Home / Events / Horse Racing / Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026
Your official journey to the Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 begins here, with the most trusted name in racing travel. As an Official Travel Operator since 2012 and proudly selling Melbourne Cup packages since 1995, Events Travel is the best place to book guaranteed Melbourne Cup tickets, premium travel packages and curated Melbourne Cup travel experiences designed to make the most of every race day and moment.
From 31 October to 7 November 2026, Flemington Racecourse becomes the beating heart of Australian sport and style. This is The Race That Stops a Nation™ and so much more, four iconic race days featuring world-class racing, high fashion, fine dining and unforgettable atmosphere. Choose from a range of Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 packages across the full carnival or select individual race days, from the excitement of Howden Victoria Derby Day through to the prestige of Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, the elegance of Crown Oaks Day and the celebration of TAB Champions Stakes Day. Each package includes official Lawn Stand reserved seats (Cat. 1) with options to upgrade to reserved seating in the Hill Stand, or elevate your experience with exclusive hospitality including the popular Makybe Diva Marquee, prestigious Skyline Lounge and the decadent Parade Lounge.
Each Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel package is designed for flexibility and comfort. Packages include hand-picked Melbourne accommodation, from 4-star and 5-star hotels with daily breakfast to spacious, self-contained apartments ideal for couples, families, groups or extended stays, all located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD with private coach transfers on Derby and Cup Days. Your itinerary can be personalised with return flights, private airport transfers, water and helicopter transfer upgrades, an exclusive Mornington Peninsula Winery Tour and travel insurance — all arranged in-house by our expert travel team.
Backed by more than 30 years of expertise and a proud partnership with the Victoria Racing Club, Events Travel offers low deposits, flexible and secure bookings, and personalised service to help you travel with confidence. Join thousands of racing fans from around the world and secure your place at the Race That Stops The Nation™ with an official Melbourne Cup travel experience.
Speak with our expert team to request a quote or book your Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 tickets and travel package.
Explore Melbourne Cup 2026 packages
EARLY BIRD ENDS 31 MAY 2026
Looking for something else? Create a custom package with our expert team today.
Over 250,000 trips delivered worldwide.
Secure official tickets, hospitality, and insider experiences to the world’s biggest events — powered by official appointments and trusted partnerships.
Backed by 30+ years of expertise in premium fan travel, we curate every journey with hand-picked hotels and tailored services from start to finish to meet your needs.
Flexible packages, convenient payment plans, and dedicated support from our award-winning Australian-based team before, during, and after your trip.
With 550+ verified Trustpilot reviews, official partnerships, and leading accreditations, we’re trusted by discerning travellers and global organisations.
A message from our director
Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel packages with tickets offer the opportunity to experience one of the most prestigious and enduring events on the global sporting calendar, set against the energy of a Melbourne spring. Held each November at Flemington Racecourse, the Melbourne Cup Carnival is designed to be savoured as much as it is watched, bringing together world-class racing, high fashion, fine dining and a uniquely electric atmosphere that has captivated audiences since 1861.
Flemington places you at the heart of Australian racing heritage, just minutes from Melbourne’s CBD along the banks of the Maribyrnong River. The racecourse is a precinct of its own, with sweeping grandstands, manicured lawns, vibrant hospitality marquees and elegant dining rooms that invite you to move between the thrill of the track and the pleasures around it. From the anticipation of Derby Day and the prestige of Melbourne Cup Day through to the elegance of Oaks Day and the celebratory finale of Stakes Day, each race day offers its own distinct character, encouraging guests to stay, explore and immerse themselves across the full carnival.
That sense of occasion extends naturally into the host city. November is Melbourne at its most inviting, with long days, warm evenings and a vibrant outdoor lifestyle shaped by world-renowned restaurants, designer laneways and leafy parklands in full spring bloom. Beyond the city, the Mornington Peninsula offers boutique wineries and coastal charm, the Yarra Valley provides world-class cellar doors among rolling hills, and the Great Ocean Road delivers some of Australia’s most dramatic coastal scenery. Many guests weave the Melbourne Cup Carnival into a broader journey visiting Melbourne and Victoria, or Sydney and other destinations for international guests.
For those travelling with Events Travel, the experience is designed with care, confidence and intention. As the longest-running Official Tourism Operator for the Melbourne Cup Carnival since 2012, and proudly selling Melbourne Cup packages since 1995, we bring more than 30 years of expertise in creating official Melbourne Cup travel experiences that feel seamless and personal. From your initial enquiry through to your return home, you work with a dedicated team member who understands the carnival and your travel priorities. With a wide choice of tickets, hospitality options and accommodation styles, each journey can be tailored to suit individual preferences.
The result is a Melbourne Cup travel experience that feels personal, considered and thoughtfully managed. We look forward to welcoming you to our home city of Melbourne for The Race That Stops a Nation™.
Glenn Hedley
Director, Events Travel
From 31 October to 7 November 2026, Flemington Racecourse will host four spectacular race days, each offering its own unique atmosphere, traditions and highlights. Gates typically open at 9:00am, with the first race at approximately 10:45am and the final race around 5:15pm each day.
Howden Victoria Derby Day — Saturday, 31 October 2026
Derby Day marks the start of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and is widely regarded as the most prestigious day of racing on the Australian calendar. The nine-race card features four Group 1 events, including the Victoria Derby — the nation’s premier staying classic for three-year-olds. Off the track, the fashion stakes are equally high with the launch of Fashions on the Field.
The traditional dress theme is timeless black and white: women often embrace monochrome elegance, while men are encouraged to wear a grey morning suit with pin-stripe trousers. The official flower of Derby Day is the cornflower.
Lexus Melbourne Cup Day — Tuesday, 3 November 2026
The focal point of Cup Week and The Race That Stops a Nation™. More than 100,000 fans gather at Flemington to witness history as the nation holds its breath for 200 heart-pounding seconds. The excitement builds to a 3:00pm crescendo when the world’s finest thoroughbreds thunder down the straight, chasing the sport’s most coveted trophy.
Cup Day is a celebration of colour and flair — bold tones, statement prints and eye-catching millinery are the order of the day. The official flower is the yellow rose.
Crown Oaks Day — Thursday, 5 November 2026
Known as Ladies Day, Oaks Day celebrates elegance, style and tradition. Women of all ages don their most feminine ensembles, with soft pastels, florals and lace complemented by delicate millinery.
On the track, the spotlight falls on the Group 1 VRC Oaks — the classic contest for three-year-old fillies over 2,500 metres. It’s a day where fashion and racing intertwine in perfect harmony. The official flower is the pink rose.
TAB Champions Stakes Day — Saturday, 7 November 2026
The Carnival concludes with Champions Stakes Day — a fitting finale featuring three Group 1 championship races at the traditional distances of 1,200m, 1,600m and 2,000m.
With growing crowds and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, this day has become one of the most popular on the racing calendar. Families can enjoy trackside fun and free children’s activities while soaking up the excitement of world-class racing and live entertainment. The official flower is the red rose.
Race day schedules are subject to confirmation by the Victoria Racing Club and may change without notice.
Subject to change at any time without notice.
Each race day at Flemington has its own fashion personality, and dressing for the occasion is part of the experience. While there is no formal dress code for General Admission ticket holders, racegoers are encouraged to dress smart and embrace the spirit of each day. Hospitality venues, corporate dining areas and the Members’ Enclosure have stricter dress regulations enforced by the Victoria Racing Club.
Melbourne’s weather in early November is pleasant but changeable, with average daytime temperatures around 20–22°C and cool evenings around 11°C. Spring days can shift quickly from warm sunshine to cool breezes, so layers are recommended. A light jacket or wrap for the evening is always a good idea, and an umbrella or compact rain jacket is worth packing just in case. With long daylight hours and strong UV, sunscreen and sunglasses are also essential.
On Derby Day and Cup Day, Events Travel packages include return luxury coach transfers from two central Melbourne hotels directly to Flemington Racecourse. Coaches stop within the racecourse precinct, just a short walk from the grandstands and hospitality areas.
On Oaks Day and Champions Stakes Day, guests can take direct train services from Flinders Street Station and Southern Cross Station to Flemington Racecourse Station, located right behind the grandstands. Services run approximately every 10 to 15 minutes on race days. Alternatively, upgrade to private car, water taxi or even helicopter transfers from Southbank for the ultimate arrival experience.
Flemington Racecourse is located at 448 Epsom Road, Flemington, just 6 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD along the banks of the Maribyrnong River.
Comprehensive transport information will be provided with your travel documents to ensure a seamless and stress-free race day experience.
Melbourne is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that blends contemporary style with an easy-going Australian spirit. Renowned for its creative energy, world-class dining, impressive galleries, bustling cafés and boutique shopping, Melbourne offers endless ways to explore and indulge. Wander through hidden laneways adorned with street art in the CBD, or head north for bohemian precincts and authentic Italian cuisine.
Just a short walk or free tram ride from the city centre, you’ll find Melbourne’s legendary sporting venues — including the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Melbourne Park, home of the Australian Open. Beyond the city, Melbourne is the gateway to Victoria’s most scenic day trips: discover award-winning wineries in the Yarra Valley, the coastal charm of the Mornington Peninsula, dramatic cliffs along the Great Ocean Road, and picturesque alpine towns within a few hours’ drive.
With its unique mix of sophistication, creativity and sporting passion, Melbourne is the perfect host city for your Melbourne Cup Carnival experience.
November marks springtime in Melbourne — one of the city’s most inviting seasons. Average daytime temperatures range from 12°C to 23°C (54°F to 73°F), with longer days and plenty of sunshine. Weather can change quickly, so we recommend checking the forecast and dressing in layers. Sunscreen is essential, as UV levels can be high even on overcast days. Historically, the Melbourne Cup Carnival has seen everything from blue-sky warmth to cooler, overcast days — a charming unpredictability that locals and visitors have come to love.
Every journey is different. With more than 30 years of experience, our team can tailor your trip with flexible services and extras, designing the perfect itinerary and sourcing the best available rates and options using our experience and networks, tailored to your preferences and trip. Many guests choose to extend their trip beyond the event itself, combining their experience with a broader holiday, whether it’s a few extra days, a few weeks or a stopover.
Available services include:
Start planning today — enquire now for a personalised quote and speak to our expert travel team.
The default currency for this event is AUD ($). We accept AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, or NZD on request.
Your invoice will include instructions for payment via direct bank transfer (EFT) or secure online credit/debit card payment. Each invoice contains a “Pay Now” link directing you to a secure payment portal for quick and easy card payments.
Invoices can be issued and paid in AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, or NZD. If you would like to pay in a different currency to the default currency for this event, please contact our team to request an updated invoice. The total will be converted at the best available mid-market exchange rate, with updated payment instructions provided.
Below is a summary of key terms and conditions. For the full terms, please refer to our Booking Terms and Conditions. A PDF copy will be provided upon booking or can be downloaded at any time.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 will be held from Saturday, 31 October to Saturday, 7 November 2026. These dates are officially confirmed by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC). The Melbourne Cup is traditionally run on the first Tuesday in November each year.
The Carnival features four premier race days:
The Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 will be held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Flemington, managed by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC), has been the official home of the Melbourne Cup since 1861 and is recognised globally for its heritage, grandstands, gardens and vibrant Cup Week atmosphere.
Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 tickets can be purchased through official travel packages (available now) or the general public sale through the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) closer to the event.
Official packages from Events Travel are the easiest way to secure guaranteed official tickets, well before the general public sale. Packages include official race day tickets, Melbourne accommodation, optional hospitality upgrades such as Makybe Diva Marquee, Skyline Lounge and Parade Lounge, transfers, flights, insurance and extensions across Australia and New Zealand — designed specifically for interstate and international visitors to secure tickets early and travel with complete confidence.
Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 tickets are on sale now through official travel packages from Events Travel. The general public sale for Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 tickets through the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) typically opens closer to the event, with availability often limited for popular race days and hospitality options.
Events Travel offers official Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel packages ranging from express race day experiences to comprehensive carnival packages, as well as fully customised options. Packages include guaranteed official tickets across all four race days and seating categories, optional hospitality upgrades including Makybe Diva Marquee, Skyline Lounge and Parade Lounge, accommodation in 4-star and 5-star hotels with daily breakfast or apartments, flights and transfers, local experiences such as our exclusive Mornington Peninsula Winery Tour, and travel insurance. Packages are available for individuals, couples, families, groups and corporate clients.
Yes. Events Travel is an Official Travel Operator for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, appointed to sell travel packages that include official tickets, hospitality, accommodation and travel services, with access to tickets well in advance of the general public sale. Events Travel has held this official appointment since 2012 and has been selling Melbourne Cup packages since 1995, making it the longest-running and most experienced Official Tourism Operator for the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Events Travel is the longest-running Official Tourism Operator for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, appointed since 2012, with a proud history of selling Melbourne Cup packages since 1995 and more than 30 years of experience in global sports travel. Booking with Events Travel provides guaranteed official tickets, all-in-one Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 packages combining tickets, accommodation and optional hospitality upgrades, and access to all four race days well before the general public sale. Packages suit all travel styles from express race day experiences to comprehensive carnival packages, with expert curation, potential cost savings and exclusive add-ons such as our Mornington Peninsula Winery Tour and luxury racecourse transfers. Guests receive personalised support from experienced specialists with deep knowledge of the event and Melbourne as a destination, ensuring a seamless experience from enquiry to return home.
Yes. Events Travel specialises in creating custom Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel packages tailored to your preferences. You can choose your preferred race days, accommodation, ticket categories and inclusions, with options to add extra nights, flights, airport transfers, hospitality upgrades, travel insurance and Melbourne experiences. Our expert team will provide personalised recommendations to help design the ideal Melbourne Cup Carnival journey for you.
To book your Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel package, contact Events Travel via the online enquiry form, phone or email. A deposit is required at the time of booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event. Once confirmed, you will receive a detailed summary of inclusions, payment schedule and pre-travel documentation. Our team remains available throughout the booking process and during your trip to provide support and arrange additional services.
Yes. Your Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 booking is fully protected. Events Travel is an accredited Official Tourism Operator for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, offering guaranteed official tickets and secure payment options. Events Travel is accredited by IATA, ATAS and ATIA, ensuring strong financial protection, industry compliance and high service standards.
Book your Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 package as early as possible to access the best ticket categories, preferred accommodation, flight availability and premium experiences. Availability becomes more limited closer to the event, with popular race days, hospitality options and hotels filling first. Prices typically increase over time, and special requests are prioritised by booking date.
Yes. Events Travel offers corporate and group Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 packages, tailored for businesses, incentive programmes and private groups. Options may include group seating allocations, hospitality marquee bookings, curated dining experiences, branded or VIP inclusions, coordinated group transport and optional on-site support. Each group is supported by a dedicated specialist to ensure a seamless and professionally managed experience.
Events Travel offers travel packages for the Melbourne Cup Carnival rather than escorted small group tours. Packages are self-guided and include accommodation and official race day tickets, with optional experiences, hospitality upgrades, transfers, flights and travel insurance. A tour host is not included, though Events Travel staff may be present at selected functions or transport movements where applicable.
Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 packages are priced in AUD, with payment available in AUD, USD, GBP, EUR or NZD on request. Invoices are converted at the best available mid-market exchange rate at the time of issue, with payment instructions provided for your selected currency.
Don’t just take our word for it. Our team gets tons of praise.
Events Travel STUNNED us!
Events Travel provided anamazing hotel, walking distance from the Australian Open and tickets that stunned us day after day, game after game. We have already booked Wimbledon with them. No wonder my A.I. search for the best tennis packager placed Events Travel at the top of the list. That’s where they belong.
Everything as Promised
Events Travel delivered everything we wanted as promised – great seats and excellent accommodations at a fair price. No surprises, no hassles. We’re already on the waitlist for next year.
For my wife’s birthday
The whole thing went really smoothly – from the planning to the execution. The accommodation and tickets were excellent. I could not have imagined anything better👍
The booking was easy
The booking was easy, professional and a great team to deal with. Any questions we had were answered in a timely manner and friendly staff. Second time we have booked with them and we are happy with their service. Thank you.
Very convenient. Book everything together.
Booking through Events travel gave us the opportunity to purchase Australian Open tennis tickets prior to the general ticket sales. They gave us an extensive list of hotels to choose from. We booked tickets at Rod Laver arena which we were very happy with. We hope to use Events Travel again.
Get in touch to start planning your next sports travel experience.
Discover 10 reasons why Events Travel is a global leader in sports travel experiences.
First in sports travel
since 1993.
Join 200,000+ fans getting priority access to exclusive travel packages, early-bird benefits, and insider deals — before they sell out.
Start your journey.
Let us know a few details — one of our travel experts will reply personally, typically within one business day.
Need help? Call our team on +613 5989 7666 or email res@events.com.au — we're ready to assist.