeing experiences
    - Cruises and small group tours or expeditions offered by our Preferred Partners.

    Book a cruise or small group tour as part of your event package or tour and receive a discount on the cruise or small group tour.
    Major events - Combine two or more major event packages or tours within the same booking and receive a discount from all packages or tours booked offered on a case-by-case basis
    Group travel - Customised itineraries for groups of all sizes (from small private groups to large groups of 100+ passengers)
    - Dedicated groups specialist/account manager
    - Group flights
    - Luxury coaches
    - Local guides
    - Experienced Tour Managers
    - Local sightseeing experiences
    - Event tickets and hospitality
    - Functions and other events
    - Merchandise and white label elements
    - Other items to ensure your group trip is a smash hit

  • Payments

    The default currency for this event is AUD ($).

    Payments

    The deposit is 25% to confirm your booking (plus any ticket upgrades and extras*).

    The balance of 75% is due by 1 August 2024.

    Bookings made after the balance due date will require full payment to confirm, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

    *If your booking includes extra travel services, different payment terms may apply, to be confirmed on quoting (e.g. flight tickets).

    Invoices can be paid in AUD, GBP, USD, EUR or NZD. If you elect to pay your invoice in a different currency to the event default currency, your invoice will be converted at the daily mid-market rate.

    Payment instructions will be provided on booking.

    If paying an invoice in AUD

    Pay via direct transfer with no fees (including no SWIFT fees or additional bank fees). Or pay using Visa, Mastercard with a 1.7% merchant fee (AMEX is 1.98%).

    If paying an invoice in GBP, USD, EUR or NZD

    Pay via direct transfer with no fees (including no SWIFT fees or additional bank fees). Or pay using Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Google Pay or Apple Pay with a 1.98% merchant fee.

    Events Travel cannot be held liable for, or incur any costs associated with fees charged by your bank or credit card issuer.

  • Terms and Conditions

    Terms and Conditions

    • Prices are listed per person in AUD, however invoices can be paid in GBP, USD, EUR or NZD on request.
    • Prices and availability are subject to change at any time.
    • All payments are non-refundable in case of cancellation — we highly recommend all clients purchase travel insurance at the time of booking. We issue policies with Cover-More or Go Insurance and offer a 10% discount off any annual policy purchased for Australian residents. We also offer inbound policies for foreign residents travelling to Australia with Cover-More.
    • Changes to bookings may incur amendment fees per change (including supplier fees e.g. airlines)
    • Full cancellation applies and there are no refunds for unused services.
    • Events Travel are IATA, ATAS and AFTA accredited and members of ASTA and IAGTO.
    • Images are used for marketing purposes only and may not be a true representation of the event and your realised travel experience. All images are used as a comparative representation only.
    • Content and information contained within this webpage and associated marketing materials was accurate at the time of publishing, however may be out of date at any time after.
    • Events Travel is an Official Tourism Operator for Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024.

     

    View full Booking Terms and Conditions

Things to do around Melbourne

Frequently asked questions

  • When is Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024?

    Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024 is confirmed to start on Saturday, 2 November 2024 and finish Saturday, 9 November 2024. It is a week long carnival with four race days.

  • Where is Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024?

    Melbourne Cup Carnival is always held at Flemington Racecourse, to Melbourne’s north west. Getting there is easy via car, coach or train; or for intrepid travellers enjoy a boat ride up the Maribyrnong River or a helicopter ride from the CBD.

  • When is Derby Day in 2024?

    Penfolds Victoria Derby Day will be held on Saturday, 2 November 2024.

  • When is Melbourne Cup Day in 2024?

    Lexus Melbourne Cup Day will be held on Tuesday, 5 November 2024.

  • When is Oaks Day in 2024?

    VRC Oaks Day will be held on Thursday, 7 November 2024.

  • When is Stakes Day in 2024?

    TAB Champions Stakes Day will be held on Saturday, 9 November 2024.

  • When do Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024 tickets and packages go on sale?

    Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024 tickets will go on sale to the General Public in early 2024. Our official 2024 Melbourne Cup Carnival packages are on sale now and include access to grandstand tickets, hospitality and a host of other travel services, ensuring guests an easy and unforgettable travel experience.

  • How can I buy Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024 tickets?

    You have two ways to buy tickets and hospitality to Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024:

    1. The first way is to buy your tickets in the General Public ticket sales period. This will likely begin in early to mid 2024. However it can be hard to buy hospitality suites, tickets for groups all seated together and tickets to multiple race days at the same time.
    2. The second way is to book an official travel package including tickets (general admission, grandstands or hospitality) sold by an Official Tourism Operator, such as Events Travel. Our official Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024 packages are on sale now.
  • What types of Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024 packages are available?

    Our official Melbourne Cup Carnival 2024 packages are on sale now.

    Choose from individual race day packages covering one race day, combinations of two or more race days, or for discerning racing enthusiasts, we have a package that includes all four race days to enjoy all of the variety that the Melbourne Cup Carnival offers.

    Or you can design a customised package with our team, with exactly what you need and nothing you don’t.

    All packages are customisable with extra travel services.

  • Are you an official partner of Melbourne Cup Carnival?

    Yes, Events Travel is the longest running Official Tourism Operator for Melbourne Cup Carnival. We first started helping fans travel to Melbourne Cup Carnival in 1994.

  • Do I need a general admission ticket if I have a grandstand or hospitality ticket?

    No you don’t require two tickets. If you have a grandstand ticket or a hospitality ticket, that ticket alone will grant you access to Flemington and all unreserved areas, you do not need two tickets.

  • Can I buy tickets to the Birdcage?

    The Birdcage is an exclusive area home to partner hospitality suites and is typically invite only. Historically the VRC has offered a hospitality suite in the Birdcage previously called The Perch, but that has not been offered for a number of years. We have range of alternative hospitality options available directly from the VRC including: Makybe Diva Marquee, Parade Lounge and others, which are available to the general public as part of our packages or can be purchased standalone.

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