Ready, set, stirrup some fun!
Ready, set, stirrup some fun!
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 (listed North to South) inviting you to partake in some horseplay on Tuesday 5th November 2024.
Giddy up Gold Coast!
The Club at Parkwood Village
Get ready to trot into the Melbourne Cup Garden Party at The Club – the ultimate race day bash! Enjoy live music, grazing stations, and a three-hour beverage package (cocktails and spirits included for VIPs thank you very much!). Watch the big race live on giant screens and strut your stuff in Fashions on the Field for a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Feeling lucky? Try your hand at the sweepstakes! Nab your tickets early with special pricing available until the end of September (general admission – $79 per person, or VIP for $155 per person).
Where: 76/104 Napper Road, Arundel
Imperial Hotel
Gallop into a day of timeless elegance at the Imperial Hotel’s fabulous Melbourne Cup event, all in support of the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation. Whether you’re in for the seafood or the stilettos, they’ve got the race-day experience to make your Cup Day a real thoroughbred. Choose between the elegant Couture High Tea, complete with dainty treats and a glass of bubbles, or if you’re feeling extra fancy, dive into the Signature Seafood Buffet with a premium three-hour beverage package. Expect live music, race sweeps, and raffle prizes to keep things lively, with live streaming to catch all the action. $89pp for the Couture High Tea and $195pp for the Signature Seafood Buffet.
When: 94 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
YOT Club
YOT Club is pulling out all the stops with an exclusive event in collaboration with fashion label Billy J. Set sail across the stunning Gold Coast Broadwater while indulging in premium roaming canapés, an unlimited drinks package, and live entertainment.
Watch the race that stops the nation on a massive 5-meter screen aboard the beautifully themed yacht. Prices start at $195 for Ocean Deck tickets, which include a 3-hour cruise, drink on arrival, canapés, and house beer, wine, and sparkling. For a more elevated experience, Upper Deck tickets are available for $280, which also includes a cocktail on arrival and French sparkling. Get in quick — this luxurious event will sell out fast!
Where: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
If a luxe three-course luncheon with bubbly Laurent Perrier Champagne and a premium drinks package saddles your horse, then the JW Marriott is the Cup destination for you!
There’s live entertainment by Sunset Society and fashions on the field by iconic Liz Clift International designer labels. Get ready to bet big on sweepstakes, raffles, and snag those best-dressed prizes, with proceeds supporting the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation. Tickets start at $199 per person or get the whole stable; 10 guests for $1,990.
Where: 158 Ferny Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Coast Beach Bar & Kitchen
Gallop into the Melbourne Cup Race Day at COAST’s Oceanview Terrace, where sophistication and celebration go hoof in hoof. Kick things off with Taittinger champagne and freshly shucked oysters, before indulging in a premium four-course banquet fit for racing royalty. Plus, there’s a three-hour premium drinks package ensuring you’ll be trotting through the day – (posh) glass in hand – at all times. With spectacular views, live entertainment, best-dressed prizes, and big screens for all the racing action, this event promises to be a real showstopper. Tickets are $199 per person.
Where: Level 1, Ocean by Meriton, 86 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
RACV Royal Pines Resort
If you’re looking for a luxe way to celebrate Melbourne Cup, RACV Royal Pines Resort has you covered at Tees’ Clubhouse. Get ready to glow up and show up as they roll out a fabulous 3-course plated dining experience with a glass of sparkling on arrival for just $98 per person. Soak up the spring sunshine and revel in live music, race-day action, and an atmosphere buzzing with excitement. Perfect for those who want to enjoy a classy Cup Day celebration in style!
Where: RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast, Ross Street, Benowa
Sofia’s
Get ready to say “ciao” to Cup Day – Sofia’s style! There’s no better way to celebrate the best of Australian sport with the best of Italian cuisine – and this Amalfi Coast-style long lunch will have you living la dolce vita. With a four-course set menu that’ll make Nonna proud, a three-hour Italian beverage package, and spritzers flowing like a Venetian canal, this is one Cup Day soiree you won’t want to miss. Mangia your heart out for just $175 per person.
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Shop G0/53 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Star Gold Coast
As the GC’s numero uno go-to for food, fun and frivolity, The Star immediately qualifies as a Cup Day frontrunner. Whether you fancy frocking up and perhaps enjoying a cheeky flutter, or you want to go full-blown high roller, this place is always hot to trot.
This year, these certified mane-iacs have whipped up no less than TEN race day options to sweep us off our feet. So whatever you had planned – turf it and head for The Star.
With everything from springcredible, sun-soaked garden-side soirées to lavish luncheons, it’s wayyy more action than we can pack into one paragraph – so ‘crack that whip’ and high tail it here for all the deets.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Burleigh Sports Club
Saddle up for Melbourne Cup Day at the Burleigh Sports Club, where the seafood buffet and 2.5-hour drinks package are sure to make you feel like a winner! Kick off with an obligatory glass of bubbles on arrival before taking on a sumptuous seafood buffet featuring all your ocean-dwelling faves. Enjoy live entertainment by Magic Carpet Ride, sweepstakes and Fashions on the Field. Plus, for the real racing enthusiasts the TAB will be open from 8am! It’s a guaranteed galloping good time. Tickets are $160 per person or $1,500 for a group of ten.
Where: 111 Christine Avenue, Burleigh Waters
Local Burleigh
Looking for a laid-back spot to watch the Melbourne Cup? Head to Local Burleigh for free entry all day! Starting at 11am, this beachside venue will be serving up Cup Day specials and good vibes. Whether you’re there for the big race or just to enjoy the atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home with a glass of Veuve in hand.
No need to splurge on entry fees—come dressed to impress, relax by the beach, and make it a Melbourne Cup day to remember at Local Burleigh!
Where: 1744 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
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 $130pp, 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 $90pp, with canapés and 2 hour beer and wine package, sweeps and live music.
There’s also live music after the race, 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.
Pipi’s Restaurant
Pipi’s is putting a Mediterranean twist on your Melbourne Cup experience! For just $125 per person, indulge in a culinary feast while watching the race live on big screens, all set against the backdrop of stunning ocean views at Point Danger.
Get into the race-day spirit with Fashions on the Field, heart-pounding sweepstakes, thrilling raffles, and live entertainment that’ll keep the energy high all day long. Don’t forget to dress to impress for a chic coastal celebration!
Where: 275 Boundary St, Coolangatta
Words by Bianca Trathen and Belinda Symons
Get your fascinators and finest tailored suits ready- it’s race day. Or should we say the race day. It’s one of the most esteemed events on the spring racing calendar, bringing spirit and glamour together for a race that stops the nation. Of course, we are talking about Melbourne Cup. More specifically, the exclusive 2024 Melbourne Cup Luncheon at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa.
There’s no event on the calendar quite like the Melbourne Cup. It brings an effervescent spirit that cannot be matched. Even New Year’s Eve falls short against it! Set on the iconic Flemington Racecourse, it attracts a hefty viewership year on year, with last year drawing a cool 1.68 million viewers nationally. No matter where you are on cup day, the feverish energy can be felt. In other words, you don’t have to be in Melbourne to soak up the experience of this iconic annual event.
If you’re yet to experience Melbourne Cup at the JW Marriott Gold Coast, let us tell you, there is no better place to be on November 5th. The luxury resort’s luncheon event has built a reputation as the hottest spot in town for race day celebrations. Watch the race live from their Grand Ballroom, which transforms into a high-energy hub where style, sophistication, and the thrill of the race collide. From 12-3:30pm, Cup Day glamour meets the chic charm of the Gold Coast, setting the stage for a truly unforgettable event.
Hit full stride into race day glamour with a glass of Laurent Perrier La Cuvée Champagne on arrival, and stay ahead of the pack with a luxury beverage package including Laurent Breban Blanc de Blancs. Hold on to your headpieces; there’s more! Indulge in a decadent three-course luncheon presented by the culinary team at Citrique and watch the live action unfold on the big screen before you!
You’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat as the thrill of the race reaches a fever pitch among the crowd. Your glass of bubbles will be high in the air, and everyone will be on their feet. The room erupts into roaring as you watch the race unfold before your very eyes.
The spectacle doesn’t stop there, with live entertainment by Sunset Society and fashions on the field by Liz Clift International designer labels. Now, it’s not as though we need an excuse to make a fashion statement (we live for the spotlight), but there are prizes for ‘Best Dressed’ going out. You best believe our best heels are going forward in hopes of crossing the finish line first!
Don’t stall now! Spots are filling faster than a racehorse out of the gate! Tickets are $199 per guest (plus booking fee) and bookings are essential. Click here to secure your seats. Sweepstakes and raffles supporting the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation.
Where: JW Marriott Resort & Spa Gold Coast, 158 Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: 12:00pm – 3:30pm, 5th of November 2024
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY JW MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA GOLD COAST
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
