Lexus Melbourne Cup Day 2026, the Birdcage, Flemington
🗓 Add to my calendar« La course qui arrête une nation » : le Lexus Melbourne Cup Day rassemble sur l'hippodrome de Flemington la haute société australienne et internationale autour du handicap de 3200 mètres le plus riche du pays. Le Birdcage, village éphémère des marquees de sponsors (Lexus, Myer, Crown, Emirates), est le cœur mondain de la journée : fascinators et chapeaux sculpturaux, tenues de concours, célébrités et VIP internationaux.
Line-up : Australian high society, international celebrities invited by the Birdcage brands, owners and trainers, fashion press
Access
Official Victoria Racing Club ticketing (Birdcage Reserved, reserved tables, sponsor marquees); Birdcage access restricted to VRC members, Rails Pedestrian Pass holders and guests of the brands present; named press accreditation by application.
The turnkey stay
On Tuesday 3 November 2026, the whole of Australia stops at 3:00pm for the 3200 metres of the Lexus Melbourne Cup, but the real scene plays out before and around the track: the Birdcage, a village of marquees hosted by major brands (Lexus, Myer, Crown, Emirates), where Australian high society, international guests and sculptural outfits vying for the Fashions on the Field competition all cross paths. A must for anyone wanting to see the race that stops a nation, and the most photographed garden party in the southern hemisphere.
Where to stay
- Crown Towers Melbourne : The palace hotel closest to the Cup atmosphere: suites overlooking the Yarra, spa, signature restaurants, and the Birdcage crowd at the bar straight off the track.
- Park Hyatt Melbourne : A classic address in the Central Business District, facing St Patrick's Cathedral and the Fitzroy Gardens, a 15-minute drive from Flemington.
Where to dine
- Vue de Monde : Three toques in the Good Food Guide (Australia's equivalent of the Michelin Guide, which does not rate the country): a panoramic table on the 55th floor of the Rialto, tasting menu by chef Hugh Allen.
- Attica : Also three toques, in Ripponlea: cuisine built on native Australian ingredients by Ben Shewry, a regular on the World's 50 Best list.
What to experience
- Fashions on the Field, Flemington : The Carnival's official fashion competition, held alongside the races: not to be missed for Birdcage outfits.