Brisbane gears up for a star-studded Melbourne Cup Tuesday
Brisbane’s top venues, including The Star and Emporium Hotel, are set to bring the glitz and glamour of the Melbourne Cup north, with premium packages, celebrity hosts, and trackside-style excitement.
Entertainment
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As Melbourne Cup fever sweeps the nation, Brisbane is set to host a dazzling array of events that promise to bring all the glamour and excitement of Flemington north of the border. The city’s hotspots are rolling out high-end packages and celebrity hosts for an A-list experience where the city’s who’s who will gather to watch the race.
Taking centre stage is the newly opened Star Casino in Queen’s Wharf, where the Event Centre will welcome 700 guests for one of Brisbane’s largest Cup gatherings.
Hosted by radio star Dan Anstey and TV personality Kendall Gilding, the event will feature a premium three-hour Veuve Clicquot package, seafood starters, and a three-course meal, priced at $225 per person or $2,000 for a table of ten.
“I’m so excited, because it’s their first event that the Star have actually put on themselves,” Gilding said.
“I think our guests are in for a real treat. the food and wine will be insane, we’ve got fashions off the field happening. We’ve also got a fashion show happening. Obviously, all the main races, and epic live music.”
As an added bonus, attendees will have the option to party on into the evening at a number of the Star’s other bars and venues.
“There’s after parties in the Star so people are able to stick around and just roll into the next venue, which not a lot of other venues offer as an option on the big day,” Gilding said.
For a different spin on the festivities, award-winning journalist Liz Tilley will host a Japanese-inspired luncheon at Sokyo, also in The Star. At $249 per head, guests will savour a four-course menu by Executive Chef Alex Yu, featuring delicacies like Tuna Crispy Rice and wagyu Striploin, alongside a Veuve Clicquot package and traditional Japanese harp performances.
Adding to the Melbourne Cup buzz at the Star, Black Hide Steak & Seafood by Gambaro is hosting a sold-out celebration featuring a luxurious three-course lunch with dishes like Half Lobster with watermelon salad, wagyu 5+ Eye Fillet, and lemon meringue tarte. Hosted by Channel 7’s Samantha Heathwood, the $230 event includes a Kir Royale on arrival, live race coverage, Fashions on the Field, sweeps, raffles, and entertainment.
Meanwhile, for those seeking exclusivity, Nineteen at The Star’s rooftop affair, hosted by 10NewsFirst’s Liz Cantor, offers an ultra-premium four-course dining experience with a four-hour drinks package, though tickets have already sold out.
With sweeping views of the Gold Coast skyline and “Fashions on the Rooftop” festivities, this event is set to be the epitome of luxury for the big race day.
The Emporium Hotel’s Frangipani Ballroom adds to the mix of luxurious events, with a $229 luncheon, featuring G.H. Mumm Champagne, sweepstakes, and live entertainment, all in support of the Mater Foundation.
On the racing front, the Brisbane Racing Club’s Eagle Farm is hosting the Canadian Club Melbourne Cup Raceday for serious racing fans looking to immerse themselves in the action.
Options here range from $25 for general entry to $520 for the luxurious Lower Level Squire’s Perch package, which includes exclusive trackside seating. The Nova 106.9 Lawn Party, priced at $195, also promises five hours of DJ entertainment and flowing beverages.
MELBOURNE CUP EVENTS IN BRISBANE:
The Star Casino Event Centre (Queen’s Wharf)
Event: Melbourne Cup Luncheon
Details: A chilled seafood selection on arrival, followed by a luxurious three-course menu, all accompanied by a premium Veuve Clicquot beverage package and live entertainment.
Price: $225 per person or $2,000 per table of 10.
Emporium Hotel (South Bank)
Event: Melbourne Cup Luncheon
Details: Two-course lunch, three large screens, premium cocktails, Mumm champagne, sweepstakes.
Price: $229.
Sokyo (Queen’s Wharf)
Event: Melbourne Cup Lunch
Details: Four-course luncheon curated by Sashimi Florist and Executive Chef Alex Yu and a three-hour premium Veuve Clicquot beverage package.
Entertainment includes a traditional Japanese harp performances, calligraphy, and origami artistry.
Price: $249 per person
Mr Percivals (Howard Smith Wharves)
Event: Melbourne Cup Lunch/outdoor party
Details: An outdoor party with fresh seafood, canapes and a 3.5 hour drink package including Louis Roederer Champagne, refreshing cocktails, delicious wines, Felons beers and premium spirits
Entertainment includes DJ’s and race day sweeps and Fashions On The Deck.
Price: $290 per person.
Felons (Howard Smith Wharves)
Event: Melbourne Cup lunch
Details: Three-course shared, feast menu including oysters, roast chicken and grilled snapper; and large screens to view the race and charity race day sweeps by Youngcare.
Price: $95
Brisbane Racing Club (Ascot)
Event: Canadian Club Melbourne Cup Raceday
Details: Exclusive hospitality packages, Fashions on the Field, roving entertainment, and live racing. Enjoy the Nova 106.9 Lawn Party or the St Leger Long Lunch. Live music post-race, with a 360 Video Booth for capturing memories trackside
Location: Eagle Farm Racecourse
Price: $25 for entry. Dining packages from $195 to $520 per person.
Lina Rooftop (South Brisbane)
Event: Poolside Melbourne Cup Party
Details: Oyster shucking, canapes, grazing tables, premium beverage package including Taittinger Brut Champagne and AIX rosé.
Price: $225pp
Supernormal (Brisbane City)
Event: Luxurious Melbourne Cup lunch experience
Details: Four-course menu, including Ayala Brut Champagne, local seafood served over ice, and panoramic river views.
Price: $320pp
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