Race days served with a hearty side of spring elegance.
Race days served with a hearty side of spring elegance.
To quote a banger, “’Hay’ girl, ‘hay’ boy….superstar dj(ockeys), here we go!” and yep get comfy, coz we have zero intention of ‘rein-ing’ in the pony puns.
We can hardly believe it ourselves, but spring has sprung and Spring Racing Carnival mode has officially been activated.
It’s a time of year we eternally affiliate with trackside hangs soaking up the sun, style, ‘studs’, and selfies, and our friends at the Gold Coast Turf Club are turning up the elegance dial to full bloom!
Hosting three exclusive Chandon Garden Spritz Parties, these swanky celebrations are fit for the finest of thoroughbreds and will take place in the iconic Glasshouse.
Now this place has seen its fair share of horseplay, but on Saturday 14th, 21st and 29th of October, it’s sure to reach ‘colt’ status.
Whether it’s the thrill of Caulfield Guineas/The Everest, Caulfield Cup, or the grand finale on Cox Plate Day, trust us – it would be your worst night’mare’ to miss out.
So ladies, head to the beauty salon and don your raceday finest so that you can get winny with it in the style stakes.
You’ll leave the punters pondering, ‘maybe she’s barn with it, maybe it’s neighbelline’ and yes, we’re udderly haylarious.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the Chandon Garden Spritz. This cocktail isn’t just a drink; it’s the liquid embodiment of spring in a glass.
Crafted with Chandon’s sparkling wine, a dash of botanical magic, and a sprinkle of fresh fruits, sip it under the sunshine and you’ll be feeling as bubbly as the drink in your hand.
There’s also a grazing style menu with self-service stations and roaming hors-d’œuvres, five-hour gold beverage package including Chandon Brut and a selection of wines and beers, live music, and of course, the heart-pounding horse races.
Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or someone looking to bask in the springtime glow, this event has something for everyone.
So, gather your squad, dust off your fanciest fascinator, and mark your calendars for the Chandon Garden Spritz Parties.
But don’t wait ‘furlong’ coz tickets are selling faster than a racehorse down the home stretch! You and your mate can snag two tickets for just $350 or if you’re flying solo, individual tickets are available for $195 per person (or $175 per person for members).
Giddy up!
Folks, don’t be a neigh-sayer – saddle up for the parties of the season and join us at the Gold Coast Turf Club for these unforgettable spring celebrations, overflowing with elegance, excitement – and Chandon.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go here.
Where: Racecourse Drive, Surfers Paradise
When: Saturday 14, 21 & 29 October
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY GOLD COAST TURF CLUB
Looking for somewhere to celebrate this year’s Melbourne Cup? We field you!
Prepare to channel your inner clothes horse, frock up and sink a glass (or ten) of chardon-hay for the race that stops a nation.
Whether you’re after something opulent, glamorous, or more relaxed, here is a list of Gold Coast venues inviting you to stirrup some Cup fun this Tuesday 7th November 2023.
Giddy up Gold Coast!
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
Make a Cup date with the JW Grand Ballroom and indulge in a decadent 3-course luncheon, luxury beverage package, and a glass of sparkling vino on arrival.
Enjoy live entertainment by Magic Carpet Ride and fashions on the field by Liz Clift International designer labels, plus best dressed prizes sponsored by JW Marriott Gold Coast.
There will also be sweepstakes and raffles supporting the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation. 12pm – 3.30pm. Tickets are $199+BF per person or $1,990+BF for a table of ten.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast
In the mood for an espe-shell-ally mouth-watering Melbourne Cup mingle this year? It’s your lucky day!
Take on the Sheraton’s show-stopping seafood buffet and 3 hour bev package, with a luxe luncheon in Terraces restaurant that will dish up absolutely everything you need for a ripper of a race day (short of actually picking the winner for you, that is).
Enjoy best-dressed prizes, live entertainment and fundraising raffle, with revellers also treated to an exclusive Oyster Experience with local oyster farmer, Jeff Green from Straddie Oysters.
Oh, and all that electric Cup day action live from Flemo, of course. 12pm – 3pm. Tickets from $199 per person.
Where: 71 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
The Langham Gold Coast
Enjoy a fanciful affair with the return of the annual Melbourne Cup Garden Party at The Langham, this year in partnership with Veuve Clicquot for a rather splendid spring fling indeed.
Kicking off at 11:30am, delight in 4 fabulous hours of free-flowing premium alcoholic beverages and a lush 3-course lunch, The Langham style.
Soak up the chic surrounds of the decked out Diamond Ballroom with live entertainment, and your host for the afternoon, Triple M’s Dan Anstey bringing the bants.
Tickets to a very memorable race day at the GC’s newest address in luxury will set you back a tidy $350 pp, while groups of 10 receive a sneaky 10% discount.
So, consider this your sign to round up the fillies.
Where: 38 Old Burleigh Road, Surfers Paradise
The Star Gold Coast
As the GC’s trusty haven of recreation, this alone immediately qualifies The Star as Favourite for a Cup day of epic proportions.
Whether you fancy frocking up for a bit of fun and a cheeky flutter, or you want to go full-blown high roller this Melbourne Cup – The Star Gold Coast is always hot to trot. Um, hello, this is like their specialty!
These certified mane-iacs have whipped up no less than 8 race day options to sweep us off our feet, so consider this your sign to turf those plans to play it by ear and lock in a race day that slaps.
With everything from springcredible, sun-soaked garden-side soirées to lavish luncheons, it’s wayyy more action than we can pack in one paragraph – so ‘crack that whip’ and high tail it here for all the details. (And whip it, whip it good..)
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Southport Sharks
As Southport’s hub of family friendly fun and frivolity, it will be no surprise there’s a (Fleming)tonne of festivities happening at Southport Sharks this Cup day, with many of our fave haunts warming up to welcome us for the big race.
Sharks Main Club
Frenzy’s is o-fish-ally set to dazzle for another Cup day with their delectable seafood buffet spread option always a sell out. Running from 11.30am – 3.00pm, adults tickets are $75+BF per person with kids and seniors tix also available, so don’t be shellfish – get the whole crew together to indulge in some delish race day fare and festivities for all. Rock out with your frock out with best dressed prizes, live entertainment, with big screens to catch all the track-side action and TAB facilities readily available for those who fancy a flutter.
Sharks Events Centre
For a swanky affair that’s a whole package, join the crew live and loud at the Events Centre luncheon. Feast on a tasty 3-course menu washed down with a 3.5-hour beverage package and, well, if you insist. There are best-dressed awards up for grabs, live betting facilities to up the thrill factor, live entertainment with Michael Hickey, and a photo booth to get snap happy in for a memento that’s much cuter than a sore head the next day. 11.30am – 3pm. Tickets are $129+BF per person, or $1,190+BF for a table of ten.
Cabana Bar
This just in: Sharks are certainly not horsing around this year, with the addition of an extra contender, a cocktail-style Tropicale Melbourne Cup soirée at Cabana Bar. Treat yourself to a welcome drink on arrival, feast on Mexican canapés, get your groove on with a live DJ and a 360 Photo Booth for the best kind #fitcheck to commemorate all those fabulous frocks. At only $39+BF, don’t be foal-ish and grab your tickets before they gallop out the door.
Aviary Rooftop Bar
Another hotly tipped front runner for your consideration absolutely neigh-ds to be Aviary Bar’s Rooftop Races event, gearing up to return in very fine form for another year with that knockout GC skyline view as backdrop. Find all the juicy deets for this glorious rooftop rendezvous here – and spoiler alert, we do mean juicy thanks to an all-inclusive VIP Garden Spritz package option.. #orangeyougladyoufoundthislist?!
Where: Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport
The Island
The array of activations on offer at the Island make it neigh on impossible to pick anything less than a winner of a time this Cup day (unlike that “sure thing” #hottip from your mate). Gala all out with a luxe luncheon in The Island Glasshouse, a 3.5hr food and bev package for the finery-donned foodies inc. 3 course luncheon, welcome canapés and free-flowing sips – and may lady luck be on your side attempting to reign it with cocktail carafes on the menu. 12.00pm – 3.30pm. Tickets are $209pp.
Or, take this little part-ay straight to the (roof)top and glam it up at the Penthouse Cocktail Soiree from 12.30pm – 3.30pm, with gourmet light bites and sun-soaked, free-flowing spring sips from $179pp.
While we’re talking nest level alfresco vibes, no doubt punters will also be flocking to the The Island Rooftop as it transforms into the G.H. Mumm Birdcage for the occasion, with 3 hours of premium bevs and bites – inc. piping hot wood fired pizzas on repeat. Tix from $109pp.
If you’re feeling a bit extra, gather your gaggle of 10+ for the boujee booth option – for $159pp, take your peck of all the birdcage perks on offer PLUS welcome Perrier Jouët Champagne and charcuterie straight to your table, and cocktail carafes for the duration.
Where: 3128 Surfers Paradise Blvd, Surfers Paradise
Currumbin RSL
For southern Gold Coasters, take your cup day celebrations creekside as the Currumbin RSL goes all out to celebrate spring racing szn, with a Cup-le of prime pozzy’s at which to perch up and catch all the race day action.
From $120pp, the Waterside Events Luncheon will be a sit-down affair hosted in the function room, which will be off and racing from 11.30am – so you’ll well and truly be in the swing of things by the time the barriers swing open for those 3 heart-stopping minutes.
Saddle up for the whole shebang, with a 3-course set menu to keep the sustenance up, live entertainment by Brooke Supple, fashions on the field, sweeps and lucky door prizes throughout the day.
Or hit the deck for a cracker of a time overlooking the creek at the Creekside Party from $85pp, with canapés and 2 hour beer and wine package, sweeps and live music by Alex Bowen.
There’s also live music from McKenzie Duo to follow ensuring the vibes remain high all arvo long – even if backing that tail-ender has you feeling a little roughie when all’s said and run.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Hold your horses, Gold Coasters! The Melbourne Cup is galloping towards us, and The Star Gold Coast is saddling up for a day of glitz, glamour, and good times that’ll leave you chomping at the bit. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or just in it for the fashion, food and frivolity, The Star has a stable full of options that are sure to be the ‘mane’ event of your Cup Day.
Garden Kitchen & Bar
Restaurant
This GC institution is serving up a three-course lunch that’s more satisfying than a perfect trifecta, paired with a three-hour beverage package. With live entertainment by the Huddy Faulkner Duo, Fashions off the Field, and a special guest MC, you’re in for a galloping good time! Tickets are $195 per person.
Grab your tickets here.
Booth
Ok this one sells out faster than Kingston Rule ran back in 1990 so get on it quick smart! Be the ultimate lady (or lad) that lunches with two premium platters, a three-hour beverage package, live entertainment by Huddy Faulkner Duo, and a special guest MC, you’re in and Fashions off the Field. $2,000 per booth for a maximum of 15 people (that’s only $133 per person if you have the full 15!).
Grab your tickets here.
The Lawn
From the moment the gates fly open to the final glass is raised, a fancy picnic-style celebration on The Lawn is a front-runner this Melbourne Cup Day. Watch the live action on the mega screen and enjoy two decadent platters, a three-hour beverage package, Fashions off the Field, and an epic lineup of live entertainment. Tickets are $600 per high-top (four adults), $900 per high-top (six adults), and $1,500 per picnic table* (maximum 10 adults).
Also on The Lawn, the ‘rein’ing queen of the dance world, DJ Havana Brown, will be on the decks for the ultimate post-race party. The best part? You can mosey on over and watch her spinning up a storm for free! Gi-gi-gi-gimme!
Grab your tickets here.
Cucina Vivo
Giddy up and gallop over to Cucina Vivo for a lunch oozing Italian elegance and fabulous Flemington flair! Indulge in a winning three-course lunch paired with a three-hour beverage package that’ll guarantee a strapping good time. There’s also live tunes by the Kent Dustin Duo, Fashions off the Field to crown the best-dressed filly, and a special guest MC to steer the day’s festivities. Tickets are $199 per person.
Grab your tickets here.
Nineteen at The Star
Restaurant
Saddle up high rollers because at Nineteen at The Star (Restaurant), they’re taking Melbourne Cup to new heights – literally! Perched on the 19th floor, this elegant venue offers panoramic views that will delight even the fanciest of fillies. Enjoy a four-course lunch and beverage package, live racing screens, MC Liz Cantor, and Fashions on the Rooftop. Get ready to ‘trot’ your stuff! Tickets are $375 per person.
Grab your tickets here.
Bar
This iconic rooftop venue is transforming into the ultimate cocktail party, complete with “Fashions on the Rooftop,” live racing on big screens, and vibes brought to you by DJ Dezastar. Enjoy roaming oyster shuckers, a premium 3-hour canapé package, and indulge in a 4-hour beverage package that includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival.
Hosted by the fabulous Liz Cantor, it’s the perfect setting for an elegant race day celebration.
Grab your tickets here.
Harvest Buffet
Large groups, listen up! Harvest Buffet is THE go-to for party seekers looking to soak up the pristine pool vibes and a premium seafood buffet, including two chocolate fountains (yes, we said TWO!). Don’t forget the three-hour beverage package (umm, as if), Fashions off the Field, live entertainment with Rene Le Feuvre, and guest MC, local radio icon Moyra Major! Tickets are $140 per person.
Grab your tickets here.
Sports Bar
Terrace Package
There’s no place where the Melbourne Cup vibes are vibier than the Sports Bar so frock up or suit up with the Terrace Package for all the live and loud surround sound racing action. Including premium roaming canapes, a complimentary drink on arrival, 20+ screens, state of the art TAB facilities, a cash bar and of course, exclusive access to The Terrace, it’s Sports Bar for the win. Tickets are $95 per person.
Grab your tickets here.
Booth Package
Fancy front-row seats to take in the horseplay? Then you want a private booth at Sports Bar with up to 10 of your best mates. Lap up a $600 food and bev tab, two All Star Platters with 500g chicken wings, salt and pepper calamari, mozzarella sticks, and chips), three garlic breads, three cheesy garlic breads, and branded merch with access to state-of-the-art TAB facilities. $1,200 per booth (that’s only $120 per person with a gang of 10).
Grab your tickets here.
Free Post-Race Entertainment
The Lawn, Garden Kitchen Bar
Don’t miss Australia’s own DJ superstar Havana Brown getting on the decks to keep the party going between 4.30pm and 6pm.
Atrium Bar
For the ultimate post-race party, Atrium Bar is the obvious choice with live DJs pumping out the tunes from the early afternoon. It’s the perfect way to keep the festivities going long after the last horse has crossed the finish line – and it’s free!
Cherry Bar
Another venue serving up charon-hay and other delicious drops is Cherry Bar. Head on over to this luxurious space in main gaming floor for kick-ons and live beats from The Fontosi Bros Duo, DJ Mister P, and DJ Libre. With free entry and a lavish insta-famous 22 metre bar, it would be rude not to.
The Star Grand Hotel Offer
And finally, if ever there was a time to spoil yourself with a luxurious staycation, Melbourne Cup is it. A (minimum) two-night stay in a superior deluxe king/twin room between Sunday 3 November and Friday 8 November will set you back a mere $199 per night (conditions and booking dates apply, subject to availability). Neigh way!!
For tickets and more information on any of the above, stirrup some Cup fun at The Star here.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
When: Various activations on Tuesday 5th November
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY THE STAR GOLD COAST
The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be over 18 years to enter the casino, Atrium Bar and Sports Bar. BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT. Gambling Helpline 1800 858 858 gamblinghelpqld.org.au
