Melbourne Cup
The Melbourne Cup is the biggest racing event in the southern hemisphere and, with prize money of A$5.65 million, it's the richest handicap race in the world. Every year, thousands of excited spectators flood the Flemington Racecourse for the occasion.
Dubbed 'the race that stops the nation', the Melbourne Cup is so important in Australia that race day is declared a national holiday. The country comes to a standstill as Aussies make their way to the course, or the pub, to watch the big event.
A day at the course is the Antipodean equivalent to Royal Ascot, as the rich and famous compete for the most exclusive seats, dressing in their most fashionable clothes.
First held in 1861, the Melbourne Cup rapidly grew into an Australian institution. Today it is one of four major races held during the week-long Melbourne Cup Carnival - a focal point for the worldwide racing fraternity.
Related Information
Website: Flemington Racecourse Website
Website: Racing Victoria Website
| Venue Information: | Flemington Racecourse |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | |
| Address: | 448 Epsom Road, Flemington 3031 |
| Directions: | North-east of Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD), the Flemington Racecourse is well-serviced by public transport. By Train: the course has its own platforms. Trains depart frequently from Flinders St. By Tram: 57 from the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders Sts. For those driving to Carnival meets, there is a park & ride from Telstra Dome and Harbour Town. |
| Contact Details: | Flemington Racecourse |
| Email: | customerservice@vrc.net.au |
| Phone: | +61 (0) 3 8378 0747 |
| Other Information: | Flemington Racecourse |
| Website: | Flemington Racecourse Website |
| Name: | Victoria Tourist Office |
|---|---|
| Location: | Victoria |
| Address: | GPO Box 2219T, 55 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC 3001 |
| Email: | tourvic@dsd.vic.gov.au |
| Phone: | +61 (0) 3 96 53 97 77 |
| Fax: | +61 (0) 3 96 53 97 33 |
| Name: | Australian Tourist Commission |
| Location: | Australia |
| Address: | PO Box 2721, Level 4, 80 William St, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, NSW 2011, Australia. The postal address is: PO Box 2721, Sydney, NSW 2001, Australia |
| Phone: | +61 (0) 2 9360 1111 |
| Fax: | +61 (0) 2 9331 2538 |
| Name: | Australian Tourist Commission in London |
| Location: | Australia |
| Address: | Gemini House 10-18 Putney Hill, Putney, London, SW15 6AA |
| Email: | europe_tradeline@atc.gov.au |
| Phone: | +44 (0) 208 780 2229 |
| Fax: | +44 (0) 208 780 1496 |
