Melbourne Cup’s exclusive Birdcage is open to non-members for first time

The exclusive Birdcage marquee is back and for the first time ever non-members can get in for a hefty price – but there’s a major issue.

Melbourne Cup’s iconic Birdcage marquee is finally back – and for the first time ever, the exclusive precinct is open to non-members.

The exclusive trackside marquee hasn’t been a part of the race that stops the nation since 2019 as a result of the pandemic.

But it’s back for the 2022 Melbourne Cup Carnival celebrations which kick off on Saturday with Derby Day – and it’s clear no expense has been spared.

G.H. Mumm, the official champagne of the week-long event, has crafted a sophisticated space at Flemington Racecourse named “Le Jardin de la Maison Mumm” this year, which translates to the Mumm House Garden.

The French champagne brand is known for going OTT with their Birdcage marquee, installing a swimming pool in pervious years, but has gone for chic and sophisticated this year.

Melbourne Cup’s exclusive Birdcage is open to non-members for first time. Picture: Supplied

Mumm, the event’s official champagne sponsor, unveiled its area in the VIP marquee. Picture: Supplied

A lucky few invited guests will dine in a private space inside the marquee that seats just eight people, with dishes designed by Joel Bickford, culinary director of Sydney’s “it” venue, Shell House.

The space has a garden theme for 2022. Picture: Supplied

Penfold’s is making its debut inside the Birdcage with an enclosure inspired by the brand’s first global theme “Venture Beyond” which is centred around the visually powerful world of space exploration.

Comprising four distinct areas in the marquee, guests will passage through the journey of a lunar eclipse; beginning in the “Glasshouse”, then the “Central Bar”, followed by “Total Eclipse” and finally “Outer Space”.

To further enhance the guest journey, each room will offer a Penfolds wine matching and distinct culinary experience curated by Scott Huggins, Executive Chef of Magill Estate Restaurant.

This is the Australian wine’s second year in a four-year contract with Victoria Racing Club but its first time hosting a space in the Birdcage due to Covid restrictions last year.

Penfold’s is marking its debut in the Birdcage. Picture: Supplied

Guests will be able to enjoy four space-themed areas. Picture: Supplied

It’s out of this world. Picture: Supplied

Of course, the Birdcage wouldn’t be complete without Lexus who this year have unveiled a three-level area called LANDMARK.

Each storey channels a different energy for guests to enjoy. The top floor is for relaxing while the middle is where race-viewers get the best sights of the track. The bottom level is for those with refined tastebuds who want a nice meal.

While the luxurious Melbourne Cup Birdcage is only usually open to a select few guests of race sponsors and VRC full members, this year another new section – Villa Paradiso – is giving non-members a chance to get inside the Birdcage.

For $1800, guests can enjoy seven courses and free-flowing drinks, though there’s no view of the track from the tent which is a bit of an issue.

Landmark by Lexus is a three-storey area for VIP inside the Birdcage. Picture: Supplied

The new Lexus RZ, the brand’s first dedicated battery-electric vehicle, is on display to racegoers. Picture: Supplied

Celebrity faces expected to attend the Birdcage over the course of the Melbourne Cup carnival include new Victorian Racing Club ambassador Christian Wilkins, as well as Myer – the major sponsor of Fashions on the Field – ambassadors s Tayla Damir and Kris Smith.

The fashion competition is celebrating a new era after ditching its previously gendered categories in favour of Best Dressed and Best Suited Awards.

Winners win prize packages worth over $90,000.