Heading to the races this Melbourne Cup? We’ve gathered the trendiest hotels, bars and restaurants to check out during your stay. If the races aren’t your thing, there are tonnes of other activities to do in Melbourne to make for an awesome trip – think shopping, trendy art scenes and winery cityscapes. To bag the cheapest deal, fly to Melbourne the weekend prior to the big race (race day is Tuesday 7 November), before heading home mid-week (or stay a whole week to make it a real holiday)!
Set the right vibe by staying at one of Melbourne’s luxurious hotels
Kick off your Melbourne getaway by showing off your fancy race outfit at a trendy high-end resort. For ultimate chic luxury at an affordable cost, check in at Adelphi; an art-inspired hotel in the heart of the CBD that boasts a stylish interior, plush king-sized beds, and where all rooms come equipped with an espresso machine (winning)! For something a bit different, discover St Jerome’s, an inner-city ‘glamping’ hotel set on a sunny rooftop on Little Lonsdale Street. With rows of luxury tents in the shadows of towering skyscrapers, St Jerome’s provides the perfect view to relax and unwind after a busy day of shopping and pampering. Enjoy the seriously stunning view as you munch on a breakfast hand-delivered straight to your tent!
Cheap 4 & 5 Star hotels in Melbourne, from A$80*
Take advantage of Melbourne’s top dining scene
Melbourne is home to some of Australia’s best food so be sure to set aside time to uncover the city’s delicious eateries. Wander through Flinders Lane to indulge in decadent coffee such as Dukes Coffee Roasters’ espresso and filter brews, or take a seat at top restaurants such as Chin Chin, Cumulus Inc and Cecconi’s. If you’re a coffee lover keen to escape the crowds of Flinders Lane, head to Centre Place and Degraves Street; both home to the buzzing cafe culture Melbourne is known for. Other picks to add to your list include Hardware Lane for hearty Italian, Chinatown for yum cha and Meyers Place for exotic cocktails.
Cheap 4 & 5 Star hotels in Melbourne, from A$80*
Uncover the best of Melbourne after the race
Whether you’re planning on attending the race course or not, there’s plenty to do in Melbourne either side of the Cup. For a memorable experience, book a ticket to Eureka Skydeck – a gold-plated observation deck on the 88th floor with panoramic city views and a protruding glass cube. Next, check out the epic street-art such as the famous graffitis of Hosier Lan, or take a tour of the NGV International art gallery to see exhibitions such as The Language of Ornament, which explores the history of ornament in the Western design tradition. If you’re a fashionista, enjoy a spot of retail therapy on Chapel Street and Bridge Road, where you’ll find anything from vintage treasures and sale outlets, to artisan goods and gourmet pantry items. Come night time, celebrate your big win (or loss – depending on whether you splashed some cash betting) at rooftop bars such as Cookie, The Carlton and Naked in The Sky.
Cheap 4 & 5 Star hotels in Melbourne, from A$80*
Extend your stay with a winery city-scape
If time is on your side, leave the hustle and bustle in the CBD for a quiet escape in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. This spectacular region is as suited to wine lovers as it is to nature enthusiasts. Take an early morning balloon flight, wander through the quaint villages, discover local artist studios and meet passionate winemakers. Must-see wineries include
Yarra Ranges Estate, Five Oaks Vineyards, and Wild Cattle Creek Estate.
Cheap 4 & 5 Star hotels in Melbourne, from A$80*
Travelling tips for Melbourne Cup travellers
For those planning their first trip to the Melbourne Cup, here’s a few tips and tricks to ensure race day is a smooth ride:
- Plan your transport to the track – special trains will run direct to Flemington Racecourse on race day but we suggest leaving before the last race starts to get ahead of the crowds. Alternatively, hire a car to avoid public transport – but make sure you have a designated driver that goes easy on the drinks.
- Pre-purchase your ticket – general admission tickets cost $74 for adults or $60 for students (children are free) and can be purchased online or at Flinders Street, Southern Cross and North Melbourne railway stations. Don’t forget to bring your ticket on the day.
- You will most likely want to head out after the race so plan ahead – Melbourne is extra busy during Cup Week, meaning many restaurants will be full. Book ahead of time to avoid disappointment!
- Place your bets early – there are ten races on the day, starting from 10.20am. The Melbourne Cup is race 7, and runs at 3pm. While it’s fun to place bets spontaneously, avoid having to queue up and walk back and forth to the betting lines by placing your bets early. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy another glass of bubbly.
Cheap 4 & 5 Star hotels in Melbourne, from A$80*
Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.com.au on 20 October, 2017. The prices are quoted in AUD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
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