Your guide for Melbourne Cup Day 2024

The race that stops the nation is here and there’s plenty you can do to celebrate. Here’s our guide for what’s on this Cup Day.

The race that stops the nation is here and there’s plenty you can do to celebrate.

From real horse racing to frogs and crocs, here’s a list of all the major Melbourne Cup festivities taking place across Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and surrounds.

*Note: most if not all events require bookings and/or an entry fee

What’s On!

Turf Club (Darwin)

The ‘BTC Constructions Melbourne Cup Race Day’ is your go-to stop if you plan on seeing real action. A race-day littered with local faces, the fun continues off the track with fine dining, bubbles, fashion competitions and other unforgettable moments. Punters will be able to choose three race day experiences from general admission, the Ted Bailey Grandstand Luncheon and the Cancer Council’s Yellow Long Lunch.

Gates Open: 10am | Melbourne Cup: 1.30pm* | First Local Race: 1.54pm

Silks (Darwin)

Silks is hosting a day of culinary delights, fun and camaraderie for punters and everyone in-between to enjoy.

Mindil Beach Casino Resort (Darwin)

Racewear is the only thing you need to remember if you attend the casino’s cup day bash this year. Mindil will be screening every race live across the venue with food and drink options up for grabs throughout the day.

Berry Springs Tavern (Berry Springs)

The Tavern will hold its annual croc races once more as a warm-up ahead of the big race. Camel rides, TAB and Keno as well as cocktail and food specials promise to make the day chock-full of fun.

Noonamah Tavern Frog Races (Noonamah)

One of, if not the most, iconic race day experience in the Top End is back for another year at the Tavern. The infamous frog races are set to entertain punters as they hop to the finish line while live music, food and drinks in abundance. The Frog Race will again be splitting the winnings between CareFlight, Variety NT and of course the owners of the winning frogs.

Shenanigans (Darwin)

Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just looking for a good time, Shags is ‘the place to be’ this Melbourne Cup Day. The pub is hosting its annual race day celebrations with happy hour and live music part of the days agenda.

Lizards Bar (Darwin)

Sherri Lee Volua will host the cup day festivities at Lizards. Best dressed competitions, plenty of drinks, food, sweepstakes and TAB will make you feel right at home for the days action.

Breezes Bar & Bistro (Darwin)

BBB’s is inviting all Territorians to come over and celebrate 2024’s great race. Sweeps and food and drink specials will accompany all the live and loud action on the big screens.

Precinct Hotel (Darwin)

Open from 8am The Precinct isn’t mucking around this cup day with all-day dining, live music, best dressed competitions and more to entertain you and your mates.

Wharf One (Darwin)

Wharf One Food and Wine is throwing a massive Melbourne Cup Day bash on the waterfront. All the race day action will be shown on the big TVs while plenty of food and drinks as well as sweeps and lucky door prizes are to be had.

The Buff Club (Darwin)

The Buff will celebrate another race that stops the nation with its annual cup day bash. From bubbles on arrival and plenty of food, to fashion competitions and entertainment, you’re guaranteed a great time.

Sweethearts (Darwin)

A day full of race day festivities is to be had at the Cinema Collective with Sweethearts throwing a day-long party. From the race itself to cold drinks, delicious food, live entertainment and happy hour, you’ll be set for an unforgettable cup day.

Tracy Village Sports Club (Darwin)

Kicking off at 11.30am the TVSC will have massive big screens and numerous TVs for you to watch the great race live. TAB, sweeps, best dressed prizes and more will also all be part of the day’s entertainment.

Nightcliff Sports Club

Nightcliff is promising a day to remember with a delicious buffet, drinks, best dressed prizes, sweeps and in house TAB to keep your spirits high during the great race.

Casuarina Sports Club (Darwin)

Cas is inviting everyone to attend its annual Cup Day luncheon for the great race. Bubbles, prizes for best dressed, giveaways and a $1000 lucky door prize as well as sweeps and live entertainment awaits.

Mamma’s Kitchen (Palmerston)

The well known antipasto experts are holding a cup day nibbles under in the cold aircon. Sweeps, food (BYO drinks) and the race itself will all be part of a memorable experience for the family.

Cox Country Club (Wagait)

Cox is hosting another fun day of cup action with games, sweeps, a BBQ lunch, competition and cold drinks on the agenda.

Tali Restaurant (Alice Springs)

Tali Restaurant at Lasseters will host a Glitter and Gold Melbourne Cup Luncheon from 12pm. Punters are encouraged to dress to impress in their best glitter and gold attire for a day of racing and delicious food.

Gillen Club (Alice Springs)

From 10am-2pm, attendees at the Gillen Club can enjoy a buffet lunch, watch the event live and participate in the in-house sweep and win prizes.

Katherine Club Inc (Katherine)

Residents in Katherine can enjoy all the action with racing on the big screen and throughout the venue, a luncheon from 12pm and TAB from 8am. Bookings are essential.