Melbourne Cup Day 2019: The best events in Cairns
We’re in the home stretch in the countdown to the race that stops a nation but the odds are in your favour if you want to celebrate the day in style.
The ever-popular Melbourne Cup Day events at Nu Nu Palm Cove, Dundee's Cairns Aquarium and the Reef Hotel Casino (CHECK) are sold out but there are plenty of other options.
Here are Tropic Now’s seven best in no particular order:
1. Riley Resort, Cairns Esplanade
From: 11.30AM
Price: $99 or $199 per person
There'll be live music and DJs, large screens to watch the race and fashions on the field with great prizes including a two night staycation at Riley and an Audi for the weekend for singles plus a three-night escape to Hamilton Island for the best-dressed couple.
Tickets: Here
2. Bailey Resort, Abbott Street
From: All afternoon
Price: $49 for a share board and a bottle of The Lane ‘Lois’ Blanc de Blanc sparkling
A great chance to check out Cairns' newest luxury hotel. #afterthecup celebrations/commemorations on the alfresco deck at CC’s Bar and Grill.
Tickets not required, make a reservation here.
3. Hemingways Brewery, Cairns Wharf
Luncheon 12.30PM - 4.30PM
Price: $65 per person for standard package, $90 per person for premium package.
Standard package includes food and two drinks, while premium includes food and a 3hr drinks package. There are prizes for best dressed (including best-dressed table!), specialty cocktails, live music all day, and sweepstakes for every race.
Tickets: Hemingways Brewery
4. The Chambers
Luncheon: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Price: $59 per person
Includes grazing & canape platters, 2 hour beverage package including wines, beer and Pimms, large screen to watch the race, door prize, sweeps & raffle. All raffle proceeds will be donated to community focused charity COUCH.
Tickets: The Chambers
5. Cazaly's, Mulgrave Road
Luncheon: 12PM - 4PM
Price: $60 per person
Includes a buffet lunch with a complimentary sparkling wine on arrival, live entertainment, sweeps, a fabulous photo booth, Lullubelle’s Clothing fashion parade plus the race broadcast live on the big screen. Prizes on offer for Fashions on the Field.
Register: Cazaly's
6. Brothers Leagues Club, Manunda
Luncheon: 11AM – 5PM
Price: $55 per person
Auditorium Gala Luncheon includes bubbly on arrival and a gourmet luncheon with live entertainment. There'll be TAB runners and three giant screens so you won't miss any of the action. Lucky seat prizes, best dressed and hat prizes. The event will be Hosted by TripleM Radio team. Star Rewards discounts apply.
Reservations: Brother's Leagues Club
7. Harbourside Bar and Kitchen, Holiday Inn, northern end of the Esplanade
Time: 12pm – 3pm
Price: $89-$139
A paddock to plate buffet for 89, or add a 3-hour Melbourne Cup beverage package, including locally brewed craft beer, delicious sparkling and other wines for $139. The day will also include sweepstakes, live streaming, a best-dressed competition, a flower wall for Insta pics and a raffle, the winner of which will receive a 3-night stay with breakfast at the luxurious Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast.
Bookings: HB&K
