Flemington Racecourse Melbourne
Historic Flemington Racecourse, home to the legendary Melbourne Cup and a vibrant hub for racing, fashion, and major events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the iconic races
Flemington Racecourse Melbourne
Best Time
Experience the iconic races
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Flemington Racecourse, home to the legendary Melbourne Cup and a vibrant hub for racing, fashion, and major events.
"It's a cool way to dive into Melbourne’s culture and vibe."
🎯 Pace Yourself with Drinks
Don't start drinking too early on race days to enjoy the full experience. :champagne:
💰 Smart Betting Strategy
Limit bets, avoid 'place' bets unless odds are good, and don't expect to win big. Focus on fun! :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Melbourne Cup
Flemington Racecourse
Australia's most famous horse race, a day of fashion, sport, and national celebration.
Victoria Derby Day
Flemington Racecourse
The traditional opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, known for its black and white fashion theme.
Skyline Views
Grassy car park area
Enjoy panoramic views of the Melbourne city skyline, especially stunning at sunset.
Planning Your Visit
Melbourne Cup Day Buzz
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pace Yourself with Drinks
Don't start drinking too early on race days to enjoy the full experience. :champagne:
💰 Smart Betting Strategy
Limit bets, avoid 'place' bets unless odds are good, and don't expect to win big. Focus on fun! :moneybag:
🚆 Public Transport is Key
Utilize trains from Southern Cross for major events; check PTV for special services. :train:
🌦️ Weather Preparedness
Melbourne weather is unpredictable; pack for sun and potential rain. :umbrella:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pace Yourself with Drinks
Don't start drinking too early on race days to enjoy the full experience. :champagne:
💰 Smart Betting Strategy
Limit bets, avoid 'place' bets unless odds are good, and don't expect to win big. Focus on fun! :moneybag:
🚆 Public Transport is Key
Utilize trains from Southern Cross for major events; check PTV for special services. :train:
🌦️ Weather Preparedness
Melbourne weather is unpredictable; pack for sun and potential rain. :umbrella:
📸 Capture the Skyline
The grassy car park offers great city views, even on non-race days. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Flemington Racecourse is lauded for its iconic status, especially during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, offering a vibrant atmosphere, great city views, and excellent facilities for large events. While transport can be hectic on race days and prices for food and drinks are on the higher side, the overall experience is memorable and culturally significant.
"Went to laneway here and it was amazing, enough area to accommodate everyone there. The public transport was a bit hectic on the way back with so many people"
George
"Had a great day at Flemington Race Course for Super Saturday. They had kids soccer, play kitchens, face painting and kids pony rides. Our 2 year old loved the pony rides. The food and drinks were great."
Project Cyberstorm
"One of the best outlooks over Melbourne city. Especially when the sun is setting. All the buildings light up. Winter races with perfect conditions and smaller crowds was a great day with friends."
Ben Kienhuis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
For major events like the Melbourne Cup, trains from Southern Cross Station (Platform 14) are the most direct. Special event services are often available. Check the PTV website for real-time updates and schedules.
Driving is possible, but parking can be hectic and expensive on race days. Public transport is generally recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
Yes, you can typically catch a train to nearby stations like Ascot Vale or Footscray and then take a bus. The grassy car park area is also accessible for walks.
By train, it's usually a quick journey, around 20-30 minutes from Southern Cross Station. Allow extra time for crowds on major event days.
During major racing carnivals, dedicated shuttle services or special train lines are often put in place. Always check the PTV website for the most current information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the Melbourne Cup and other major carnival events should be purchased in advance online through the official Victoria Racing Club (VRC) website or authorized ticketing partners.
Flemington offers various ticket types, including General Admission, Members' Reserve, and hospitality packages. General Admission provides access to most public areas.
Dress codes vary by area. The Members' Reserve and Birdcage enclosure have stricter dress codes, often requiring smart attire. General Admission is more relaxed, but many attendees dress up for the occasion. +1
While the grandstand and mounting yard areas are usually closed on non-race days, the grounds, including the grassy car park with city views, are often accessible. Check the VRC website for specific opening times.
Ticket prices vary significantly depending on the event and the seating area. General Admission for the Melbourne Cup can range from $80-$100+, while Members' tickets and hospitality packages are considerably more.
📸 📸 Photography
For iconic race day shots, the trackside areas and grandstands are excellent. For city skyline views, the grassy car park area offers a great perspective, especially at sunset.
Yes, you can generally take photos on the grounds on non-race days. The grassy car park provides good views of the city skyline.
While general photography is usually permitted, professional photography or filming may require special permits. Always check the VRC's guidelines for specific events.
Expect vibrant photos of fashion, the horses, the races, and the lively crowds. It's a fantastic opportunity for candid shots and capturing the festive atmosphere.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at Flemington Racecourse, especially during events, due to safety and privacy concerns. Always check the venue's regulations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Flemington offers a wide range of dining and bar options, from casual food trucks and kiosks to more formal restaurants and dining packages. Options cater to various tastes and budgets.
Prices can be on the higher side, especially on major race days. Expect to pay around $15-20 for a main meal and $8-12 for a beer or wine.
Generally, bringing your own food and non-alcoholic beverages is allowed in General Admission areas, but there are restrictions on alcohol. Check the specific event's policy.
Yes, most food outlets offer a variety of options, including vegetarian and often vegan choices. It's advisable to check menus on the day or inquire at the stalls.
The VRC offers various dining packages, from casual marquees to fine dining restaurants, often including food, beverages, and prime viewing locations. These are popular and book out quickly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning a family visit, consider attending on days with family-friendly activities or opting for general admission to allow for more freedom. Bringing snacks and drinks (within venue policy) can also help manage costs and keep little ones happy. Remember to check the VRC's event calendar for specific family-focused days and activities.
💰 Budget Travelers
Visiting on non-race days offers a free way to experience the grounds and enjoy the city skyline views without any entry fee. This is a great option for photographers or those who simply want to see the iconic venue.
🎶 Music Festival Goers
The spacious layout allows for multiple stages and ample room for attendees to enjoy the performances. When attending a festival at Flemington, expect a similar transport experience to race days, with public transport being the most recommended option. The venue's infrastructure supports large events, offering good sound and visual setups.
Be sure to check the specific festival's guidelines regarding what you can bring, as these can differ from race day policies. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Melbourne Cup Carnival
Beyond the racing, the carnival is a showcase of Australian style and social life. Attendees often dress in elaborate outfits, including hats and fascinators, making it a significant fashion event. The atmosphere is electric, with up to 120,000 people filling the racecourse on Cup Day. While the focus is on the thoroughbreds and the competition, the social aspect and the celebration of Australian culture are equally important.
For visitors, attending the Melbourne Cup Carnival offers a unique insight into Australian sporting culture. It's an opportunity to experience the excitement of live racing, witness high fashion, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Planning ahead is crucial, especially for tickets and accommodation, as it's one of the busiest times in Melbourne.
Flemington Racecourse on Non-Race Days
While the main grandstands and mounting yard areas are typically closed off on non-race days, the general accessibility of the grounds makes it a pleasant place for a stroll or a picnic. It offers a different perspective of the racecourse, away from the hustle and bustle of event days. Be aware that sometimes other events, like circuses or festivals, might utilize parts of the grounds, so it's always good to check the VRC's calendar or contact them for specific access information.
For photographers, these quieter days can be ideal for capturing the architecture of the racecourse and the impressive city backdrop without the crowds. It’s a chance to appreciate the scale and beauty of Flemington Racecourse at your own pace.
Navigating Flemington Racecourse: Transport & Access
Beyond the dedicated race day services, the racecourse is also accessible via public transport on non-race days. This might involve taking a train to a nearby station like Ascot Vale or Footscray and then catching a connecting bus. The grassy car park area is often accessible for walking, offering a more relaxed way to approach the venue.
On event days, expect crowds. The advice from past attendees is to pace yourself with drinks and avoid getting overly intoxicated to fully enjoy the day. Planning your transport in advance and being aware of potential delays is crucial for a smooth experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit