The Melbourne Cup is one of the biggest horse races in Australia, held annually at Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday in November. With over 100,000 people attending on race day, it’s a major event on the social calendar. Naturally, many people wonder if they can bring food and drinks with them or if they have to buy everything at the track.
Picnics at the Melbourne Cup
The quick answer is yes, you can take food and non-alcoholic drinks into the Melbourne Cup. However, there are restrictions on the type and amount of food allowed.
Flemington Racecourse allows racegoers to bring in small amounts of homemade food and snacks. This includes food items like sandwiches, salads, fruit, cheese, dried biscuits and cakes. You can bring food in plastic containers or unwrap it at the gates. Glassware and alcohol are not permitted.
In terms of beverages, you’re allowed to bring in water and soft drinks in sealed plastic bottles up to 1.5 litres in size. Hydration packs are also allowed as long as the water bladder is empty on arrival. Again, no alcohol is permitted.
Limits on quantities
To prevent excessive amounts being brought in, there are quantity limits per person:
- 1 bag/container of food no larger than 29x24x19cm (similar in size to a shoebox)
- 1x 1.5 litre sealed plastic bottle of non-alcoholic drink
- 1x bag no larger than 35x20x20cm containing rug/raincoat/cushion
Officials may inspect your bags on arrival, so it’s important to stick within these limits to avoid refused entry.
Reasons for the rules
Flemington Racecourse imposes these restrictions for a few reasons:
- Security – To prevent prohibited and dangerous items being brought in
- Safety – To avoid broken glassware and reduce rubbish
- Hygiene – Homemade food needs to be transported and stored carefully
- Business – The venue needs to protect food vendor revenue
By allowing personal food and drinks but imposing fair quantity limits, Flemington finds a balance between customer convenience and responsible event management.
Buying food inside the venue
If you don’t want the hassle of packing and carrying your own picnic, no need to worry – there are plenty of food and beverage options available for purchase inside Flemington Racecourse on Melbourne Cup day:
Outlet Type | Cuisine | Price Range |
---|---|---|
Restaurants | Modern Australian | $$$-$$$$ |
Fine Dining | Seafood, steak, buffets | $$$-$$$$$ |
Casual Dining | Pub food, snacks | $ – $$ |
Food Court | Global cuisine | $ – $$ |
Bars & Kiosks | Drinks, sweets, burgers, chips | $ |
There are restaurants, cafes and bars across multiple levels and precincts within Flemington Racecourse, so you’ll be spoiled for choice. Alcoholic beverages are of course available when purchased onsite.
It’s recommended to book a table in advance at one of the restaurants if you want to secure a seat easily. Walk-up places are also available but fill up fast. On very busy race days like the Melbourne Cup, you may need to queue at food stands.
Can you bring alcohol?
No alcohol from outside can be brought into the Melbourne Cup. Security will confiscate any alcohol at the gates.
You can only purchase alcohol inside the racecourse, where it is served in compliance with responsible service of alcohol laws. On Melbourne Cup day there is a maximum of 4 alcoholic drinks per person enforced.
Other items prohibited
For safety and security, Flemington Racecourse prohibits bringing in these items:
- Alcohol
- Glassware (including bottles, jars, mirrors)
- Cans or metal containers
- Hard-sided coolers
- Umbrellas
- Drones or other remote control devices
- Selfie sticks
- Promotional or commercial material
- Eskies, coolers or ice boxes
- Any item that could be used as a weapon
- Animals (except registered service dogs)
- Portable chairs and stools
Where to eat your food
Once inside Flemington Racecourse, there are many areas where you can set up your picnic feast or eat food purchased onsite:
- The Park – This open grassed area is perfect for spreading out rugs and hampers.
- The Nursery – Families and groups enjoy this relaxed precinct.
- Hill Stand – Grab a spot on the lawn to see the finishing post.
- Course proper – ON some areas of the racetrack once the horses clear the area.
- Betting ring – Lots of seating options amidst the bookies.
- Dining terraces – Use tables at the outdoor portions.
Sit back and relax with your food in full view of the racetrack and enjoy the Melbourne Cup experience!
Other tips for picnicking
To make the most of a Melbourne Cup picnic opportunity, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Bring a picnic rug or folding chairs to mark out your spot.
- Bring plastic cutlery if needed.
- Pack finger foods that are easy to eat. Cut up fruit, sliced cheese, baked goods etc.
- Transport dips and creamy foods in an esky to keep cool.
- Avoid items that will easily spill or get messy.
- Use recyclable paper plates, napkins and cups if possible.
- Clean up all your rubbish when finished.
- Keep desserts simple like chocolates, cookies or muffins.
- Have moist towelettes or wet wipes on hand.
Melbourne Cup dress code
Don’t let the dress standards stop you from packing delicious picnic hampers! While Melbourne Cup does have a dress code, it shouldn’t impact bringing your own food.
Ladies generally wear stylish formal dresses accessorized with hats or fascinators. For men, suits paired with a tie, vest and hat are typical. But rules have relaxed allowing more contemporary outfits. Most punters make an effort to look neat, stylish and glamorous for the Cup.
Focus your picnic more on finger foods you can nibble while walking around. And pack items that won’t easily ruin fancy outfits if spilled. Then you can embrace the fashionable spirit of the Cup!
Conclusion
Bringing your own food and drinks to Flemington Racecourse allows you to tailor your own Melbourne Cup experience. Just be prepared and smart about what you pack. Stick within the venue’s quantity limits and choose easily manageable picnic fare that matches the festive mood. If in doubt over any items, check the racecourse website first or inquire at the gates. Then relax with your hamper and enjoy a fantastic day out at one of Australia’s most famous racing events!