Where to watch The Melbourne Cup in Sydney

If you haven’t booked a fancy sit-down lunch to watch the Melbourne Cup, don’t panic - there are plenty of options around.

Don’t have any concrete plans on where you will be watching The Melbourne Cup but don’t want to do it at home? Don’t worry. There are plenty of places around the city catering to those of us who are indecisive and don’t know exactly what we want to do until we see it.

Watson’s Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park

The new venue in the Entertainment Quarter is welcoming walk-ins from 3pm (race time!) until late. Enjoy buckets of beers or cocktails in the sun-drenched beer garden underneath the gorgeous fig trees, or have a punt with the in-house bookie and catch all the racing action on the 4 metre mega screen.

The Vic on the Park, Marrickville

The Vic on the Park hotel in Marrickville.

The Merivale venue is boasting to host an afternoon as laid back as Cup Day can get. For $50pp, you receive a three-course shared menu plus a glass of Chandon NV or schooner of Furphy on arrival. And if horseracing isn’t your thing, then there are always the basketball hoops to keep you entertained.

The Newport, Newport

You don’t need to go anywhere near the city to enjoy the Melbourne Cup if you don’t want to. Another Hemmes venue, The Newport’s lower ground floor is accepting walk-ins. No reservations necessary. They will have a big screen set up as well as an on-site TAB. And for those who want to get a little glammed up (although not compulsory) there is a Fashions on the Field competition and live entertainment and DJs all day.

Edinburgh Castle Hotel, CBD

Edinburgh Castle Hotel. Pic Stephen Cooper

The Royal Richmond Hotel’s Melbourne Cup lunch. Picture: Steven Woodburn.

If you’ve got six or more mates who haven’t finalised plans, head to this pub in the heart of the city. You can watch the race live on the big screen, dine from the A la carte menu and bookings of six or more receive a free bottle of Chandon on arrival.

Manly Wharf Hotel, Manly

The first part of the renovations of this iconic location are complete, just in time for Cup Day! The oceanfront location is set to put on a Melbourne Cup afterparty/sunset session with live music and DJ. Party starts at 3pm!

The Royal Richmond Hotel, Richmond

It seems poignant to celebrate one of the country’s oldest sporting traditions in one of the country’s oldest pubs! The Royal Richmond Hotel is offering $10 cup cocktail specials as well as sweeps and prizes for best-dressed.