THE race that stops the nation is almost upon us again – that one day when everyone in the country becomes a thoroughbred expert for a little over three minutes.
Tuesday November 1 is the date, and with the big race set to jump at 12pm in WA, make sure you’re ensconced somewhere comfortable to enjoy that action.
While plenty of Perth horse buffs head to Ascot to experience the Cup with some live racing in front of them, Perth is overflowing with great Melbourne Cup events.
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We consulted our team all over the metropolitan area to come up with a list of fantastic venues from which to choose.
Here is the cream of the crop.
10. The Craftsman Bar and Brasserie Carousel Shopping Centre, Albany Highway Cannington 9258 7500
For $10 entry, The Craftsman is offering a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, entry into the $5 sweepstakes and a hamper giveaway. The pub is also offering a diverse a la carte menu and music from Ben Merito after 12.30pm.
9. The Mallard Duck, 10 John Street Henley Brook 9296 1352
Where else can you enjoy a buffet lunch and a fashion parade for $50? Henley Brook restaurant The Mallard Duck is looking to make itself the safest bet this Cup day, and with stunning dresses from Kimbo’s Fashions on display it’s a short-odds favourite. Tickets are available from Kimbo’s Fashions, 1 Old Great Northern Hwy Midland. Ph 9250 3309.
8. The Garden, 742 Newcastle Street Leederville, 9202 8282
Leederville’s The Garden turns into Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, with a dedicated Pimm’s bar for refreshments, racing broadcast on the big screen and a Fashions ‘Off’ The Field competition. Tickets are available for $65 pre-sale or for $75 on the door, subject to availability.
7. Trade Winds Hotel, 59 Canning Hwy Fremantle, 9339 8188
The Trade Winds honours the biggest day in spring racing by giving attendees a delicious Mumm champagne cocktail on arrival before canapes and a three-course meal with three-hour drinks package for $115 per person. There’s also live entertainment, multiple screens, door prizes and giveaways, sweepstakes and a prize for the best hat. Bookings are essential.
6. The Odin, 51 Erindale Road Balcatta, 9345 3316
The Odin loves to start early on Cup day, with the TAB open from 6am and the restaurant from 9am for breakfast and 11am for lunch. As well as having a set three-course lunch for $35, the Odin’s a la carte menu is also available. Bookings are essential for the set menu, which runs from 11am until 4pm.
5. The Greenwood Hotel, 349 Warwick Road Greenwood 9246 9711
For $59.90, the Greenwood – one of the north’s premier sports bars – offers a two-course set menu meal, a dessert buffet and a glass of bubbly on arrival. There will be live music, giveaways and live music.
4. Caversham House, 141 Caversham Ave Caversham 9279 1167
For $153.50 Caversham House is offering a three-course meal with a four-hour drinks package. With a live catwalk show showcasing Australian designer Betty Tran, DJs and a pop-up cocktail bar, this event is a sure-fire winner.
3. The Raffles, 70-72 Canning Beach Road Applecross 9314 9000
The Raffles turns into a virtual Flemington on Cup day, with an exclusive VIP spot (The Birdcage – $180) as well as the general admission area (The Pavilion – $75). The food and drink packages vary, but the fashion and fun will be non-stop throughout the day as one of the most glamorous crowds in Perth gather near the banks of the Swan River.
2. The Pavilion Mindarie Marina, 2/33 Ocean Falls Boulevard Mindarie 9400 1122
If the Swan River isn’t beautiful enough, what about enjoying the Cup with the Indian Ocean in full view at The Pavilion, Mindarie Marina? For $135 you get a three-course meal, three-hour drinks package, fashion parade, giftbag, a flamenco band and cabana bar all in simply stunning surrounds. 1. Mandurah Quay Resort, 40 Marina Quay Dr Mandurah 9582 8300
Look south for our pick for the best value Melbourne Cup Day function. Mandurah Quay Resort has put together a three-course meal for adults ($60), but crucially have made sure there’s some entertainment for the kids as well. Children can enjoy a meal for $15, plus there’s a bouncy castle and face painting to allow mum and dad to get their punt on in relative peace.
