Melbourne Cup Carnival
The Melbourne Cup Carnival packs four of the world's great race days into a week at Flemington: Derby Day, Melbourne Cup Day, Oaks Day and Stakes Day. The Cup itself, run on the first Tuesday of November since 1861, remains the race that stops the nation, and Cup Day is a public holiday in Victoria.
What to expect
The VRC counted 286,746 racegoers across the four days in 2025. Derby Day is the purists' and fashion day, Cup Day the great public occasion, Oaks Day the ladies' day and Stakes Day the relaxed family close. Trains run direct to Flemington's own station, and general admission lawns put you close to the action.
- Sport
- Major Event
Getting there by bus
Tell us where you're starting from and we'll find coach options to Melbourne. We’ve prefilled the usual event date; adjust it to suit your plans.
Fares and timetables are confirmed on the operator's site before you book.
Travelling as a group? Hire a bus with a driver
Tell us about the trip and we'll connect you with an accredited charter operator — minibus to full-size coach, anywhere in Australia. The operator quotes you directly; AusBus adds no fees.