Check out Melbourne Cup festivities across the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast

Fashion, fascinators and fun were on show at Melbourne Cup celebrations across the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast. See who was best dressed in our gallery.

Melbourne Cup celebrations were back in full force across the Central Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast.

The fascinators were bigger then ever and “Fashions on the Field” events fiercely contested with punters happy to put the last few quiet Covid-ridden Cup days behind them.

Locals headed out early to start the festivities which, depending on a Cup win or loss, will likely go into the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Local venues were packed before lunch with many settling in for the afternoon.

CENTRAL COAST

The Entertainment Grounds, from to Gosford Racecourse, made its Melbourne Cup return after three years, holding functions as well as opening up the grounds to the public.

More than 200 people attended the event despite no races being held at popular racecourse.

Central Coast friendship group, Chirpy Plus, was in fine form with member Carmen Vella saying it’s the best excuse for the group to come together.

Elizabeth Reilly and Imogen Barlow of Ettalong at The Entertainment Grounds in Gosford.

“It’s so good to be able to get out and celebrate this year,” she said.

The Entertainment Grounds proved the ideal venue to dress for the occasion with a best dressed competition open to the men and women.

There were 35 women and seven men strutting their stuff for the coveted title.

Amanda Beard, of Umina, and Cass Makey of Narara

Mariella Smith, Carmen Vella and Kim Dey from Chirpy Plus, a 50 plus friendship group across the Central Coast.

(L-R) Cathy Offord, of Terrigal, Rachel Rix, of Gosford, Virginia Richardson, of East Gosford and Rhian Saunders, of Kincumber.

Kelsie Watkins, of Forresters Beach, and Lily Fahey of Kariong

Candy Forsyth, Kye Stubbs and Kirra Kennedy from Erina.

Rebeka Fuller with three month old daughter Clara Young from Narara.

Logan Anderson, of Terrigal, and Tabitha Lay of Narara.

Tanea Pfarr, from Point Frederick, showing off her style in the best dressed competition.

Caitlin Fuchs, of Davistown, and Lucinda Brien of Point Frederick

Melbourne Cup 2022 at The Entertainment Grounds in Gosford: Point Frederick's Lucinda Brien at the best dressed competition

Stuart Graf of Umina struts his stuff in the best dressed competition.

Kathy and Stephen Brown of Umina Beach.

The best dressed competition was a hot contest!

NEWCASTLE

It may have been a world away from the Melbourne Cup but there were still plenty of events happening across the Hunter.

Fashion and glamour was at its best at Newcastle’s Roundhouse at Romberg’s restaurant, as punters dressed to the nines and showcased some elegant headwear.

Arlette Boulos (right), Melissa Claire (middle) and Robyn at Roundhouse in Newcastle for a Melbourne Cup event. Pic: Amy Ziniak

While at The Prince of Merewether it was a packed affair, with live music and the drinks flowing.

General Manager Myles Plenty said it was great to have a crowd back after Covid,

“Last year we had so many restricted numbers, we could only have about 15-20 in the main bar so this year it has come to life a little bit more,” he said.

Kylee Hughes, Judy Stibbard and Rebecca Daines at Roundhouse Newcastle at a Melbourne Cup event. Pic: Amy Ziniak

“The spark is back in everyone’s life and everyone just wants to drink and have fun and enjoy themselves.”

Punters Lyndall Allan and Scott Norrish impressing judges to win the best dressed for the day.

Lyndall Allan and Scott Norrish, winners of the best dressed competition at The Prince of Merewether, Newcastle. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Melissa Calder-Mason at a Melbourne Cup event at Roundhouse Newcastle. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Tim and Rod Satler-Jones at Roundhouse in Newcastle for Melbourne Cup event. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Rhiannon Gill, Sophia Lucas, Taya Calder-Mason and Bonnie Mooney at Roundhouse in Newcastle for a Melbourne Cup event. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Jeremy Easterman, Dale Tinman and Dave Reay at The Prince of Merewether Melbourne Cup event, 2022. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Alecia Hennessy, Michelle Swan, Kaniki Singh and Sarah Tame enjoying a Melbourne Cup event at The Prince of Merewether. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Ruby Skies Salon members at The Prince of Merewether Melbourne Cup event on November 1, 2022. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Ruby Skies Salon at a Melbourne Cup event at The Prince of Merewether, Newcastle, 2022. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Jordan Hellens and Tim Perram from Hunter Valley Premium Meats at Roundhouse Newcastle for a Melbourne Cup event 2022. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Megan Saul, Stacy Walkom, Daphnie Lobban, Susanne Johansson and Narene MacCartny at Melbourne day event at Roundhouse Newcastle. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Tegan Adams and Ala Cook at Roundhouse Newcastle for a Melbourne Cup event. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Ladies enjoying a Melbourne Cup event at The Prince of Merewether, 2022. Pic: Amy Ziniak

Danette Holding, Lisa Croese, Rebecca Bower and Kiara Bower at The Prince of Merewether for Melbourne Cup event, 2022. Pic: Amy Ziniak

PORT MACQUARIE

Keen racegoers flocked to two of Port Macquarie’s most popular venues, Settlers Inn Hotel and Tacking Point Tavern, for the big day.

Both venues hosted special functions to mark the occasion, enticing a number of locals and even some out-of-towners.

Colourful frocks and creative fascinators were the order of the day, seen right across the Mid-North Coast.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Sheryl Turner, Jacinda Booby, Bec Herden, Grace Duggan and Bree Moller celebrating at Settlers Inn Hotel.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Sophie Gill, Cherie Jones, Bronte Hart, Katie Walker-Smith, Dr Kristy Kostalas (Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic), Hayley Dwyer and Maddison Hirtes at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: (back) Chantell Lomonaco, Jenny Gibney and Michelle Boskovski with (front) Debbie Franklin, Katie Bird, Brian Crisp and Jenny Crisp celebrating at Tacking Point Tavern.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Jason Strong and Belinda Moseley celebrating at Tacking Point Tavern.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Sue Radford and Shirley O'Keeffe celebrating at Tacking Point Tavern.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Amanda Johnston and Michelle Mugeng at Tacking Point Tavern.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Rob Gates, Tina and Amy Woodward, Shirley O'Keeffe, Kim Bennett and Maxine Covel at Tacking Point Tavern.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Tarin Miller, Jodie Barry, Jo Wynter, Carol Baker, Gabrielle Pope and Ann-Margaret Rooney celebrating at Tacking Point Tavern.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Matt Haze, Pete Christophoro, Cameron Nankervis, Andrew Close, Amy Oliver, Lyndal Nankervis, Liz Munroe, Linda Picton, John James, Rob Leonard, and Stephano Walker at Tacking Point Tavern.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Erwin and Inndia Vitnell with Brandon Langdon, Carla Vitnell, Michael Durbin and Carolyn Vitnell at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Ella Wolters, Rachel Caughlan, Martin Wolters and Rhonda Wolters at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Jenny Marshall, Narelle Morris, Sandy Andrews, Nola Faulkes, Chris Tracey, Gail Alvarez and Barb Pengilley at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Danielle Molen, Sarah Reid, Rebecca McLeod and Amanda Hermsen celebrating at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: (back) Tricia Dixon and Lesley Hewett with (front) Sandie Woods, Janette Merrick, Anne Flinter and Sally Rodgers at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Merlene and Tom Lockwood with Maggie and Ian McConaghy (travelling from the Gold Coast) at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Jorja and Aaron Thompson celebrating at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Keeley Wilkinson and Brianna Seward at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: (back) Ben Myles and Matt Muzzle with (front) Blake Wells, Jordan Potts, Amy Hickey and Jack Hickey at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Nathaniel, Zoe, James, Lauren, Tiffany, Jodie, Jacob and Jenni at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Eileen Mason and Fiona Sutcliffe at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Manny Mathis, Burt Atkinson and Jenny Duckworth out to lunch at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Adele Brooks, Lyn Walsh, John Curries, Mick Walsh, Dianne Coote and Glenn Coote at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Sharon Spooner at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Cheryl Maruszak and Carolyn Ireland at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Baz and Wendy Allgood with Cheryl Strybis and Barry Armitage at Settlers Inn.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Paul Jones and Belinda Moseley celebrating at Tacking Point Tavern.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: Sue and Ross Radford with Lyndal Nankervis celebrating at Tacking Point Tavern.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: (back) Danny Suitor and Brad Moseley with (front) Belinda Moseley and Kim Suitor at Tacking Point Tavern.

Melbourne Cup in Port Macquarie: John Carrero and Amanda Johnston at Tacking Point Tavern.