Your official journey to the 2026 Melbourne Cup Carnival begins here, with the most trusted name in sports travel. As the longest-running Official Tourism Operator for VRC since 2012, Events Travel invites you to experience the magic of Cup Week at Flemington Racecourse, featuring four iconic racedays: Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day and Stakes Day, all part of the world’s greatest racing festival.
From 31 October to 7 November 2026, Flemington transforms into the beating heart of global sport and style. This is where legends are made, fashion meets tradition, and all eyes are fixed on The Race That Stops a Nation™. From the first parade on Derby Day to the final roar on Stakes Day, the Melbourne Cup Carnival captures everything that makes racing in Melbourne exceptional — passion, pageantry and sporting theatre.
Each Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel package includes official tickets, curated Melbourne accommodation and the flexibility to enhance your experience with exclusive hospitality upgrades from the popular Makybe Diva Marquee to the prestigious Parade Lounge and Birdcage. See where the locals go on an exclusive Mornington Peninsula Winery Tour, or arrive at Flemington in style with luxury coach transfers, relaxed water transfers or a scenic helicopter flight from Southbank.
Backed by more than 30 years of expertise and a proud partnership with the Victoria Racing Club, Events Travel offers low deposits, secure bookings and personalised service to ensure your trip is tailored and seamless. Join thousands of racing fans from around the world and secure your place at Spring Racing in 2026 with an official Melbourne Cup travel experience.
Join the waitlist to be first in line when official Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel packages and tickets go on sale.
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 are coming soon, and it’s our pleasure to welcome you to one of the most prestigious and enduring events on the global sporting calendar.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival is more than a week of world-class racing — it’s a celebration of heritage, style and the unmistakable spirit of Melbourne. Since 1861, Flemington has been the stage for legends, and each November the racecourse transforms into a spectacle of fashion, food and first-class entertainment. From the elegance of Derby Day and the excitement of Cup Day to the glamour of Oaks Day and the electric finale of Champions Stakes Day, every raceday offers its own unique atmosphere and unforgettable moments.
Equally captivating is the city that hosts it. Melbourne is a place where sport, culture and creativity collide — from world-renowned restaurants and designer boutiques to vibrant laneways and leafy parklands in full spring bloom. Beyond the city, discover the beauty of Victoria with day trips to the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and Great Ocean Road, each offering its own distinct charm.
At Events Travel, we’ve been proudly welcoming guests to Cup Week for more than three decades. As the longest-running Official Tourism Operator since 2012, we’ve helped racing fans from around the world experience the thrill and tradition of the Carnival with ease, comfort and confidence. Our approach is simple — to craft seamless, personalised journeys that go beyond the ticket, capturing the true essence of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
We invite you to join our waitlist for Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel packages, featuring guaranteed official tickets, curated accommodation and exclusive experiences such as Makybe Diva Marquee, Skyline Lounge, Parade Lounge, Mornington Peninsula Winery Tours, and even water or helicopter transfers direct to Flemington. Whether you’re returning or visiting for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you to our home city of Melbourne for The Race That Stops a Nation™.
See you there!
Glenn Hedley,
Director, Events Travel
From 31 October to 7 November 2026, Flemington Racecourse will host four spectacular racedays, each offering its own unique atmosphere, traditions and highlights.
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 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 dress code is timeless and elegant: women often embrace monochrome black and white, while men traditionally wear a grey morning suit with pin-stripe trousers.
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 3pm crescendo when the world’s finest thoroughbreds thunder down the straight, chasing the sport’s most coveted trophy. Each year, new legends are made and new dreams realised on Australian racing’s biggest stage.
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, highlighted by the coveted Fashions on the Field finale. On the track, the spotlight falls on the Group 1 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.
Stakes Day — Saturday, 7 November 2026
The Carnival concludes with Stakes Day — a fitting finale featuring Victoria’s premier 1600-metre event, the Group 1 Stakes. 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.
To be updated for 2026.
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 to Flemington, or upgrade to private car, water taxi, or even helicopter transfers from Southbank for the ultimate arrival experience.
Comprehensive transport information will be provided with your travel documents to ensure a seamless and stress-free raceday 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 Spring Racing 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 and hats are essential, as UV levels can be high. 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.
Enhance your journey with flexible extras and tailored services. Whether extending your stay, upgrading comfort, or adding new experiences, our expert team will design the perfect itinerary and source the best available rates for you.
Available extras include:
Enquire now for a no obligation quote today.
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
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), with the Melbourne Cup traditionally run on the first Tuesday in November each year. The Carnival features four premier racedays: Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day and Champions Stakes Day.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 will take place 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.
You can buy Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 tickets in two main ways:
Join the waitlist to be first in line when official Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel packages and tickets go on sale.
Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 tickets are not yet on sale. Tickets will be released soon via our Official Travel Packages (with guaranteed official tickets) and through the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) general public sale.
Join the waitlist to be first in line when official Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel packages and tickets go on sale.
Official Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel packages are not yet available. However, Events Travel will soon release a range of flexible and customisable options designed for every kind of racing fan. Packages will include guaranteed official tickets, premium accommodation, hospitality upgrades such as Makybe Diva Marquee, Skyline Lounge and Parade Lounge, plus options to add flights, private transfers, sightseeing experiences and travel insurance. Custom packages will also be available upon request.
Join the waitlist to be first in line when official Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel packages and tickets go on sale.
Yes. Events Travel is an Official Tourism Operator for the Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026, authorised by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) to sell official travel packages that include guaranteed tickets, premium accommodation, hospitality experiences and curated travel services. Events Travel has held this official status since 2014, making us the longest-running and most experienced tourism partner for the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
The best way for interstate and international visitors to book Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 tickets is with an official travel package from Events Travel. As the longest-running Official Tourism Operator for the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) since 2014, we’re the most experienced provider of Melbourne Cup Carnival packages worldwide. Based in Melbourne, we combine local knowledge, trusted service and more than 30 years of expertise to deliver the ultimate Cup Week experience.
When you book with Events Travel, you get direct access to official tickets and all-in-one packages designed to suit every budget and style. Save time, money and hassle by travelling with an expert provider, and work with our team to tailor your experience — whether it’s a value-focused escape, a group celebration, or a high-end luxury journey, we’ll make it happen.
Book Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 with Events Travel and enjoy:
Guaranteed official tickets – access to all four racedays: Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day and Champions Stakes Day.
Optional hospitality upgrades – premium experiences such as the Makybe Diva Marquee, Skyline Lounge and Parade Lounge, complete with curated dining and entertainment.
Hand-picked accommodation – 4- and 5-star Melbourne hotels and serviced apartments chosen for quality, comfort and location.
Curated inclusions – from Mornington Peninsula winery tours to private sightseeing and bespoke local experiences.
Flexible extras – personalise your trip with flights, private transfers, extra nights, or travel insurance, all in one seamless booking.
Secure and flexible bookings – low deposits, multi-currency payments, and trusted booking protections for total peace of mind.
Unmatched expertise – with over three decades of experience and official VRC accreditation, no one knows Cup Week better.
For guaranteed tickets, premium hospitality and a seamless Cup Week experience, the most reliable way to attend is to book an official Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 travel package with Events Travel.
Yes. You can create a custom Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 package tailored to your travel needs. Add extra nights, choose your preferred hotel, and include flights, airport transfers, travel insurance and optional Melbourne or regional experiences such as a Mornington Peninsula winery tour. Our expert team will design a seamless and fully personalised itinerary, ensuring your Cup Week experience matches your style and budget perfectly.
To book your Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 package, contact our team via online form, phone or email. A deposit is required at the time of booking, with the balance due closer to departure. You’ll receive a detailed summary of inclusions, payment information and pre-travel details once your booking is confirmed. Our experienced travel advisors are available by phone, email or WhatsApp — and on-site at select events — to provide personalised support every step of the way.
Yes. Your Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 package booking is fully protected and backed by Events Travel’s official partnership with the Victoria Racing Club (VRC). All packages include guaranteed official tickets and secure payment options. Events Travel is IATA, ATAS and ATIA accredited, ensuring the highest standards of financial security and professional service. You can book with confidence knowing your booking is safe and protected.
You should book your Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 package as early as possible. Early booking provides access to the best ticket categories, hospitality venues and preferred accommodation, along with greater choice for flights, extras and upgrades. Prices typically increase closer to the event, and special requests — such as specific grandstands or hospitality suites — are prioritised by booking date.
Yes. Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 corporate and group packages are available for businesses, private groups and incentive travel programs. Services include:
Our dedicated group travel team will manage your Melbourne Cup Carnival 2026 experience from start to finish, ensuring a professional, seamless and memorable event for your guests or clients.
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.
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.
Need help? Call our team on +613 5989 7666 or email res@events.com.au — we're ready to assist.
