Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026

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

Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 schedule

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.

Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 Event Map

To be updated for 2026.

Subject to change at any time without notice.

What to Wear to the Melbourne Cup Carnival

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.

Getting to Flemington Racecourse

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.

Destination — Melbourne

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.

Climate

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:

• Extra nights at featured hotels or alternative accommodation, with our team securing the best available rates including price matching
• Domestic and international flights with route and fare recommendations
• Airport transfers, car rental, train tickets and other local transport solutions
• Cruises and multi-day tours
• Tickets to attractions, activities and guided sightseeing experiences
• Tailored travel insurance with Cover-More and Go Insurance
• Extensions to other destinations with complete itineraries and personalised recommendations

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.

Payment requirements:

• A deposit of 25% is due to confirm your booking, plus any ticket upgrades and extras*.
• The balance of 75% is due by 1 August 2026**.

*If your booking includes extra services, alternative payment terms may apply. Specific details will be outlined during the quoting process. For example, independent flights typically require immediate full payment to confirm, while car rentals generally require payment upon vehicle pickup.
^ Bookings made after the balance due date require full payment upfront, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

How to make payment

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.

How to pay in other currencies and fees

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.

Payments in AUD:

• Direct Transfer (EFT): No additional fees (including SWIFT or bank charges)
• Credit Card Payments:
  • Visa or Mastercard: 1.70% merchant fee
  • American Express: 1.98% merchant fee

Payments in USD, GBP, EUR, or NZD:

• Direct Transfer (EFT): No additional fees (including SWIFT or bank charges)
• Credit Card Payments:
  • Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Google Pay, Apple Pay: 1.98% merchant fee

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.

• Payments:
  • All payments are non-refundable in case of cancellation. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking.
  • Events Travel accepts no liability for additional fees charged by your bank or credit card issuer during the payment process.
• Travel insurance:
  • Policies are available through Cover-More and Go Insurance.
  • Australian residents receive a 10% discount on annual policies.
  • Inbound policies are available for international travellers visiting Australia.
• Booking changes and cancellations:
  • Amendments may incur fees per change, plus applicable supplier fees (e.g., airline fees and fare differences).
  • Full cancellation policies apply, and no refunds or credits are provided for unused services.
• Accreditations:
  • Events Travel is accredited by IATA, ATAS, and ATIA and is a member of ASTA and IAGTO.
• Imagery disclaimer:
  • Images on our website and marketing materials are for illustrative purposes only and may not accurately reflect your travel experience. All images are used as a comparative representation only.
• Content accuracy:
  • Content, including prices and availability, was accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.
• Payment fees:
  • Events Travel cannot be held liable for, or incur any costs associated with, fees charged by your bank or credit card issuer when making payments.
• Official position:
  • Events Travel is an Official Travel Operator for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, appointed to sell packages that include official tickets, hospitality, accommodation and curated travel services. We have held this status since 2012, making Events Travel the longest-running Official Tourism Operator for the Melbourne Cup Carnival. With a proud history of selling Melbourne Cup packages since 1995, we are also the most experienced travel partner for the event.