Where to watch the Melbourne Cup in Brisbane

Whether you’re in it for the parties, the fashion, the racing or you’re just looking to have a great time, there are heaps of incredible Melbourne Cup events on in Brisbane this year!

Here’s our round up of all the best events on in Brisbane.

Canadian Club Melbourne Cup Raceday at Doomben Racecourse

Doomben Racecourse is offering a few different Melbourne Cup packages this year.

General Admission

If you’re in it for the trackside atmosphere, general admission at Doomben is for you. Have a flutter on eight live races at the only trackside location in Brisbane, then view the latest spring fashion in the Review Fashions on the Field sponsored by Digby’s Menswear. Enjoy a complimentary touch-up in the Jurlique pamper station and get your photo snapped in the Nova photobooth. There will also be live entertainment all day and of course live coverage of the race!

Tickets: $20pp

Nova Lawn Party

More of a party animal? Party away at the lawn party, including marquee access, 4 drinks per person, a picnic style lunch menu, DJs, prizes and giveaways.

Tickets: $95pp

Members’ Reserve

This year, members can take advantage of uninterrupted views of all the on-track action from the Member’s Grandstand and access to the Falvelon Bar and Celebration Lawn.

Tickets: $110pp

Spring Winter Feast

Enjoy an impressive shared table-style seafood buffet menu and flowing premium beverage package with winning post views, in a lavish garden party style setting.

Tickets: $270pp

Grand Pavilion

Enjoy the Melbourne Cup race day festivities from within the luxe Grand Pavilion Marquee and take in the Fashions on the Field competition held within the marquee. Enjoy a five hour beverage package and extended canapé menu.

Tickets: $300pp

Doomben Racecourse is located at Cnr Nudgee Road and Hampden Street, Ascot. For tickets visit www.brc.com.au

Gambaro Hotel

Get ready for one of the most entertaining days out on the social events calendar, Gambaros Melbourne Cup Lunch hosted by Hit105’s Stav and Abby. Watch the race and enjoy 3 courses of award winning cuisine and drinks, live music and entertainment! There will also be prizes, sweeps and raffles.

Tickets: From $89.50pp

Gambaro Hotel is located at 33 Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace. To book visit www.gambarohotel.com.au or call 3369 9500

Queensland Cricketers Club

Celebrate the race that stops the nation at the QC Club and help Kiss Goodbye to MS. Overlooking The Gabba sportsgrounds, the QC Club has three Melbourne cup packages to choose from this year. Each package features fine wine and beverages, a delicious three-course luncheon by award-winning Executive Chef Tabitha Thompson and special gift pack for attendees. There will also be live music, guest speakers, fashions on the field competitions and complimentary make-up touches by Stefan as well as silent auctions and sweeps.

Tickets: Packages start from $140pp

Queensland Cricketers Club is located at 411 Vulture Street, East Brisbane. For more information visit www.qcclub.com.au

Portside Wharf

This year Portside Wharf is celebrating Melbourne Cup with a range of race day events across it’s restaurants.

Sono Japanese Restaurant

Two cultures combine at Sono’s Melbourne Cup luncheon this year, with canapés on arrival, a three course Japanese banquet menu,  a three and a half hour premium beverage package, and an exclusive viewing of the race on the big screen at Dendy cinema!

Tickets: $125pp

To book visit www.sonorestaurant.com.au or call (07) 3268 6655.

Byblos

Byblos is holding its 8th annual Mad Hatter’s Melbourne Cup Tea Party, featuring a three course banquet, cocktails, loads of entertainment and of course full coverage of the race. Plus, the girls from Ella Bache Hamilton will be on hand at the beauty bar to ensure guests are looking their best all day.

Tickets: $165pp or $1550 for groups of 10

Belvedere Bar and Grill

Enjoy live music and a three course lunch on the huge deck while Gusto da Gianni dishes up exquisite Italian dishes for guests.

Tickets: $139pp

NOLA Portside

Enjoy appetizers, sharing platters and desserts including a drink on arrival at NOLA.

Tickets: $85pp

Portside Wharf is located at 39 Hercules Street, Hamilton. For more information visit www.portsidewharf.com.au/dine

St Laurence’s College

Enjoy a lavish lunch for Melbourne Cup at Lauries! Come dressed in your best black and gold outfit and flutter your way to a winner at this event which includes a fashion parade, raffles, accessories for sale, entertainment and heaps more! Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, bubbles and wine. All proceeds go towards the restoration of the College’s new Chapel.

Tickets: $65pp

St Laurence’s College is located on 82 Stephens road, South Brisbane. For tickets click here

Emporium Hotel

The Emporium Hotel is celebrating Melbourne Cup this year with A Vanity Affair, featuring cocktails, canapés and high fashion by Carla Zampatti. Enjoy a three hour beverage package including delicious racing inspired cocktails, canapés and a delicious seafood station. There will also be a live fashion show featuring famous fashion designs by Carla Zampatti, sweeps and of course live coverage of the race and prizes for the best dressed.

Tickets: $145pp

Emporium Hotel is located at 1000 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. To book email events@emporiumhotels.com.au or call 3253 6914

South Bank

This year there are plenty of restaurants in and around South Bank you can watch the race from!

Stokehouse Q

Enjoy an exquisite three course menu, along with a four hour premium beverage package including Veuve Cliquot Champagne at Stokehouse Q, all whilst taking in the incredible views of the river. There will be big screens to watch the race, as well as sweeps and prizes for best dressed.

Tickets: $250pp

Stokehouse is located at River Quay, South Bank. To book click here

Aquitaine Brasserie

Indulge in a spectacular three course choice menu and a two hour beverage package at Aquitaine Brasserie, including a glass of French favourite Perrier Jouet champagne on arrival. Make sure you dress to impress for this one with great prizes for best dressed!

Tickets: $140pp

Aquitaine Brasserie is located at River Quay, South Bank. To book click here

Cove Bar and Dining

This Melbourne Cup day you can enjoy a decadent two course menu at Cove Bar and Dining, featuring twice cooked pork belly and king prawn pad Thai. Yum! You’ll also receive a drink on arrival and a coveted spot in the sweepstakes.

Tickets: $55pp

Cove Bar and Dining is located at River Quay, South Bank. To book click here

South Bank Beer Garden

Enjoy a three hour food, beverage and cocktail package at the beer garden this year for Melbourne Cup! Enjoy live entertainment lucky door prizes and prizes for best dressed and best hat.

Tickets: $110pp

South Bank Beer Garden is located in Stanley Plaza at South Bank Parklands. To book click here

The Charming Squire

The Charming Squire is celebrating the race that stops the nation with a cocktail party! Taking place on their Mezzanine level, party goers can enjoy a four hour drinks and canapé package, including champagne on arrival. Sounds charming!

Tickets:$95pp

The Charming Squire is located at 133 Grey Street, South Bank. To book click here

For more information about the packages on offer at South Bank and its restaurants visit www.eatsouthbank.com.au

Sofitel Brisbane Central

Sofitel Brisbane Central is holding a few different Melbourne Cup events this year.

Ballroom Le Grand

Join punters, fashionistas and social butterflies alike in the Sofitel Ballroom Le Grand and view the Melbourne Cup on cinema screens. The festivities will begin with a glass of Louis Bouillot French sparkling on arrival followed by a three course feast created by Executive Chef Patrice Falantin. There will be live entertainment by band Jasper, as well as an exclusive fashion parade style by Linda Lola featuring designs from DA by Daniel Alexander. There will also be huge prizes on offer.

Tickets: $199pp or $195pp for a table of 10

The Champagne Circle

Enjoy drinks served within La Galerie’s VIP Lounge, preferential seating in the Ballroom Le Grand, Luxurious premium table setting, free flow of Pol Roger Champagne, select wines and premium beers and double entry into the major prize draw.

Tickets: $275pp limited seats available.

Thyme Restaurant

Enjoy a unique and interactive dining experience showcasing a full seafood buffet, wood fire ovens alongside an impressive array of gourmet dishes and decadents desserts while watching the race at Sofitel’s Thyme Restaurant.
Afterwards you can attend the after party in the Cuvée Lounge Bar with live entertainment, wines and cocktails.

Tickets: From $99pp

Sofitel Brisbane Central is located at 249 Turbot Street, Brisbane. To book visit www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au

Novotel Brisbane – offsite catering

If you can’t get out of the office during Melbourne Cup this year, catering is great option! Novotel Brisbane is doing some great workplace catering deals for Melbourne Cup, this year. Enjoy Asian or European platters, cheeseboards, antipasto platters or an assortment of sweet slices and baked goods. They even do mixed platters with sandwiches, fruit, pastries and salads.

Prices: Start from as little as $10pp

For more information click here www.novotelbrisbane.com.au/whats-on/overview-en.html#item_871

Dutch Courage Officers’ Mess

Dutch Courage Officer’s Mess is hosting Brisbane’s first ever gin-orientated Melbourne Cup event, ‘Gin and Gallops’ on race day this year. Enjoy a classic gin cocktail, the French 75 on arrival as well as Dutch’s signature drink, the Spanish-style gin tonica. There will be a non-stop bubbles and beer bar, a cheese platter and endless canapés including confit duck spring rolls and steamed pork gyoza. There will also be live entertainment, party games and prizes for best headpiece and best use of hair product.

Tickets: $79pp

Dutch Courage Officers’ Mess is located at 51 Alfred street, Fortitude Valley. To book email info@dutchcourage.com.au or call 3852 4838

Saké Restaurant and Bar

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style with an exclusive nine course omakase lunch, hosted by former MasterChef contestant Alana Lowes. Sit with your friends or colleagues in the main dining room, book a private dining room or watch all the racing action on the big screens from the deck under the cherry blossom tree.

Tickets: $99pp

Saké Restaurant and Bar is located at Level 1, 45 Eagle Street, Eagle Street Pier. To book visit www.sakerestaurant.com.au or call 3015 0557

YMCA – Clovely Estate in Red Hill

Celebrate Melbourne Cup at Clovely Estate in Red Hill and help raise money for the Cancer Survivors Program at YMCA Bowen Hills. Enjoy a gourmet two course meal, canapés and sparkling wine on arrival plus a four hours drink package. The event will also feature a fashion parade, auctions, sweeps, raffles and more!

Tickets: $110pp

Clovely Estate is located on Musgrave Road, Red Hill. To book visit www.brisbanetickets.com.au/event/1774

Aria

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in true carnival style at Aria’s Melbourne Cup Lunch. Enjoy a glass of Piper – Heidsieck on arrival, and a sumptuous three course lunch designed by Chef Matt Moran while watching the race on the big screens. Make sure you dress to impress, as there’ll be prizes for best dressed.

Tickets: $155pp

Aria Restaurant is located at 1 Eagle Street, Eagle Street Pier. To book visit www.ariarestaurant.com/brisbane or call 3233 2555.

Gerard’s Bistro

Award-winning Chef, Ben Williamson, will be replenishing guests with a fresh seafood installation, cured meats, delectable canapes and a selection of Gerard’s Bistro favourites. Mercedes-Benz Brisbane will be partnering with the event for Fashions Off the Field, where guests will have the chance to win prizes for their race day outfits.

Tickets: From $195pp

Gerard’s Bistro is located at 15 James Street, Fortitude Valley. For tickets click here

Lutece Bistro and Wine Bar

Enjoy a three course sit-down lunch and a glass of Sparkling or Rose while watching the race on the big screen. Make sure you frock up, as there will be prizes for best dressed and best hat, as well as sweepstakes.

Tickets: $89pp

Lutece Bistro and Wine Bar is located at 1/60 Macgregor Terrace, Bardon. To book visit www.lutece.com.au or call 07 3161 1858.

Cloudland

Mingle in style at Cloudland’s Melbourne Cup Garden Party featuring live entertainment, fashions on the field, a photo booth, raffles and sweeps. Enjoy a 3 course gala luncheon including a 3.5 hour drinks package or check in at Madame Hedges Cocktail Party with French bubbles and deluxe canapés.

Tickets: 3 Course Luncheon $190pp or $1,800 for a table of 10. Cocktail party $99pp.

Cloudland is located at 641 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. To book visit www.katarzyna.com.au or call 3852 5000.

Bacchus Restaurant

Enjoy a cocktail on arrival, glass of Moet for the race and a delicious high tea. The High Tea event will raise funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. And if you’re still raring to go after the race you can hit the after party at Soleil Pool Bar.

Tickets: $70pp

Bacchus Restaurant is located on the corner of Grey and Glenelg Streets, South Bank. To book visit www.bacchussouthbank.com.au

Story Bridge Hotel

This year Story Bridge Hotel are running three different Melbourne Cup events, so whatever your style there is an option for you.

Main St Bar and Eatery

Celebrate in true spring racing style with champagne, canapés, gourmet food stations, spirits, wines and craft beers.

Tickets: $150pp

Shelter Bar

Or maybe you’d like to join the party in the Shelter Bar? Featuring a DJ on site, delicious finger foods, gourmet noodles boxes and a beverage package.

Tickets: $110pp

Deery’s Restaurant & Smokehouse

The Member’s Lunch at Deery’s Restaurant & Smokehouse will featue a four course lunch designed by Executive Chef, Matt Fosker.

Tickets: $99pp.

Story Bridge Hotel is located at 200 Main Street, Kangaroo Point. To book visit www.storybridgehotel.com.au or call 3391 2266.

The Glen Hotel

Put on your stretchy pants and get ready for The Glen Hotel’s Garden Party themed buffet luncheon in the Garden Grille Restaurant and Silk Lined Marquee. Tickets to the party include an all you can eat luncheon complete with a decadent dessert bar, DJ entertainment, fun racing games, sweepstakes, an open-air photo booth and of course the race will be screened throughout the venue on the big screens! There will also be lucky door prizes and prizes for the best dressed male and female, as well as best hat/fascinator.

Tickets: From $62pp

The Glen Hotel is located on 24 Gaskell street, Eight Mile Plains. To book visit www.glenhotel.com.au or call 3270 6666.

Delfina’s Bistro

Delfina’s Bistro are hosting their first ever Melbourne Cup Day extravaganza, featuring a 3 hour drinks package, three course meal, live music, in-house games and live streaming of the race. Enjoy delicious dishes like an entree of soft shell crab, a main of fillet of beef, potato pave, mushrooms and leek and dessert of apple mille feuille and chestnut custard.

Tickets: $89pp

Delfina’s Bistro is located at the Emporium Complex on Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. To book email bookings@delfinas.com.au or call 3252 0215.

Woolly Mammoth

Giddy up and gallop into Woolly Mammoth this year, for the race that stops the nation! Enjoy a feasting table lunch complete with a selection of tasting plates, ribs, salads and cheeses as well as a 3 hour drinks package. You’ll also have the chance to enter sweeps and win prizes.

Tickets: $79pp or $553 for a group of 8.

Woolly Mammoth is located at 633 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley. To book visit www.woollymammoth.com.au/Melbourne-Cup

Écco Bistro

Celebrate Melbourne Cup this year at Écco Bistro with an all inclusive three hour package of indulgence, hosted by Kylie Lang. From 12pm until 3pm enjoy free flowing drinks including Louis Roederer Champagne and a delicious three course shared banquet, all while you watch the race on the big screen. There are also over $10,000 worth of prizes to be won including prizes for best hat, best dressed and a luck door prize.

Tickets: $185pp

Écco Bistro is located at 100 Boundary Street, Brisbane. To book visit www.eccobistro.com.au/event/melbourne-cup-2015/ or call 07 3831 8344

Treasury Casino and Hotel

Indulge your fancies, gather your fillies and relax in the opulent surrounds of Treasury Casino and Hotel for a suitably sophisticated Melbourne Cup experience.
Treasury’s Executive Chef Steven Jones has prepared a heavenly race-day spread of high tea goodies for those looking to take in the time-honoured racing tradition without getting their heels dirty! Choose between two of Treasury’s iconic venues: the charming lab bar + restaurant nestled away in the Treasury Heritage Hotel, or The Kitty at the top of Queen Street Mall.

Tickets: From $45pp or $90 for two tickets with a bottle of Domaine Chandon to share.

To book visit www.treasurybrisbane.com.au

The Transcontinental Hotel

Enjoy a day fill of fun and excitement at the Transcontinental Hotel, with Fashions on the Field, live music and heaps of giveaways. Choose from two race day packages including the public package with a drink on arrival and a main meal or the platform package with a 3 hour beverage deal, canapés on arrival, a main course and tasting desserts.

Tickets: Public Package $35pp, Platform Package $89pp

The Transcontinental Hotel is located at 482 George Street, Brisbane. To book click here

New Farm Cinemas

New Farm Cinemas will be hosting a unique Melbourne Cup Screening this year, live in their Purple Room. Enjoy Panini and hot chips, a glass of bubbles, fashion parades, fashions on the field plus great prizes, raffles and sweeps.

Tickets: $15pp

For tickets and more info click here

Bavarian Bier Cafe

Relax into an afternoon of fillies, fashion and an exclusive 4-course lunch this Melbourne Cup day at Bavarian Bier Café Eagle Street Pier. The ‘Hops & Horses’ menu features a choice of dishes to suit everyone’s tastebuds. There’ll be sweepstake competitions, prizes for best dressed and bier upgrades between 2.30pm and 5.30pm, all with breathtaking views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge.

Tickets: $55pp, including glass of bubbles on arrival.

Bavarian Bier Cafe is located on Eagle Street Pier. For tickets visit www.bavarianbiercafe.com

The Normanby Hotel

Celebrate Melbourne Cup this year at the Normanby Hotel with their Melbourne Cup Race Day package. Enjoy drinks throughout the day, live entertainment including roving stilt walkers and miniature ponies, fashions on the field, a pop up beauty bar with a hair and nail station, a scrumptious lolly bar and multiple house sweeps.

Tickets: $89pp

The Normanby Hotel is located at 1 Musgrave Road, Red Hill. For tickets click here

Riverbar & Kitchen

Enjoy an afternoon by the river this Melbourne Cup day with a 3-course share menu and glass of Moet on arrival at Riverbar & Kitchen. There’ll be a prize for best dressed and sweeps along with live music from The Bella Reunion from 1pm to 4pm and a DJ from 5pm to late.

Plus you’ll get to enjoy a free ride to the event! Riverbar & Kitchen have teamed up with UBER to give new users a free first ride up to the value of $30.

Tickets: $85pp

Riverbar & Kitchen is located on the Promenade Level at Riparian Plaza, 71 Eagle Street, Brisbane. To book call 3211 9020 or for more information visit www.riverbarandkitchen.com.au

Where will you be going to watch the race this year? Did we miss your favourite Melbourne Cup venue? We’ll be updating the list throughout the month, so let us know in the comments below!