Melbourne Cup Day is Australia’s most famous Tuesday. At 3.00 pm AEST, on the first Tuesday in November, Australians everywhere stop for one of the world’s most famous horse races – The Melbourne Cup.
It’s a day when the nation stops whatever it’s doing to listen to the race call, or watch the race on TV. Even those who don’t usually bet, try their luck with a small wager or entry into a ‘sweep’ – a lottery in which each ticket-holder is matched with a randomly drawn horse.Do not be mistaken though , usually there are around 100,000 people who attend the race day but it is not all about horses, it is a huge fashion and social event, it is the day where the ladies love to dress up and compete in the famous Fashions on the Field, with their glamorous hats and the gents wearing their fine suits quite often really bright colored suits.
A fashion event
Fashions on the Field at Flemington is not only an undisputed institution of Melbourne Cup Week and a pinnacle event of the Spring Racing Carnival, it has established its place as Australia’s largest and most prestigious outdoor fashion event. Fashions on the Field has undergone many developments – while categories may have been modified over the years and celebrity judges & sponsors have come and gone, the basic premise of the Fashions on the Field at Flemington competition remains the same, an opportunity for the fashion industry to showcase its designs and for women and now men to indulge in their ‘passion for fashion’.
Usually by about 5pm , you see a lot of ladies walking around barefoot with their high heels in their hand, and sore feet too, I would imagine, and at this stage people seem to be rather intoxicated. Some are ready to go home and some are ready to keep partying.A lot of those that come from interstate or overseas head to Crown Casino to continue their partying and social activities.
Accommodation is usually fairly packed at this time of year as a lot of people are in town for the entire racing carnival so it is a good idea to book in advance. We stayed at a lovely cheap motel in Melbourne and we found them at www.cheapmotelsmelbourne.com.au
We stayed for the entire carnival because a few of the girls wanted to attend Oaks Day which is apparently “Ladies Day” and it is all about class.
It is recommended patrons enter Flemington via the Dynon Road – Kensington Road – Hobsons Road route.
Please be aware: You may experience heavy traffic conditions travelling by car to Flemington via the CBD so we recommend that you take this into account when planning your journey. Delays in Ascot Vale Road at the railway gates can also be expected due to increased train frequency.
Public Car Parks
Limited public car parking is available in the centre car park, which opens at 8.30am on Derby Day and Cup Day, and 9am on Oaks Day and Stakes Day. I think there is a $15 parking fee that applies. Patrons should enter off Smithfield Road at the Stables Drive entrance.
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