Your guide to the best Melbourne Cup functions in Townsville
From Cluden Park to The Strand, revellers are expected to flock to events across the city, with pubs, clubs and hotel function rooms packed with punters for Australia’s horseracing day of days.
Townsville
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The race that stops the nation will bring North Queensland to a virtual standstill, with the region hosting first-class Melbourne Cup race events.
From Cluden Park to The Strand, revellers are expected to flock to events across the city, with pubs, clubs and hotel function rooms packed with punters for Australian horseracing’s day of days.
Cluden Park will host a full day of racing, while venues across the city are pulling out all the stops to turn hotels and restaurants into a little slice of racing revelry.
With many venues already sold out, there are very limited spots available at some of the venues listed here, so the advice is to book now or miss out.
The Ville Resort-Casino
While The Pavilion’s cocktail style event is sold out, you can still celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in style at Quarterdeck (QD) from 11.30am to 2.30pm, enjoy stunning ocean views, live music, and all the action of the race that stops the nation at one of Townsville’s most iconic venues. Sip on a complimentary cocktail upon arrival and take in live music leading up to the big race, with full Melbourne Cup coverage on TV screens throughout the venue. TAB facilities will be available for those looking to place bets. The dress code is elegant racewear for ladies and jacket and tie for gentlemen. Tickets are $37 per person. Extend the excitement after the race at the after-party with live entertainment on The Ville Lawns until 6.30pm.
Cluden Park
Cluden Park’s 2024 Melbourne Cup Race Day is set to be the ultimate event for horse racing fans. Offering an unforgettable day of racing, dining, and entertainment, it’s the perfect destination to enjoy the excitement of the nation-stopping race. While the exclusive Tanqueray No. TEN Sky Suite’s gourmet event is sold out, general admission is available, with guests enjoying the comfort of the airconditioned Sports Bar, and children under 12 entering free. General admission tickets to Cluden park only are $22.49. For tickets go to eventbrite.com.au
Brothers Leagues Club Townsville
Doors open at 11am with a champagne on arrival, with lunch served at 12.30pm in Circa 20 Restaurant. A two-course alternate drop menu, as well as live entertainment, sweeps, TAB facilities, live coverage and lucky door, best dressed and best hat prizes. For tickets ($60pp) call reception on 4773 8000.
Rockpool Pavilion
The event will be held from 12pm to 4pm. Rob and Dave “The Piano Men” will provide the live music. Your ticket includes fresh Oyster Shucking and a cocktail on arrival, as well as extensive canapes throughout the afternoon. There is no allocated seating for this event with very limited spots available. Tickets are $99pp. Go to rockpoolpavilion.com.au for tickets.
The Beach Hotel
With panoramic views of Magnetic Island and Cleveland Bay setting the scene for an unforgettable day, The Beach Hotel is hosting its event upstairs. For just $130pp, enjoy a 4-hour beverage package featuring bubbles, beer, wine, Patrón Margaritas, and Grey Goose Vodka Sodas. Pair that with an endless parade of roving canapes to keep you fuelled and ready to party.
ShoreHouse
The event kicks off at 11:30am with a spritz on arrival downstairs. Guests will then progress upstairs and enjoy an extensive Just Feed Me Grazing Menu, with live entertainment throughout the day. Following the race, the party will continue with roving canapes and DJ Hoff from 3pm. There will be prizes for best dressed, best dressed table and best headpiece. Very limited spots available. Tickets are $115pp. Go to www.shorehouse.com.au
Townsville RSL
Enjoy an afternoon of fun and frivolity at the RSL. Receive a glass of bubbly on arrival followed by buffet luncheon with roast meats, salads and dessert. Sweeps and TAB available throughout the day. Best Dressed and Lucky Door Prizes up for grabs. Tickets are $95 for members and $115 for non-members when booked through reception (call 07 4759 9500). Booking fees are added to online bookings via Humanatix.
Townsville Brewing Co, The Banquet Centre
The function will be held between 11am and 5pm. Experience the race day in the decadent Banquet Centre. The function will include a three-course meal and a four-hour beer and wine package (between 11am and 3pm). There will be prizes for best dressed male and female, as well as a prize for the most stylish fascinator or best hat. There will also be a dancefloor. For tickets ($175.81pp), go to eventbrite.com.au
Dalrymple Hotel
Indulge in a delicious three-course lunch with TAB facilities onsite and loads of exciting games and prizes throughout the day. The event starts at 11am and will be hosted by Triple M Breakfast’s Kate Jeboult and live entertainment is by Sarah Little. Tickets are $75pp For tickets, go to dalrymplehotel.com.au
Watermark
The race that stops the nation will live and loud on the big screen. Soak up the electric spring carnival atmosphere and dive into our Trawler Tuesday special with a half kilo of prawns or fish and chips for just $25. Available from 11am. Go to watermarktownsville.com.au
Townsville Yacht Club
Enjoy a fun filled day at the Yacht Club with a two course lunch on the stunning Deck overlooking the Marina. Welcome drink on arrival, raffles, sweeps, Fashions on the Fields and all the Melbourne Cup action on the screens. Tickets are $110pp and the event will be held from 11am to 6pm. For tickets, go to townsvilleyachtclub.com.au
Originally published as Your guide to the best Melbourne Cup functions in Townsville
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