Many tourists from all across Australia and overseas flock to Melbourne in southern Australia in early November to join in the fun and festivities of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. While the main event might be Australia’s most famous and loved horse race, the Melbourne Cup is actually a week of parties and festivities, so there’s way more to it than just horse racing.
No matter where you are travelling from, to make sure you have the best experience possible, this post offers some handy tips to keep in mind before travelling.
Melbourne Can Have Unpredictable Weather
Although November is one of the more steady months of the year in Melbourne, the weather can still be somewhat unpredictable, being hot one minute and chilly the next, raining then brilliant sunshine.
The race takes place on the first Tuesday in November, so although it’s almost summer in Victoria, you’ll still want to pack some warm clothing. Once you arrive, no matter where you go, you should at least take a jacket with you and an umbrella…just in case the weather turns.
Book Accommodation Well In Advance
Melbourne Cup week is one of the busiest times of the year in Melbourne. The city is popular with tourists at all times, but even more so in early November.
When it comes to accommodation, it’s best to book where you want to stay as far in advance as possible to avoid the disappointment of missing out. You may also find you get a better deal the earlier you book a hotel.
Landing in Melbourne and then hunting down somewhere half decent and near the city to stay will be almost impossible, so just remember to get in early, lock in a place and hopefully get a better price in the process.
Planning On Going To the Great Race?
Book your tickets for the 2019 Melbourne Cup online. Not only will this ensure you get your place in the crowd on race day, but you also can’t actually purchase tickets at the track.
If you show up at the gates at Flemington Racecourse without a ticket on race day, you’re going to be bitterly disappointed. Whether you want to be in the grandstand, special member’s area, or general admission, all tickets must be pre-purchased, either online or through a ticketing agency (Ticketek).
The idea is to ensure a free flow of pedestrian traffic as people come into the track. If everyone was buying tickets at the gate, people would be lining up for hours and miss half the race day just waiting to get in.
Be Prepared To Eat and Drink a Lot
Melbourne Cup is party time. The champagne flows freely (as does all alcohol), there are regular events and constant parties. You’re bound to find yourself involved in one or more of these.
Apart from that, the city of Melbourne boasts some of the best restaurants and eateries in the world. Food is everywhere and you can buy just about anything your taste buds desire.
Even if you’re not a drinker, you’re definitely going to eat a lot while on your trip to Melbourne. How could you not, with so much delicious food on offer, even at Flemington Racecourse. Fine dining is everywhere, but equally, there are just as many tempting small food outlets that sell awesome meals.
You Won’t Get Much Rest
You probably don’t plan to anyway.
Apart from the excitement that abounds around the city at this time of year, Melbourne also offers up so many things to see and do, and the entertainment never stops. You can party around the clock if you want to.
During the day, if you’re not at the track, you’ll never get bored. Even just walking around the city to take in all the interesting sights can fill an entire day, let alone the endless array of activities that are on offer.
Tipping Is Not Required
For those visiting from overseas, although Australian workers certainly do appreciate tips, it’s not a mandatory (or expected) practice in Australian workplaces. Receiving a tip is like a bonus, and tips are mostly given at restaurants, bars and cafes if you’re extra pleased with the service.