It’s almost that time of year again when the race that stops a nation will once again live up to its name. That’s right, the Melbourne Cup will be run on the first Tuesday in November, as per tradition, and it looks to be shaping up as an exciting race.
Just about everyone in the country stops what they’re doing to watch the great race and many people plan an entire day and evening of entertainment around the Melbourne Cup.
What will you be doing on Melbourne Cup Day? Unless you live in Melbourne and have already secured a ticket to Flemington Racecourse, watching the race live at the track is not going to be an option. So, what other options are there to enjoy the big occasion?
#1 – Organise a Work Melbourne Cup Party
Your work party could be held at the office or wherever you happen to work, or you might arrange to meet somewhere for lunch, drinks, and to watch the race on a big screen.
Work parties to celebrate the great race have long been a huge tradition in Australia, so talk to your boss and work colleagues about doing something for Melbourne Cup Day and see what you can come up with. If your boss is hesitant because of the cost, you can all chip in for food and drinks and also run an office sweepstake to make the race even more interesting.
The great thing about having work done is at least you’ll be getting the afternoon off work. That’s always worth celebrating.
#2 – Host a Melbourne Cup Party At Home
If you and your family or friends are fortunate enough not to have to work on Melbourne Cup Day, or at least get the afternoon off, then host a party at your home or a friend’s house.
Home parties are a hassle-free way of celebrating and enjoying the big race. You could start things off with a traditional Aussie backyard BBQ, accompanied by some beer, wine, and champagne. If everyone puts a little wager on the race, it makes watching it that much more interesting.
Once the race itself is done and dusted, have another BBQ for dinner and continue partying on well into the night.
You don’t necessarily have to go out to a venue to enjoy a day at the races, so consider a home party for this year’s Melbourne Cup.
#3 – Watch the Race At a Social Club
Australia abounds with many great social and entertainment clubs and this year no doubt the majority of them will be hosting some form of Melbourne Cup celebration or event. Just be sure to check out what’s happening with your local social club.
If you’re located in Sydney’s Western Suburbs, then consider spending the afternoon and evening at Dooleys Club. Dooleys is a Lidcombe club and when it comes to a social club in Western Sydney, it’s considered by many as one of the best.
Of course, it’s not the only social club Sydney has to offer, but Dooleys always creates a great atmosphere no matter what the occasion and you can enjoy live entertainment in the lead up to the race, special deals and there are prizes for the best dressed on the day.
#4 – Celebrate the Action At a Local Race Track
Check your local racecourse, as they might be holding their very own Melbourne Cup race day carnival. If that’s the case, it’s the next best thing to being trackside at Flemington. At least there will be live racing action to watch and place a bet on while waiting for the actual Melbourne Cup race to come on live on TV at the track.
No doubt the traditional champagne will be flowing freely at your local racecourse. Get your friends together, dress to impress, and make a day of it. There’s nothing quite like being at a race track on the big day, with horses thundering down the straight towards the finish post.
The Wrap
Whatever you choose to do on Melbourne Cup Day, the important thing is to have fun. Don’t bet your life’s savings on the race, but definitely have a punt to make it more exciting.
