The Melbourne Cup 2025 takes place on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, at Flemington Racecourse. Known as “the race that stops a nation,” it’s Australia’s most prestigious horse race. Below is everything you need to plan your Cup Day—schedule, transport, dress code, tickets, tips, and FAQs.
This guide covers Melbourne Cup Day only. See our dedicated Carnival Week articles for Derby Day, Oaks Day, or Stakes Day.
Contents
- 1 What is the Melbourne Cup?
- 2 When is the Melbourne Cup in 2025?
- 3 What happens on Melbourne Cup Day?
- 4 How do I get Melbourne Cup tickets?
- 5 How to get to Flemington on race day?
- 6 Melbourne Cup Carnival 2025 Schedule
- 7 What to wear to the Melbourne Cup?
- 8 Additional Information
- 9
- 10 Fun Facts About the Melbourne Cup
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions
- 11.1 1. What time does the Melbourne Cup race start?
- 11.2 2. Is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday in Victoria?
- 11.3 3. Can I bring children to the Melbourne Cup?
- 11.4 4. What should I wear to the Cup?
- 11.5 5. What if it rains on Cup Day?
- 11.6 6. How many people attend the Melbourne Cup?
- 11.7 7. Are there any free areas to watch the race?
What is the Melbourne Cup?
The Melbourne Cup is a 3,200-metre thoroughbred race held at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. It’s the centrepiece of Australia’s Spring Racing Carnival and attracts over 100,000 attendees and millions of viewers across the world.
When is the Melbourne Cup in 2025?
The 2025 Melbourne Cup is scheduled for Tuesday, 4 November 2025.
Further details like race time, location, race distance and total price pool are listed below.
- Main race time: 3:00 PM AEDT
- Location: Flemington Racecourse, VIC
- Race distance: 3,200 metres
- Total prize pool: Approx. $8.65 million
- Public holiday: Yes, in Victoria
What happens on Melbourne Cup Day?
The race is part of a full day of activity at Flemington. Gates open in the morning, and the Cup is run at 3 PM sharp.
Events you can expect on Melbourne Cup Day are listed below.
- 10 live races throughout the day
- Large-scale public and VIP areas
- Fashions on the Field competitions
- On-site dining and champagne gardens
- Live music, big screens, and corporate marquees
Perfect for: fashion lovers, racing fans, groups, and first-time visitors
How do I get Melbourne Cup tickets?
To get the Melbourne Cup tickets, visit the Victoria Racing Club website.
Ticket options are listed below.
- General Admission: From $60–$80
- Reserved Grandstand Seating: From $180+
- Dining + Hospitality Packages: $300–$1,000
- The Birdcage or VIP Marquees: From $1,500 (limited availability)
How to get to Flemington on race day?
The best way to reach Flemington is by train. Special Cup Day services operate directly from Flinders Street Station.
Transport options:
- Train: Flinders Street → Flemington Racecourse Station (every 10 mins)
- Tram: Route 57 to Showgrounds, 10-minute walk
- Car: Very limited parking—rideshare recommended
- Taxi/Rideshare: Use Epsom Road or Smithfield Road drop zones
Plan early—trains and roads get congested after 9:30 AM.
Melbourne Cup Carnival 2025 Schedule
The Melbourne Cup Carnival schedule involves the Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day and Stakes Day. The Melbourne Cup Carnival schedule is listed below.
- Derby Day – Saturday, 1 November
- Melbourne Cup Day – Tuesday, 4 November
- Oaks Day (Ladies Day) – Thursday, 6 November
- Stakes Day (Family Day) – Saturday, 8 November
Stakes Day is quieter and more family-friendly—often overlooked.
What to wear to the Melbourne Cup?
While there’s no enforced dress code for general admission, most people dress up.
Women: Dresses, heels, structured fascinators or headbands
Men: Suits (lightweight), dress shoes, pocket square or lapel pin
Tip: Bring flats or backup shoes—you’ll be walking a lot
The weather is unpredictable. Consider a fold-up umbrella and sunscreen.
Additional Information
- General admission zones fill by 11AM—arrive early
- Champagne bars and seafood vendors usually sell out by 2PM
- Flemington Station can have 30+ minute queues post-race
- Not all marquees have seated shade—check before booking
- Loudspeakers and crowd noise can be overwhelming for small kids
While Cup Day is the headline, many locals and seasoned visitors agree that the entire Carnival Week is where the full experience shines, especially for fashion, atmosphere, and smaller crowd days like Oaks and Stakes.
Explore those in our linked guides below.
Fun Facts About the Melbourne Cup
Listed below are some fun facts about the Melbourne Cup.
- First run in 1861
- Held every year without interruption (even through wars and pandemics)
- The gold Cup trophy takes over 250 hours to produce
- Makybe Diva is the only horse to win three times (2003–2005)
- The race lasts just over 3 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What time does the Melbourne Cup race start?
3:00 PM AEDT on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.
2. Is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday in Victoria?
Yes, it is a public holiday across Victoria.
3. Can I bring children to the Melbourne Cup?
Yes, but for a quieter experience, Stakes Day is better suited for families.
4. What should I wear to the Cup?
Dress up. Suits and dresses are common. There’s no official dress code for general admission, but fashion is part of the tradition.
5. What if it rains on Cup Day?
The race continues—bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Some areas are uncovered.
6. How many people attend the Melbourne Cup?
Typically over 100,000 at Flemington, plus millions watching worldwide.
7. Are there any free areas to watch the race?
Not on-site. However, many pubs and outdoor screens across Melbourne stream the race live.
Final Tips for Racegoers
- Book tickets early if you want hospitality
- Pack light—bag checks are strict
- Stay hydrated—it’s a long day
- Set your bets before 2:55 PM
- Don’t count on your phone working—network congestion is real
