Full list of Mackay, Whitsundays venues holding Melbourne Cup events
It is the race that stops a nation, but as long as the food and drinks keep flowing we’ll all enjoy the day. Check out the full list of Melbourne Cup events across the region.
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The race that stops a nation is almost here, and with the impending arrival of the Melbourne Cup comes event planning for thousands of Mackay race-lovers.
Here are 19 events across Mackay and the Whitsundays that will be held on Melbourne Cup day.
Melbourne Cup – November 2
Where: Magpies Sporting Club
When: 11am-3pm
What’s happening: Sparkling wine on arrival, three-course meal and beverage package will be included in the ticket price. A fashions on the carpet, as well as the Cup sweeps will be held for guests interested.
Tickets: Only 120 tickets are available for purchase, with tickets costing $140. Members receive a $10 discount.
Where: Souths Leagues Club
When: 10am-5pm
What’s happening: The Souths Leagues Club will host a Melbourne Cup luncheon, with lucky door prizes, raffles, sweeps, drink specials, fashions on the stage, games and a photographer for the day. The cafe will be open from 10am, with the TAB open as well, while the bistro will open at 12pm.
Tickets: Tickets are free but guests must register in advance.
Where: Western Suburbs Leagues Club
When: From 11.30am
What’s happening: Wests Suburbs Leagues Club will host its Melbourne Cup lunch, with a three-hour drink package, three-course meal and sweeps available for guests. Raffles, lucky door prizes and best dressed will be awarded on the day.
Tickets: Tickets will cost $70 per person.
Where: Mackay Turf Club
When: 10am-8pm
What’s happening: Enjoy the wide variety of offerings at the turf club for the Melbourne Cup, from the event centre dining experience hosted by Chris Round, to watching the action as it happens at the Betting Ring trackside lawn party. Fashions on the field, live local races, Luke Geiger Duo and free buses from 5pm to MOJOs for an afterparty are available for guests.
Tickets: Ticket packages start from $130, while general admission tickets are $25 at the gate.
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel
When: 10am-1pm
What’s happening: The Airlie Beach Hotel will host a Melbourne Cup party with a tropical twist. A three-hour drinks package, as well as a seafood and barbecue meats buffet, will be included in the ticket cost. The hotel will have live entertainment from The Blues Brothers Show, as well as live music from Saccharo.
Tickets: Tickets cost $149 and need to be booked.
Where: Moss on Wood
When: 11.30am-2.30pm
What’s happening: Moss on Wood’s luncheon will have Sam Blacker from Star FM hosting the day, while a fashion parade will be provided for entertainment. A three-course meal and three-hour drinks package will be provided as a part of the tickets, while sweeps and prizes are available and live entertainment will perform throughout the day.
Tickets: Tickets start from $120 per person.
Where: The Dispensary
When: From 12pm
What’s happening: The Dispensary will host a two-hour bottomless Chandon Garden Spritz event. The doors will open at 12pm, with drinks being served from 12.30-2.30pm. A buffet lunch will also be available.
Tickets: Tickets are $175 per person and can be ordered online.
Where: Northern Beaches Bowls Club
When: From 11am
What’s happening: The Northern Beaches Bowls Club will host a Melbourne Cup event with a twist. The day will include service from topless waiters from Raw Muscle. A buffet lunch will be available, as well as a dessert bar.
Tickets: Tickets are $90, with a capacity of 100 people.
Where: Laffos Bar and Pizzeria
When: 11am-4pm
What’s happening: The ‘Cocktails for the Cup’ event will be hosted at the newly expanded and renovated Laffos Bar and Pizzeria. The tickets will include a cocktail on arrival, canapes throughout the day, drink specials, fashions on the field, sweepstakes and entertainment.
Tickets: Tickets will cost $95 per person.
Where: Souths Bowls Club
When: From 10am
What’s happening: The Souths Suburban Bowls Club will host its annual event from 10am. Best dressed and best hat prizes will be awarded. Sweeps and raffles will also be available, while TAB facilities and the bar will be open from 10am. Drink specials will be offered, while a glass of sparkling wine will come with every main meal purchased.
Tickets: Tickets are free. To book a table, call 4957 3233.
Where: Sarina Leagues Club
When: From 12pm
What’s happening: Sarina Leagues Club will host its Mad Hatters high tea luncheon. High tea will be a part of the tickets, while drinks will be available to purchase.
Tickets: Tickets are $40 for non members, and $35 for members.
Where: Tandara Hotel Motel
When: From 10am
What’s happening: The Tandara Hotel Motel will host a Melbourne Cup viewing party, with the venue offering full TAB facilities. Cheese platters, seafood baskets and drink specials will be available, while best dress, sweepstake and a $100 hamper will be awarded on the day.
Tickets: Tickets are free, but you must book ahead of time at 4956 1323.
Where: Sorrento
When: 11.30am-3pm
What’s happening: The Airlie Beach restaurant will host a Melbourne Cup ladies lunch, with a two-course meal and a glass of bubbles on arrival. A best dressed event and prizes are available to win.
Tickets: Tickets are available for booking here.
Where: Airlie Beach Bowls Club
When: 11.30am-3.30pm
What’s happening: The Airlie Beach Bowls Club will hold a two-course lunch, which will include a free drink on arrival for guests. Lucky ticket door prizes, sweeps and raffles will also be available.
Tickets: Tickets are $45 per person.
Where: Taylor’s Hotel
When: From 10am
What’s happening: The Melbourne Cup event at Taylor’s Hotel will have the races on the big screen, with bubbles and beers available to buy. Live entertainment will take over after the races finish, continuing the party into the night.
Tickets: No tickets, but bookings are offered.
Where: Harrup Park – Lancaster Room
When: 11am-3pm
What’s happening: Harrup Park will host two events on Melbourne Cup Day, with one in the Lancaster Room. Guests will receive a cocktail on arrival, a three-course meal (including a seafood tower and chocolate fountain), and a three-hour drinks package. Fashions on the field and lucky door prizes will be available, while live music by MARKUS will entertain guests throughout the day.
Tickets: Tickets are $120, with only 140 tickets available for the day.
Where: Coral Sea Resort Hotel
When: 12-4pm
What’s happening: The Airlie Beach hotel will host the race that stops a nation at The Rocks – Restaurant, Bar and Pool Club. A buffet with a three-hour beverage package will be a part of the ticket price, while best dressed awards and door prizes will be given out. Live music will also be on show for the guests’ entertainment.
Where: Harrup Park – Garden Bar
When: 11am-3pm
What’s happening: The second of two events at Harrup Park, the Garden Bar party will include finger food and fashions on the field for guests. Drinks are available to purchase at the bar.
Tickets: Tickets are $15, with the total number of tickets limited.
Where: Shamrock Hotel
When: From 11.30am
What’s happening: The Shamrock Hotel will host its annual Melbourne Cup event, with two different ticketing options. Race enthusiasts can choose between a bistro booking or a ticket on the terrace, with different offerings for each. The bistro event includes a two-course meal with a drink on arrival, while the terrace gets a two-hour canape and beverage package.
Tickets: Tickets are $49 for a bistro booking, and $59 for the terrace.
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