Whether you’re into horse racing or not, there’s no denying that the Melbourne Cup has a certain grip on Australia and Australians as a whole. The day is now also synonymous with fashion, friends and having a good time. Subsequently, Brisbane’s restaurants and bars put on an array of fabulous lunchtime events featuring oysters, champagne, and any number of bottomless drinks or food packages.
So, if you’re lucky enough to get the day off in Brissy and you’re in the mood to get dressed up to drink champagne, eat oysters and frolic in the sunshine, this is our pick of Melbourne Cup events happening in the city.
Gusto da Gianni
Can’t get enough of the race? Gusto da Gianni will have dinner à la carte with live music, live screenings of the races and their top-notch cocktails, all coming together to make for an unforgettable Melbourne Cup.
💰Free entry!
📍Gusto da Gianni, Portside Wharf Remora Road Hamilton, Hamilton
The Ballpark Portside
Watch the race live and loud on the big screen, with a specialty cocktail in hand and prosecco specials on offer, surrounded by the buzzing excitement of a sports bar atmosphere! If there’s a lull, you can take advantage of their pool tables and darts and keep the fun going.
💰Free entry!
📝 Walk-ins welcome, but you can book a table here.
📍The Ballpark, Portside Wharf, Shop 905.1/39 Hercules St, Hamilton
Portside Social
Saddle up for an unforgettable time at Portside Social! Their Spring Fling Garden Cocktail Party will include a glass of sparkling on arrival, live acoustic tunes, big screen coverage of the race that stops the nation, and their tasty menu available all day!
💰 $1opp
📍Portside Wharf, Shop 4 10/39 Hercules St, Hamilton
Luc Lac
For a chic, laid-back and affordable celebration, Luc Lac’s raising the stakes with a 2-hour bottomless package! Stylish vibes, flowing drinks and live race coverage, the perfect way to celebrate Melbourne Cup, your way.
💰$88pp
📍Luc Lac, Queen’s Wharf Brisbane, The Terrace, Level 4/33 William St, Brisbane CBD
Bisou Bisou
Drop by Bisou Bisou for a Melbourne Cup celebration that’ll have you saying ooh la la! Enjoy a fabulous 3-course banquet and add an optional 3-hour beverage package, all while catching the excitement of the race with live coverage on the big screens in an atmosphere exuding French elegance.
💰$88pp for the banquet, $55pp extra for the beverage package
📍Bisou Bisou, Hotel X, 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Baba Ganouj Garden Party
In its first-ever Melbourne Cup Garden Party, Baba Ganouj promises a vibrant celebration to the tune of a three-hour food and beverage package featuring wine, beer, basic spirits, fresh salmon and oysters on arrival, a live saj station, and a lavish four-course Lebanese banquet with a dessert station.
If that’s not tempting enough, for an extra $30 you can get unlimited cocktails, including classics like Aperol Spritz, or go adventurous with a Spicy Cucumber Margaritas. The atmosphere will be enhanced with full garden party styling, complete with a photo-worthy swing, a pop-up cocktail garden bar, and a scrumptious Lebanese menu.
💰$179pp
📍Baba Ganouj, 1A Little Stanley Street, South Brisbane
Byblós Brisbane
Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style at Byblos with a mouth-watering banquet and a 3.5-hour beverage package, including cocktails, beer, wine and spirits! On top of the exquisite flavours and free-flowing drinks by the river, there will be live race coverage, a live DJ, best dressed prizes, and even charity sweepstakes, so you could come out the winner in more ways than one!
💰$188pp
📍Byblós Brisbane, 7/39 Hercules St, Hamilton
Donna Chang
Within its gorgeous heritage walls, Donna Chang is offering the ultimate Melbourne Cup experience. With a banquet featuring chilli & finger lime Kingfish, cumin-spiced lamb buns, steamed Murray Cod and a decadent mango pancake for dessert, you’ll have to tear your eyes away from the sumptuous dishes to enjoy the race!
Pair it with a 3.5-hour premium beverage package, and dress to the nines for a prize in this truly elevated race day experience, following every moment of the action.
💰$238pp
📍Suite 3/171 George St, Brisbane CBD
Iris Rooftop
Celebrate the race that stops the nation high above the city at Iris Rooftop. Indulge in a 3.5-hour beverage package with substantial canapés, while soaking in panoramic views, full race coverage, live music, and even fabulous best dressed prizes, so you’ll really be a part of the action.
💰$248pp
📍Iris Rooftop, Atop Hotel X, 458 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Blackbird
Take your pick between two fabulous Melbourne Cup celebrations at Blackbird. Spend the day by the river at their Riverside Soirée, with canapés and grazing, plus a 3.5-hour beverage package, for an action-packed race day with the River as the stunning backdrop.
Or indulge in a sit-down, three-course Luncheon with your choice of entrée, main and dessert and free-flowing drinks! Soak up the atmosphere as you watch the race live on the big screens and bask in the elegance of it all.
💰$248pp for the Soirée, $288pp for the Luncheon
📍Blackbird Bar, Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle St, Brisbane CBD