The Best Things To Do In Sydney On Melbourne Cup Day

By: Phoebe Ackland, ellaslist

Fashions on the Field, champagne, expensive hats...Melbourne Cup Day isn't the most kid-friendly of days on the calendar. Seeing as big kids are at school anyway, it's often the perfect excuse to make use of that after-school program, because Lord-of-champagne knows the big race falls a little too close to pick-up time for our liking. Here are some Sydney venues putting on a great day this Tuesday 7 November 2017, some more kid-friendly than others. 

You'll feel like you've won the sweepstakes with lawn games, kid's activities, delicious eats...and some champagne for mum, of course. 

1. Our Top Pick: Melbourne Cup at Centennial Homestead

By far the most kid-friendly Melbourne Cup Day activity out there. Are you a new parent looking for somewhere to relax this Melbourne Cup with your parent's group? Maybe you want to head out for a drink, somewhere close by with space for the kids to play and not be tied down to a table? Centennial Homestead is opening their doors this Melbourne Cup and it’s the perfect space for mums, dads, grandparents, friends and family to come together and get out into the sunshine and celebrate the race that stops a nation.

There will be: lawn games and a colouring-in kit for kids, and a 2-course meal, glass of sparkling on arrival, Fashions on the Field contest, sweepstakes and a live screening of the big race for the parents. More information here. 

2. Melbourne Cup High Tea at Vaucluse House Tearooms

We love tasting fresh honey, picking lavender and making milk pudding with our kids at Vaucluse House. You'll be delighted to know that on Melbourne Cup Day, the onsite Tearooms will be an even more elegant affair. Prepare for a delectable high tea, fashions on the field, live music, a pampering station and watching the race that stops the nation live on the big screen. Tickets include French champagne and canapés. More information here. 

3. Melbourne Cup Day at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel

See the race that stops the nation by the seaside! With delicious food, live entertainment, fashions by the bay competitions, 10+ large screens to view all the action, an on-site TAB + sweepstakes, it will be an amazing day out! More information here. 

4. Melbourne Cup Day at The Sackville Hotel

The first Tuesday of November can't come soon enough! The Melbourne Cup is here once again and The Sackville is the perfect spot to watch all the action.  They'll have plenty of TVs, delicious food, bubbles and beer, so get your best Spring Race outfit on and giddyup! More information here. 

5. Melbourne Cup Day at The Bridgeview

Melbourne Cup Day at the Bridgey! Book your place and recieve a two course sit down menu, complimentary glass of Chandon Rose or select craft schooner on arrival, and entry into their lucky door prize. All for just $55 or $60 for three course menu (includes dessert). Want a more relaxed day? Walk-ins for lunch with their limited bistro menu is also available. No booking required! More information here. 

6. Melbourne Cup at Doltone House Sylvania Waters

The lunch that stops a nation! Prepare for fine food, fabulous racing and fashion. When companies press pause on business to treat clients, friends and colleagues to an afternoon of food, bubbles and chatter. There will be prizes for best dressed, a cocktail on arrival, a sumptuous sit-down lunch & lots more. More information here.