Ultimate guide to where to watch the Melbourne Cup in Sydney

STILL don’t have anywhere to watch the race that stops the nation? No problems. We’ve got you covered for all best luncheons and parties across Sydney.

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STILL don’t have anywhere to watch the race that stops the nation?

No problems. We’ve got you covered for all best luncheons and parties across Sydney’s suburbs — and the weather will probably be better here anyway!

Whether you are a serious punter or are just in it for the drinks and frocks, there is a function to suit everyone in every corner of the harbour city.

EAST:

People watching the Melbourne Cup at Royal Randwick Racecourse last year. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Royal Randwick

As Australia’s longest standing racing venue, Royal Randwick is the place to be — and be seen — in Sydney on Cup Day.

Be trackside for Sydney’s biggest party to celebrate the race that stops the nation with live racing in the McGrath Estate Agents Melbourne Cup Day Race Meeting, plus all of the Group 1 action from Melbourne displayed on screens across the venue.

The Pimms Horse Float will be serving Pimms on TAP at Randwick Racecourse on Melbourne Cup Day.

And you certainly won’t go thirsty with 35 bars and restaurants on hand to quench your hard-earned thirst. A red Pimms horse float serving Pimms on tap is just one of the highlights of the day. Other trackside venues include a Moet & Chandon pop-up, the Belvedere Cocktail Cart, a Heineken 3 Container Bar, the TAB Virtual Reality Container, where you can see what it is like to be a jockey, as well as DJs playing live music throughout the day.

Address: Alison Rd, Randwick

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: australianturfclub.com.au

Punters watching the main race at the Coogee Pavilion last year. Picture: Chris Pavlich

Coogee Pavilion

For partygoers wanting to swap the turf for the sand, nearby beachside venue Coogee Pavilion is offering a coastal three-course feast in the ground-floor restaurant for $115 or roving canapés and beach views on the Rooftop for $75. Festivities will continue long after the race with DJs and live music.

Address: 169 Dolphin St, Coogee

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: merivale.com.au/coogeepavilion

Natalie Kay, Emily and Patrick Beatman, Ilana Davies and Ashleigh Hansen at Melbourne Cup day at Coogee Bay Hotel in 2014. Picture: Craig Wilson

Coogee Bay Hotel

Enjoy Melbourne Cup in one of Sydney’s most famous beer gardens with live music, gourmet food, and two pop-up bars with freshly shucked oysters, cocktails and champagne. You can also watch all the excitement live on their mega screen in The Garden or on any of the other 25 TVs throughout the sprawling beachside pub.

Address: 253 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: [e-mail]

Punters enjoy their win while watching the Melbourne Cup at Clovelly Hotel.

Clovelly Hotel

Celebrate Melbourne Cup this year at the iconic beachside drinking hole affectionately known by locals as the Cloey, run by celebrity chef Matt Moran. Guests will be served a complimentary glass of Chandon or schooner of Pure Blonde on arrival as well as a roaming canapés and charcuterie station from 12pm while enjoying all the race day action on big screens. Tickets are $50 per person.

Address: 381 Clovelly Rd, Clovelly

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: www.clovellyhotel.com.au/

Even the horses want to get in on the action at Bondi's Beach Road Hotel. Source: Twitter/ @uhmprettymonika

Beach Road Hotel

Further up the eastern beaches, punters can watch Australia’s most famous horse race just up the road from Australia’s most famous beach at Bondi’s Beach Road Hotel with a buffet lunch, complimentary drinks and full tab facilities for $59 per person.

Address: 71 Beach Road, Bondi Beach

Phone: [phone]

Details: [e-mail]

Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Almandin with (L-R) owner Lloyd Williams, trainer Rob Hickmott, Lloyd's grandson Frank Williams, Joel Flannery and jockey Kerrin McEvoy. Pic: AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy

Hotel Centennial

Only a few seats are left for the Centennial’s Spring Garden Melbourne Cup lunch overlooking the beautiful Centennial Parklands in Woollahra. Tickets are $195 for a three-course lunch with champagne and canapés on arrival and $120 for a 6 bite canape package. Lunch is from 12pm — 3pm followed by an after-party with a live DJ from 3pm in the Oxford Bar.

Address: 88 Oxford Street, Woollahra

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: [e-mail]

Justin Hemmes with chef Ben Greeno at The Paddington in 2015. Pic: Britta Campion / The Australian.

The Paddington

Further around the bend on Oxford Street, executive chef Ben Greeno will serve up his signature rotisserie at The Paddington with a flute of Veuve Clicquot for $105.

Address: 384 Oxford St, Paddington

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: merivale.com.au/thepaddington/

Bachelorette winner and pub baron Stu Laundy in the beer garden of the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Picture: Richard Dobson

Watsons Bay Hotel

It doesn’t get much better than a Tuesday off work, a scrumptious lunch, a few cool beverages and a killer view of Sydney Harbour to celebrate the first Tuesday in November. The Watsons Bay Hotel — owned by Sydney’s own Bachelorette winner Stuart Laundy — is offering live entertainment, two delicious menu options, eight screens to catch all the racing action, on-site TAB facilities and Fashions by the Bay competition, prizes and giveaways. And you may even catch a glimpse of the happy couple Sophie and Stu if you are lucky!

Address: Military Road (corner of Marine Parade), Watsons Bay

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: watsonsbayhotel.com.au/

Kaila Truman and Sarah Thomas compete in wooden horse races at Melbourne Cup celebrations at The Juniors at Kingsford. Picture: Craig Wilson

The Juniors Kingsford:

There’s something for everyone young and old here from a high tea to wooden horse races, best dressed competition and plenty of entertainment. Book now for a yummy high tea on The Lawn featuring a private screen, Stella Artois for the men and champagne for the ladies, plus a lucky draw sweep ticket.

Address: 558A Anzac Pde, Kingsford,

Phone: [phone]

Details: thejuniors.com.au

Tennyson Hotel

This historic art deco watering hole in the heart of Mascot which was bought by pub tsar Justin Hemmes earlier this year has been going through a ‘refresh’ and is offering a full a la carte menu and flute of Chandon NV for $49 on Cup Day and the race on the big screens.

Address: 952 Botany Rd, Mascot

Phone: [phone]

Details: merivale.com.au/tennysonhotel

NORTH SHORE:

Model Gemma Struk and horse Reason are gearing up for Melbourne Cup festivities at the Greenwood Hotel.

Greenwood Hotel

North shore institution The Greenwood Hotel will open the starting gates to its “rooftop racecourse” at 11.30am. The cocktail event will feature food stations, outdoor cinema screens, sweepstakes, entertainment and a real horse. General admission tickets are $50. A beverage package is available for an additional $60. Patrons require tickets to gain entry.

Address: 36 Blue St, North Sydney

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: greenwoodhotel.com

Melbourne Cup Day is massive at The Oaks.

The Oaks

Watch the race that stops the nation at one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels while enjoying lunch from noon till late and dressing your best for a chance to win prizes. A local institution that’s been around since 1885, The Oaks will also have sweepstakes, hampers and giveaways.

Address: 118 Military Rd, Neutral Bay

Phone: [phone].

Bookings: oakshotel.com.au

PM Malcolm Turnbull and North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman watching the Melbourne Cup at the Commodore Hotel last year.

Commodore Hotel

Celebrate the Melbourne Cup in the same place where Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull did two years ago, but without the press pack and selfie-seeking fans. The Commodore Hotel will show the races on large screens, offer prizes for best dressed and run sweepstakes. The Cup Day lunch is $99 a head for four courses and a glass of sparkling on arrival.

Address: 206 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: commodorehotel.com.au

Mosman Club has recently undergone a facelift.

Mosman Club

Traditional favourite the Mosman Club will entice patrons with its special Melbourne Cup Day seafood blackboard menu, including a complimentary glass of bubbly, which will be available from noon. There will also be an all-day lunch menu, sweepstakes, lucky door prizes and of course, the races on the big screens.

Address: 719 Military Rd, Mosman

Bookings: 9960 2888

Details: mosmanclub.com.au/

WEST:

Rydges Parramatta is just a stone’s throw from Rosehill Gardens racecourse. Pic: Simon Bullard

Rydges Parramatta

Celebrate Cup Day across the road from Rosehill Gardens — the home of racing in the heart of Sydney’s West — with lunch at the Winning Post Bar at Rydges Parramatta from 11.30am. There will be live entertainment in Champs Bar, from 3pm. Cost: $75 per head.

Address: 16 James Ruse Drive, Rosehill (opposite the racecourse)

Phone: [phone]

Details: www.rydges.com/accommodation/sydney-nsw/parramatta/

3 Weeds, Rozelle

Rozelle pub institution 3 Weeds will be hosting a party from 12pm which includes canapés, live music, sweepstakes and best dressed prizes for $35pp. Snack on the likes of ocean trout poke with rice crisp, coriander, chilli and seaweed salt, chorizo croquettes with smoked chilli mayo, quesadilla with goats cheese, spinach and olives, steak steamed bun with Japanese BBQ sauce, onion bhaji with cucumber raita plus a selection of sweet treats to finish.

Address: 197 Evans St, Rozelle

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: [e-mail]

Camden’s Upstairs At Fred’s are having a Melbourne Cup high tea.

Upstairs At Fred’s

Camden’s Upstairs At Fred’s are having a posh Melbourne Cup high tea on the day from noon. It will be an afternoon of elegance, socialising, entertainment, prizes, sweeps and raffles. Menu includes gourmet canapés, selection of hot and cold savouries, cucumber sandwiches, cakes and sweets, all presented on multi-tiered serving trays. Cost is $69 each and includes champagne on arrival.

Address: 100 Argyle St, Camden.

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: www.upstairsatfreds.com.au/

Margaret Grech of Penrith (in blue) and Rosemary Holstein of Stanhope Gardens (in black and white) battle it out in the best dressed competition at the Melbourne Cup celebrations at the Evan Theatre, Penrith Panthers in 2011.

Penrith Panthers

The Panthers will host a free Myer fashion parade of latest spring and summer collections in The Backyard from 11am. There will also be pop-up bars and market stalls for browsing, plus live music from 11.30-3.30pm and lucky door prizes. The luncheon in The Evan Theatre includes the Evolution of Glamour show featuring singers, dancers, circus performers. Tickets are $65 for members, $75 for visitors.

Address: Mulgoa Rd, Penrith

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: penrith.panthers.com.au/

Melbourne Cup activities at Rooty Hill RSL.

Made By The Hill at Rooty Hill RSL

This western Sydney food and cocktail haven is offering champagne on arrival, live entertainment, fashion on the field, giveaways and prizes to be won.

Address: 55 Sherbrooke St, Rooty Hill

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: rootyhillrsl.com.au/eat-and-drink/made-by-the-hill/

Windsor RSL

The club is putting on a buffet lunch, live entertainment and TAB facilities. Tickets are $30 for members, $35 for guests.

Address: 36 Argyle St, Windsor

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: www.windsorrsl.com.au/

Head bar tender Diego Ottolini, Stephanie Deller and Alex Van De Mortel shaking up some cocktails at Alex & Co/ Pic: AAP Image/Carmela Roche

Alex & Co

One of the hottest new venues in Parramatta is holding a Riverside Race Day from 11.30am-3.30pm. $130 per person includes all food and beverages, sweeps, DJ sets and after-party. Prizes will be on offer for best dressed male and female. Entry by prepaid tickets only.

Address: 330 Church St, Parramatta

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: www.alexandco.com.au/

Dooleys Lidcombe

In true Irish tradition, Dooleys Lidcombe Catholic Club is holding a Melbourne Cup high tea from 2pm in the Wattle/Waratah Room with fashions in the field, live music and prizes. Cost: $19.90/$24.90. Bookings are essential.

Address: Church St, Lidcombe

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: www.dooleys.com/dooleys_lidcombe

Luke Marziano, Alex Johnson and Stephen Hunt horsing around at the Melbourne Cup luncheon at The Epping Club last year. Photo: Adam Ward

Epping Club

The Epping Club has two Melbourne Cup options from 12.30pm. Guests can either dine on seafood in the Grand Ballroom featuring live music, prizes and buffet for $69.50/$75 or a set menu with three courses in Rawsons Restaurant, winner of the best restaurant in a pub/club in 2017 Restaurant and Catering Awards, for $65/$70.

Address: Rawson St, Epping

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: www.eppingclub.com/

Hunters Hill Hotel

This pub has a three course set menu for lunch, best dressed prizes and sweeps for $65 per person. The TAB will open from 8am and the big race will be broadcast live and loud on the big screen.

Address: 64 Gladesville Rd, Hunters Hill

Phone: [phone]

Details: www.huntershillhotel.com.au/

Jodie Nguyen and Chrisine Sciberras at Wenty Leagues Club for Melbourne Cup Day. Picture: Phil Blatch

Wenty Leagues

Don your best dress, tie, fascinator or hat for the Wenty Leagues’ Mad Hatters Lunch from 11am, with cabaret show, two course meal, and fashions in the field. Cost: $65.

Address: 50 Smith St, Wentworthville

Phone: [phone]

Details: www.wentyleagues.com.au/

Parramatta RSL

Get out of the gates early on Cup Day and gallop down to the Parra RSL. Doors open at 11.30am, with entertainment from Uptown Funk and a two-course lunch. Cost: $40.

Address: Cnr O’Connell and Smith streets, Parramatta

Phone: [phone]

Details: www.parramattarsl.com.au/

Pony handler Grace Takacs with ponies Arrow and Woody take Jesscia, 7, and Harrison, 6, O'Grady for a ride Woolwich Pier Hotel. Photo: Adam Ward

Woolwich Pier Hotel

Melbourne Cup festivities are back at The Pier — NSW’s Best Pub in 2014. Tickets are $105 per person and your ticket entitles you to a glass of Veuve upon arrival and a delicious three-course meal, and prizes for Fashions at the Pier.

Address: 2 Gale Street, Woolwich

Phone: [phone]

Details: www.woolwichpierhotel.com.au

EAT STREET + Melbourne Cup 2017 - Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL Club - Melbourne Cup Beatlemania

Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL

The Beatles is the theme du jour at Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL — with the club celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club album. You can get a two coursed Beatles-themed menu, including the Yellow Submarine (prawn cocktail) entree and the Here Comes the Sun (chicken samboltica) for $50 with a drink, or a three course menu and drinks package for $90. The Beatels and the Beatnix will be providing the tunes.

Address: 20-26 Canterbury Rd, Hurlstone Park

Phone: [phone]

Details: chprsl.com.au

Padstow Park Hotel

Enjoy lunch in the laneway at Padstow Park Hotel. For $39, you get a two-course meal and a glass of Moët & Chandon or James Boags Premium on arrival. Live music all day and a massive hamper giveaway worth $500.

Address: 1-33 Howard Road, Padstow

Phone: [phone]

Details: padstowparkhotel.com.au

Bankstown Sports

If you’re looking for a classy Cup day, head to Bankstown Sports Club’s Platform One for high tea. Tuck into blueberry scones, quiches and macaroons for $69 with a glass of Chandon or $29 for children with a soft drink. There will also be a lolly buffet and chocolate fountain — yum.

Address: 8 Greenfield Parade, Bankstown

Phone: [phone]

Details: bankstownsports.com

The Warwick

Freshly shucked oysters, king prawns and spatchcock are part of a deluxe spread being offered up at The Warwick in Cabramatta. For $90 racing enthusiasts will get a glass of bubbles on arrival, deluxe buffet, live band, sweepstakes, fashion on the field and be able to watch the race on three giant screens.

Address: 355 Hume Hwy, Cabramatta

Phone: [phone]

Details: www.oscarshotels.com.au/warwick-tavern/index.html

5. Brighton Lakes Recreation and Golf Club

Enjoy a three-course Melbourne Cup luncheon overlooking the green from $60 at the new Brighton Lakes Recreation and Golf Club in Moorebank. There’ll also be prizes for best dressed and best hat, sweeps on sale and live music.

Address: 43 Brickmakers Drive, Moorebank

Phone: [phone]

Details: brightonlakesrgc.com.au

Cabra-Vale Diggers

For $30, you can watch the big race at Cabra-Vale Diggers in Canley Vale while tucking into a seafood buffet luncheon. There will also be trivia, a DJ, fashions on the field, sweepstakes and door prizes.

Address: 1 Bartley Street, Canley Vale

Phone: [phone]

Details: cabravale.com.au

Mounties Sports Bar and Terrace Bar

Mounties will have mouth-watering snacks like pulled-pork sliders, nachos and devilish wings along with over 20 beers on tap for Melbourne Cup. Triple M radio personality, Anthony Maroon, will be hosting the pre-race event from 11.30am — 2.30pm together with music talent the Matt Jones Duo.

Address: 101 Meadows Rd, Mount Pritchard

Phone: [phone]

Details: mounties.com.au

NORTHERN BEACHES:

Melbourne Cup at the Newport in 2013.

The Newport

Enjoy a shared banquet with a flute of Chandon NV or James Boag’s Premium on arrival overlooking the stunning shores of Pittwater. The Newport features two huge screens, plus TVs throughout the hotel. Extra specific betting areas will be positioned around the hotel and live music will be played throughout the day.

Address: 2 Kalinya St, Newport

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: merivale.com.au/thenewport

Harbord Beach Hotel.

Harbord Beach Hotel

This hotel, situated just 100 metres from the famous Freshwater Beach, is offering sweepstakes, and a three-course Melbourne Cup luncheon for $95 per person, plus betting guides and tips.

Address: 29 Moore Rd, Freshwater

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: www.harbordbeachhotel.com.au/

Ashleigh Murray, and Aoife O'Connell watch the Melbourne Cup at the Manly Wharf Hotel in 2015. Picture: Braden Fastier

Manly Wharf Hotel

You can’t get much closer to the water than Wharf Bar and weather permitting, there will be screens outdoors on the jetty to watch all the Melbourne Cup action. Take part in sweeps or the Fashion on the Field competition for the best dressed fella and lady on the day. A DJ will be playing after the race.

Address: East Esplanade, Manly

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: manlywharfhotel.com.au/

Terrey Hills Tavern

This sprawling pub with a comfy lounge and bistro, sports bar and beer garden is holding Melbourne Cup sweepstakes and normal TAB operating. There will be a projector in the lounge, plus large outdoor screen as well as multiple TVs inside.

Address: 2 Aumuna Rd, Terrey Hills

Phone: [phone]

Details: www.terreyhillstavern.com.au/

Punters celebrate the Melbourne Cup at Hotel Steyne in Manly. Adam Yip/ The Manly Daily

Hotel Steyne

This icon of the Northern Beaches located on the Manly Corso boasts “the biggest pub screen in NSW” in its beer garden. There will be sweepstakes and TVs throughout the hotel showing the big race. From 3.30pm the Aston Martinis will be providing the music.

Address: 75 The Corso, Manly

Phone: [phone]

Details: hotelsteyne.com.au/

Bartender Maddi Galbraith at Avalon Beach RSL.

Avalon Beach RSL

Watch the Cup on the Avalon Beach RSL’s “massive” outdoor screen or place a wager in their new TAB area. In its Surf Lounge there are private booths with TVs to listen to the race in peace and quiet. Open from 8am.

Address: 1 Bowling Green Ln, Avalon

Phone: [phone]

Details: www.avalonrsl.com.au/

Parkway Hotel

Forget the horses! The Parkway Hotel has crab racing from noon so you can claw your way to a win. Their TAB opens 8am and the venue opens at 10am. The Bistro is open from noon to 4pm and bookings for more than 10 receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine.

Address: 5 French Forest Rd, Frenchs Forest

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: www.parkwayhotel.com.au/

The Beach Club Collaroy's new chief executive officer Darren Pyecroft on the club’s deck.

The Beach Club Collaroy

This club with a billion dollar beachfront view of Collaroy is holding a cocktail-style ticketed function with unreserved seating. Beverage and canape packages are available. It’s from noon to 4pm. Live music follows. There are big screens in two areas of the club: the Horizon Bar and the Clubhouse.

Address: 1058 Pittwater Rd, Collaroy

Phone: [phone]

Bookings: www.thebeachclub.com.au/

Claudia Spadina, Tessa Kelland and Marie Varvaressos at Melbourne Cup celebrations at Pittwater RSL.

Pittwater RSL

This club is offering a four-course set menu and live music before and after the race. Prizes are also on offer for best dressed and best hat. There are screens throughout the club to watch the on-course action from Flemington.

Address: 82 Mona Vale Rd, Mona Vale

Phone: [phone]

Details: www.pittwaterrsl.com.au/

Bailey Oberg, Peter Bassett and Laura Albury enjoying Melbourne Cup day on the Roof at Coogee Pavilion. Picture: John Appleyard

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