Melbourne Cup Festival

The Melbourne Cup Festival is said to be the heartthrob of the Australian nation. The day of this festival is declared as a national holiday for those who reside in Victoria. Even in Melbourne, it is regarded as an important festival in itself. The Melbourne Cup Festival marks the culminating point of the Spring Carnival, which is a good reason for all to put on their Sunday best and keep them immersed in champagne. It is the biggest horse racing festival in the Australian calendar and the venue is alive with all trying to catch a glimpse of the powerful animals moving towards the victory target.

The 3,200-meter race is watched with almost religious fervor by Australians throughout the continent. The sweepstakes take care to see that those who do not have any knowledge of horse racing are as interested as those who have.

History and popularity of the Melbourne Cup

The first Melbourne Cup was held in the year 1861 when a horse named Archer walked a huge distance of 850 kilometers from Nowra to Flemington and won the race. It was the first of all the races and from then on, the race has become very popular.

The popularity of the festival has risen in spite of the inconveniences of bad weather because of the carnival atmosphere of the festival. People are dressed in fashionable clothes and there are bookies that help you to improve upon your punting skills.

The most popular drink during this time is champagne and it is at times drunk during breakfast as well. So if you visit in the early part of November with the intention of moving further north then you will surely face one of the greatest extravagances that you have ever come across.

The Melbourne Cup Festival: When and where

The Melbourne Cup Festival is usually held in the month of November on the first Tuesday.

The festival is held at the Flemington Racecourse. This is located in the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria.

Accommodations available during the Melbourne Cup Festival

Here are some of the very comfortable places where you can stay during the festivities and make the race days a memorable experience. Right from a table that you want to share with your friends to a private marquee the accommodations are enough to meet all your needs. The accommodations available are the –

- Aami Victoria Derby Day - Carbine Marquee
- Emirates Stakes Day - Terrace Restaurant, Makybe Diva Marquee, Skyline and Gallery Restaurant.
- Emirates Melbourne Cup Day- Vintage Crop & Gallery Restaurant and Archer Marquee
- Crown Oaks Day Carbine Marquee and Terrace Restaurant

Hotels in Melbourne
Medina Grand Hotel	Oaks On Market Hotel
Best Western The Tudor Hotel	Rydges Hotel
Vibe Savoy Hotel	Highlander Apartments