Gold Coast: Full list where you can watch the 2020 Melbourne Cup for free
Planning on watching the race that stops the nation? Here’s a huge list of where you can watch the race for free on the Gold Coast.
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VENUE operators say Gold Coasters are gagging to giddy up for the race that stops a nation.
Hospitality venues hosting Melbourne Cup celebrations on Tuesday are thrilled to be welcoming full crowds with most selling out function tickets.
The demand by punters to get among it is welcome news for venues which have faced testing times throughout the past 10 months of the pandemic.
Gold Coast Turf Club CEO Steve Lines said he was expecting about 4000 punters to safely celebrate the day.
“We’re a little shy on usual attendee numbers because of COVID. We can have nearly 4000, usually we have 5500,” he said.
“But I can’t complain. We’re happy with that. We’re much happier than others in Melbourne,” he said in reference to Flemington which won’t be hosting patrons or even horse owners on site.
“We just want the weather gods to be on our side. Good weather and good racing.”
Corporate boxes at the Gold Coast Turf Club are full but there is still general admission available online or at the door for $20.
In previous years, hospitality identity Scott Imlach has only hosted a Cup celebration at his Hideaway Kitchen and Bar in Broadbeach.
But with coronavirus distancing restrictions still in force for one patron per two square metres, he opened up the party to two of his other venues - Mr Hizola’s in Burleigh and Bine Bar and Dining at Nobby Beach.
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“Because of the restrictions we knew we could get more of our venues to sell out because the numbers are so limited,” Mr Imlach said.
“We’re stoked to have patrons and be sold out, especially mid week, with all the three venues
“The staff are all excited about it and the punters should be happy. We have fashion parades, sweeps and all the fun stuff that comes with it. It’ll be a great atmosphere.”
But the party isn’t going to be over when the race day finishes, with nightlife venues also aiming to cash in on the fun.
Burleigh Pavilion, White Rhino Bar & Eats in Surfers Paradise and nearby The Bedroom nightclub are all hosting after-party celebrations.
“We’re super excited for another sell out Melbourne Cup event. Last year was fantastic,” White Rhino marketing manager Bree Malooney said.
“We’re really looking forward to putting on a real treat for everyone. After the race, cocktails will be flowing all night.
“There’s free entry for everyone from 2pm, of course subject to (attendee numbers) with COVID.”
Burleigh Pavilion owner Ben May was also ready for kick ons at his beachfront venue.
“We sold out tickets really quickly. We can fit in about 380 (guests),” Mr May said.
“We have music, running sweeps, the big screen and all the usual fun.
“We’re trading strongly here (on the Gold Coast) compared to our venue in Sydney, so that’s really good.”
WHAT TO WEAR TO MELBOURNE CUP 2020
Serial reality TV dating show contestant Jake Ellis hopes you’ll join him at the Gold Coast Turf Club for the Melbourne Cup - but maybe avoid his race tips.
Mr Ellis said the spring racing carnival was one of his favourite times of year, especially the Bundall turf club events.
“I love the atmosphere and an excuse to dress up and have a day of fun with good people,” he said.
His tip for the race which stops at nation at 2pm (Gold Coast time) is Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet, number five.
“I’ve never actually backed a winner for the cup before, so I think my tips are always off but I have a good feeling about this one, mainly because of the name and Glen Boss is riding.”
Stylist and Fashions On the Field judge Kimberley Gardner said head to toe style is on trend.
“It’s the cup so have fun with colour and headwear but not too fantasy,” she said.
“Think tea dresses and paint suits in colours like baby pink, lilac, yellow and lime.”
Michelle Simpkins, 21, has been a bookmaker’s clerk since she has been 13-years-old.
She is ready for big day at the Gold Coast Turf Club but has a few pointers for punters.
“Where do I start,” she laughed.
“Firstly, have your money ready in your hand and don’t do a last-minute handbag dive at the stand; be nice and polite, we are busy and we don’t like being yelled; make sure you wear sensible footwear; and always check your ticket before the race.”
Aquis Park Gold Coast Turf Club general admission, selling at the door, is $20.
WHERE YOU CAN WATCH THE CUP FOR FREE
The Broadbeach
Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
Griffith University Uni Bar
The Link (G07), Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport
The Star Sports Bar
The Star Gold Coast, Main Gaming Floor, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Crafty’s Sports Bar
147/189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
Merrimac Tavern
Cnr Gooding Drive and, Ghilgai Rd, Merrimac
The Sporting Globe
Robina Town Centre, 19 Robina Town Centre Dr, Robina
Ashmore Tavern
161 Cotlew St, Ashmore
Swannie’s Bar and Restaurant
34 Nerang St, Southport
The Miami
2043-2047 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami
Burleigh Town Sports Club
111 Christine Ave, Burleigh Waters
Arundel Tavern
226 Napper Rd, Arundel
The Clock Hotel
3282 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Options Tavern Helensvale
1A/29 Millaroo Dr, Helensvale
Treetops Tavern
7 Executive Dr, Burleigh Waters
Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern
Shop 40, 60-70 SeaWorld Dr, Main Beach
TAB
Palm Beach, Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Labrador, Currumbin, Tugun
AFTER CUP PARTIES
Bedroom Lounge Bar
26 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Party from 9pm.
Fat Freddy’s Beach Bar and Diner
50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Epic eats, good times and live entertainment from 3.30pm.
The Garden Kitchen and Bar
Casino Drive, Broadbeach
The Stafford Brothers exclusive performance from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Free entry but limited capacity.
Walk in’s accepted after then.
Burleigh Pavilion
3a/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh
Party from 2.30pm, featuring Mister Bennetts and Little Fritter
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