Welcome to our Melbourne Cup Carnival website.

This page is set up to be accessible for those using our website through an assisted program or who require a text-only format.

The information provided here is for patrons visiting Flemington with a disability and / or have difficulties with mobility.

We welcome you to our premier racing event and as well as any feedback on how we can make things easier for your visit to Flemington. Our contact details are located below:

Email: customerservice@vrc.net.au
Phone: 1300 727 575

The Victoria Racing Club can be contacted through the National Relay Service:

Voice:133 677
TTY: (03) 9224 0608

Melbourne Cup Carnival 2013 dates

Saturday 2 November – AAMI Victoria Derby Day
Tuesday 5 November – Emirates Melbourne Cup Day
Thursday 7 November – Crown Oaks Day
Saturday 9 November – Emirates Stakes Day

Our partners:

Emirates – principal partner, AAMI, Crown, James Boags & Myer

Accessible & special needs tickets/seating

Tickets for 2013 Melbourne Cup Carnival will go on sale early July, stay tuned for updates. 

A full range of general admission and reserved seat tickets are available for the Melbourne Cup Carnival online. The Melbourne Cup Carnival is a fully ticketed event and tickets must be pre-purchase before you get to Flemington. 

Viewing for people for disabilities

Unreserved public viewing areas for patrons and their carers are located at either end of the Undercroft and in the Lawn Stand (limited area available). Reserved seating purchased through Ticketmaster is located in the Hill Stand (via The Members Grandstand lifts) Member: Level 4 of the Members Grandstand.

The Victoria Racing Club is affiliated with the Companion Card to ensure all patrons of the Melbourne Cup Carnival have access to the event. When the holder of a Companion Card purchases a general admission or reserved seat ticket to the Melbourne Cup Carnival, a second ticket will be issued for their companion at no charge (subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Companion Card).

For more information, visit Companion Card (http://www.companioncard.org.au) or phone 1800 650 611.

For more information relating to ticketing and services for people with a disability and their companions, contact Customer Service on 1300 727 575 or customerservice@vrc.net.au.

Entertaining & dining

A full range of accessible public and members’ entertaining and dining packages are available for the Melbourne Cup Carnival. For more information on these options, phone Customer Service on 1300 727 575.

Gate opening times

• AAMI Victoria Derby Day – TBC
• Emirates Melbourne Cup Day – TBC
• Crown Oaks Day – TBC
• Emirates Stakes Day – TBC

Preferred accessible entries to Flemington

There are a number of accessible entries to Flemington that can be utilised to access the racecourse:

• Hill Gate via Leonard Crescent
• Riverbank Gate via Lynchs Bridge
• Train station entrance – Platforms 1 & 2
• Flemington Drive entrance via Epsom Road

For patrons parking at the Showgrounds, there are two routes of travelling:

• If entering Flemington via the Showgrounds Entrance from the Showground Tunnel, it is a gradient of 1 in 6.
• If entering Flemington via the Hill Gate, you need to park via Langs Road, it will be a gradient of 1 in 12.

For more information on preferred accessible entries to Flemington, contact Customer Service on 1300 727 575 or customerservice@vrc.net.au.

All turnstile entries have an accessible entry to accommodate wheelchair/special needs access.

Toilets for people with disabilities

Accessible toilets are available throughout the racecourse.

Public:

• Either end of the Undercroft adjacent to the accessible viewing areas (under the Grandstand)
• Eastern end of the Betting Ring
• Railway Platform No. 1 & 2
• Hill Precinct – located near The Hill Gate
• Elms Area – located next to Riverbank Gate
• Front Lawn – Entry to Parade Ring
• Centre car park

Members:

• Western end of 1st floor Members’ Old Grandstand
• Ground Floor Ladies Rest Rooms – Members’ Old Grandstand
• The Grandstand – Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4
• Nursery, Rails, Domain and Members’ Reserved Car Parks
• Birdcage Enclosure

Entertaining & dining:

• Hill Enclosure (Archer & Makybe Diva® Marquee)
• The Banks Precinct
• Winning Post & Trackside Enclosures
• Carbine Marquee
• The Terrace & Saintly Place Restaurants
• Level 3 Hill Stand (Panorama & Skyline Restaurants)

Transport

Parking

Vehicles displaying a state or territory issues disable parking permit can park in the following areas:

• Centre Car Park - $20 parking fee applies
• Showgrounds (Tunnel end of Showgrounds)
• VIP Car Park (VIP pass holders only)
• Rear of rank 3 – Members’ Unreserved Car Park (Members’ cars only)

Shuttle service for people with disabilities

A free shuttle service will operate between the Centre Car Park, Riverbank Gate and the Main Turnstiles for patrons with disabilities and their carers.

• Derby Day: 10am-6pm
• Cup Day: 9.30am-6pm
• Oaks Day: 10am-6pm
• Stakes Day: 11am–5.30pm

It is recommended that booking for the shuttle service be made in advanced on a raceday by phoning (03) 9371 7110.

Taxi drop off / pick up points

Patrons can utilise existing multi-purpose vehicles for transport to and from Flemington. Bookings can be made through:

• Central Booking line on (03 8413 7202
• Yellow Cabs on (03) 9277 3877

Patrons should allow for the extra demand during the Melbourne Cup Carnival period.

Accessible Taxi Ranks are located:

• Main Taxi Rank at Phar Lap Statue via Stables Drive entrance
• Hill Gate via Leonard Crescent
• Riverbank Gate via Lynchs Bridge entrance.

The preferred drop off point for private vehicle drop off / pick up is at the Hill Gate via Langs Road.

Public transport

Public transport is a great way to access the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Extra trains will run from Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations to Flemington Racecourse on the four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. All train services are wheelchair accessible. Passengers who need help boarding trains should wait on the platform near the front of the train.

Extra tram services will run along Route 57. Low-floor trams do not run on Route 57. Passengers using a mobility aid should catch the train to the racecourse.

For more information on Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses, visit http://ptv.vic.gov.au/ or phone 131 638 (TTY 9619 2727).

Travellers Aid Access Service

Travellers Aid is a friendly and professional service offering support workers to assist people with disabilities and older people with personal care needs. Travellers Aid is centrally located at Flinders Street Station (within the ticketed barrier area, between platforms 9 & 10) and at Southern Cross Station (under the Bourke Street Bridge, opposite Luggage Hall). Open seven days a week.

For details on Travellers Aid Access Service, phone:

• Flinders Street Station – (03) 9610 2030
  Sunday to Thursday 8am-8pm
  Friday to Saturday 8am-10pm
• Southern Cross Station – (03) 9670 2072
  Monday to Sunday 7am-11pm

General FAQs for visiting Flemington

On the day, information staff will be dressed in yellow shirts and caps at all turnstiles and through the racecourse to answer your questions and provide assistance.

Where can I find the race times and racing information?

We recommend that you check our website before you arrive. The times are usually available approximately one month before each racemeeting. This will give you an idea on the standard of racing, the prize money and the times of each race. The races are grouped in order of importance Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, listed and handicapped. The higher the rating of the race, the greater the prize money. Once you arrive this information is also available in the racebook. 

Where can I buy tickets? Can I buy tickets on the day?

There are many different ways to get a ticket to Flemington for the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Check the Tickets section of our website to find out what options are available, prices and booking details.  

Our Melbourne Cup Carnival is a fully ticketed event so youmustbuy a ticket before you get to Flemington. We advise that you book early to avoid disappointment. 

I’ve lost my ticket. What should I do? 

Replacement tickets may be issued at the Victoria Racing Club’s discretion.

Charges apply: Ticketmaster/VRC Enclosure ticketing: $25 a ticket; wristbands $60.

Where can I purchase a racebook on the day? Can I buy one prior to the racemeeting?

Outlets are situated at the main turnstiles and around the course.

They can also be purchased from Federation Square on the day of the respective racemeeting and at the Emirates Melbourne Cup Parade.

What time do gates open and close on each day?

Gates open at the following times:

• AAMI Victoria Derby Day - 8.30am
• Emirates Melbourne Cup Day - 8.30am
• Crown Oaks Day - 10.15am
• Emirates Stakes Day - 9.30am

Gates close shortly after the last race of the day. We ask that you leave the racecourse in a swift and quiet manner with consideration for our neighbours. If you have been drinking, please ensure that you have planned appropriate transportation or a designated driver to take you home.  

What time do the restaurants and marquees open?

The restaurants and marquees open one hour before the first race. You will need to have pre-booked your ticketing for these and can do so through our website.

What can I bring into Flemington?

What you can bring into Flemington depends on which areas your ticket allows you entry to. Make sure you read our Terms & Conditions carefully before arriving to Flemington. 

No alcohol can be bought onto the course due to conditions on the caterer’s Liquor Licence. Alcohol can be purchased in all dining facilities and at retail bar outlets located in both the Members and public areas of the Racecourse. Bag checks will be conducted by security at points of entry.

Anything that is considered dangerous including glass-wear and knives will also not be permitted. 

Why do I need a wristband?

Proof of Age wristbands will be required for all people purchasing alcohol. Wristbanding marquees will be located at turnstile and bar entry points. Proof of Age ID must be presented. Patrons must be 18 years of age or older to purchase alcohol. Alcohol must not be purchased on behalf of underage patrons.

Access to Corporate Enclosures/Marquees will only be granted to those guests wearing the applicable wristband for that area.  

Can I leave the racecourse and come back in?

Yes you can, but make sure you get a Pass Out at the turnstile before leaving the course. 

What should I wear? Is there a dress code?

This is possibly the most important question of the Melbourne Cup Carnival! We highly recommend that you take a look at our Fashion & style section of the website for inspiration. Dress to impress we say! There are also recommended designers and milliners on our website to assist you in preparing or you to prepare for the big event. 

Members’ and visitors to Members’ areas must abide by the dress regulations as outlined on the Victoria Racing Club’s website. 

We recommend that all who attend Flemington use these dress regulations as a guideline. 

Is there a cloakroom on-course?

Public and Members cloakrooms are available for cloaking of items on all four Racedays. There is no charge for this service.

Are there ATMs and EFTPOS facilities at Flemington?

Machines are located at various locations on course for both the public and Members.

• View our maps.

Public areas:

• Outside Visitors Centre, Betting Ring East (Eftpos)
• Grandstand Ground (Eftpos)
• Tabaret Foyer (ATM)
• Tabaret – no cash given using credit (Eftpos)
• Hill Stand 1st Floor (Eftpos)
• Outside The Banks at Ascot Fence Line (Eftpos)
• Outside Elms Trackside Fence (Eftpos)

What food options are available?

There are a wide number of places to eat and drink at the racecourse, ranging from an a la carte meal to a burger, sushi & noodles to Greek wraps and strawberries & cream. Check our map for locations of all food options available on course. 

Afternoon tea is also very popular at the racecourse. We have many restaurants and entertaining options available but make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Where are the bars and what’s available at them?

There are numerous retail bar outlets on course serving a selection of premier beer, wine, spirits, champagne for both the public and Members. View our maps for more information on where each bar is located. 

Where can I buy merchandise to remember my day at Flemington?

Merchandise outlets will be operating through the racecourse during all four racedays of the carnival. Alternatively, you can purchase online from the Flemington Shop before you arrive or after attending Melbourne Cup Carnival. 

Can I smoke cigarettes or cigars at Flemington, and where can I buy them on-course?

Smoking is not permitted within occupied building areas, in all indoor areas, including all marquees. Cigarette and cigar sales are available from:

Public areas:

• Betting Ring Central – Bernborough Club Bar
• Tabarat Gaming Area
• Hill Stand Level 1 – Hill Bar A
• Undercroft Central

I have a family with small children. What is available for kids?

Kids are welcome at Flemington Racecourse and to the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

At the end of the Undercroft, opposite the winning post, is our family area with all the craft, outdoor activities and pony rides. There is also an alcohol dry zone near the Mounting Yard, via the Public Lawn.

Baby change and feeding facilities are available in both the public and Members’ areas. View our maps for locations.

Public areas:

• Feeding area and Ladies Toilet at Eastern end of betting ring.
• Baby Change Facilities and Ladies Toilet, at Western End of Main Betting Ring.
• Baby Change Facilities, 1st floor Hill Stand (Parents Room)

Victoria Racing Club contact details

For more information on the tickets, products and services offered to patrons with a disability for the Melbourne Cup Carnival, contact the VRC:

Email:customerservice@vrc.net.au
Phone: 1300 727 575

The Victoria Racing Club can be contacted through the National Relay Service:

Voice: 133 677
TTY: (03) 9224 0608