Brisbane is home to more than its fair share of decent racing action itself, but on Melbourne Cup Day, all of the attention turns to Flemington. Clearly those in Queensland’s capital can’t head to the actual race day, but fortunately there are plenty of high quality venues at which to enjoy Melbourne Cup Day in Brisbane.
- The Calile Hotel
If you are looking to minimise the damage to your wallet then this might not be the place for you, but if you want an experience which closely resembles what you get at Flemington, look no further than the Calile Hotel. Located in the iconic Fortitude Valley, this is a venue at which you can get dressed up exactly as though you were heading to Melbourne Cup Day, and no one will bat an eyelid. The food is equally as high-class, with a fancy five-course meal keeping you sated throughout the afternoon and a premium drinks package more than quenching your thirst.
- The Bavarian
If you’re worried about having a good view of the racing action, then head to The Bavarian and your concerns will immediately be quashed. This riverside venue is home to eight big screen TVs showing the action from Melbourne, meaning you’ll have no troubles getting a front row seat. If you want something to enjoy between the races, try to snare a spot on the balcony, which offers up panoramic views of the Brisbane River and the Story Bridge. You can purchase a package on Melbourne Cup Day here which treats you to a three course meal and a couple of hours of as many drinks as you can devour, making for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
- Doomben Racecourse
Looking for an experience which is as close to what you would get at Flemington as possible? You need look no further than Doomben Racecourse. Queensland’s biggest racetrack plays host to a Melbourne Cup Day extravaganza, incorporating many of the same features which so epitomise the Flemington experience. The screens showing the race here are not just big – they’re referred to as ‘super screens’ – while there are also a host of pop-up bars and restaurants, and even a Fashions on the Field event for those wanting to get dressed up in their best race day outfits.
- X-Cargo
With Melbourne Cup Day taking place when the weather is beginning to get warmer, finding somewhere outdoors to enjoy the day is high on the list of many punters. X-Cargo is the ideal location to do just that. They have a huge garden which surrounds the shipping container for which this venue is so well known, and with a host of screens showing the action you can easily enjoy both the sun and the races all afternoon long. They also host their own version of Fashions on the Field, as well as Melbourne Cup Day sweeps, food and drinks packages and much more.
It might be over 2,000 kilometres north of where the action is taking place, but there’s no reason you can’t still enjoy a quality Melbourne Cup Day in Brisbane. There are bars, restaurants and pubs all throughout the city showing the Race That Stops a Nation, and as the above list shows, they cater for all kinds of racegoers.
