The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
There are plenty of race day soirees to choose from at The Star Gold Coast this year, starting with the unmissable Isoletto Pool Club and Privé Melbourne Cup bash. Take inspiration from the luxe space’s pops of lemon and melon when planning your outfit, and then get a good dose of vitamin D by heading up to the sun-soaked deck for premium canapes, a three-hour beverage package, fashions off the field, a guest MC, live music and more for $249 per person. Garden Kitchen & Bar is also hosting an outdoor extravaganza on The Lawn, with a three-hour drinks package, decadent platters, plenty of prizes, a mega-screen and back-to-back live entertainment. Book your table now for up to ten friends for $1600! Experience Flemington on the Gold Coast at Cucina Vivo’s glamorous affair, flaunting four courses of Italian flavours, fashion and fun – all washed down with a glass Moet & Chandon. Cucina Vivo’s popular Melbourne Cup event is always quick to sell out, so gallop over to their website and purchase your ticket for $205 today. An equally luxurious event is taking place at Nineteen At The Star’s picturesque rooftop restaurant. There are two options for fashionable folk – a $375 ticket that will unlock an exquisite four-course lunch and four-hour drinks package at the restaurant, or a $185 ticket at the bar, which offers a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, premium canapes and a four-hour beverage package. Harvest Buffet is the perfect place to watch Melbourne Cup with large groups as you sit down to dine at the iconic buffet overlooking the pristine pool. A $135 ticket will allow you to spend the afternoon grazing on fresh seafood, roasts, flavoursome salads and plenty of sweet treats. The feast will be paired with a three-hour beverage package and big screens to watch the action. Those ready to party are invited to soak up the buzzing atmosphere and an indulgent seafood terrace buffet at Sports Bar. Here, you are in the thick of the action, and a $84 ticket will provide a race-lovers haven, boasting 23 screens, state-of-the-art facilities and frosty drinks at a cash bar.

Southport Sharks, Southport
It’s all happening this Melbourne Cup at Southport Sharks, starting off with a race day seafood buffet brimming with fresh ocean-caught fare. Alongside the flavoursome food is a best-dressed competition and a primo perch to watch all of the race-day action live. At Sharks Events Centre next door is where you’ll find another glamorous race day event hosted by MC Scott Whitehouse. This fabulous celebration will feature a three-course feast and a three-and-a-half hour beverage package to wet your whistle with. There’s also a fashions on the field best-dressed competition, live tunes courtesy of Michael Hickey and a photo booth for you to capture those memorable moments throughout the afternoon. Cabana Bar & Lounge will come alive with a tropical-themed fiesta, with guests greeted with a welcome drink on arrival and Mexican canapes to feast on all day! Groovy tunes will be provided by a live DJ and there will even be a 360-degree photo booth. To truly level up your Melbourne Cup celebrations head to Aviary Rooftop Bar’s soiree, where you can immerse yourself in all of the racing action while overlooking the picturesque Gold Coast skyline. A tantalising three-hour food and beverage package will keep your senses sated, or you can opt to treat yourself with the VIP package, which includes basic spirits and tipples from the exclusive garden spritz menu.

The Island Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise
Sip champagne in the sunshine and get giddy with all of the race-day action at The Island Gold Coast. The venue has compiled a range of packages depending on the kind of Melbourne Cup experience (and budget) you desire. The G.H. Mumm Birdcage on the Island Rooftop is a seated event complete with three champagne-filled hours of premium beverages, as well as mouth-watering hot and cold canapes served to your table throughout the afternoon. The G.H. Mumm Gala Luncheon will be held in the Island Glasshouse and includes a palate-pleasing range of cocktails by the carafe, as well as wine and beer. If you’re really keen to ball out this Melbourne Cup, book a seat at the Cocktail Soiree in the Island Penthouse, which is every bit as exclusive as it sounds. Grab your tickets here.

QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise
The team at QT Gold Coast sure knows how to throw a party – and you can expect a sophisticated (and fun!) affair for Melbourne Cup 2023! Celebrate the race that stops a nation in good company and with stellar sips and snacks at The Melbourne Cup Race Royale. From 11:30 am to 3:00 pm, guests can enjoy a three-and-a-half-hour beverage package that includes mimosas, spritz cocktails and a selection of beer and wine, roaming canapes and delicious food stations. Glow up with glitz and rizz at ‘Fashions on the QT Field’, watch all of the action live on the large outdoor screen and enjoy live entertainment and prizes aplenty. Tickets are $179 per person and the vibes will continue at Stingray Lounge, so make sure you’re primed to party! Get a ticket on the QT Gold Coast website.

The Langham, Surfers Paradise
The Langham’s annual Melbourne Cup Garden Party is back in the Diamond Ballroom on Tuesday November 7. Don your finest frock and snazzy suit for a day of sophisticated sips and sensational food. Guests will delight in four glorious hours of free-flowing premium beverages and dine on three splendid courses. There will also be live entertainment, Fashions on the Fields sponsored by Pacific Fair and live coverage of the races. Jump over here to book.JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, Surfers Paradise
Call up your glam squad and break out the fascinator, ready for the ultimate fashion affair at JW Marriott’s Melbourne Cup Luncheon. Sashay your way to the JW Grand Ballroom, where you can watch the race live and feast on a decadent three-course luncheon. Sip away at the luxury beverage package, which kicks off with a glass of Laurent Perrier La Cuvee Champagne on arrival, and includes Laurent Breban Blanc de Blancs. Live entertainment will be provided by Magic Carpet Ride and fashions on the field will be hosted by Liz Clift International designer labels. Tickets to this lavish luncheon are $199 per person and can be purchased via Oztix. 

Robina Pavilion, Robina
Saddle up because Robina Pavilion is bringing the glamour of Flemington lakeside for the ultimate Melbourne Cup soiree. Enjoy a premium four-hour, free-flowing beverage package, an impressive spread of roaming canapes and pop-up food stations, while taking in every moment of the trackside excitement live from the big screens and DJ beats. This Melbourne Cup soiree will sell out, so back a winner and purchase your tickets today!

The Brooklyn Wine + Tapas, Varsity Lakes 
If you’re on the hunt for something a little outside of your usual go-to options, look no further than The Brooklyn Wine + Tapas in Varsity Lakes. The seriously pretty venue is upping the ante with delicious grazing boards, a fantastic selection of drinks to keep the celebration flowing, sweeps for those seeking a bit of friendly competition, and music to keep the vibes high. Call 0455 745 940 to book.

Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise
Swap the sweltering trackside for poolside at Cali Beach. There are multiple ticket options available, including Cali Poolside, which includes a three-hour beverage package alongside delectable roving canapes. With large screens surrounding the poolside, you’ll be well placed to catch all of the action from the best seat in the house – the pool. There will be live entertainment featuring DJ’s, iconic Cali performances and, of course, plenty of photo opportunities. First release tickets are available now for $99. Those who are looking to elevate their Melbourne Cup experience can upgrade to the ultimate Veuve Clicquot View Deck and Garden bar experience. The View Deck experience includes exclusive access areas, a superior food and beverage package including Cali’s handcrafted sushi and priority entry to the venue. There will be fashions on the poolside, with prizes for best dressed. First release for The View Deck are $109 per person.

Gold Coast Turf Club, Bundall
Given it’s the home of racing on the Gold Coast, it makes sense that the Gold Coast Turf Club will be pulling out all stops for the occasion and friends, they did not disappoint. Aquis Park, the Gold Coast Turf Club’s residence, has popped the cork on a range of party packages – from luxe luncheons to trackside trifectas. Have a gander at all the available packages here. 

Miss Moneypenny’s, Broadbeach
If you’re yet to experience the culinary delight that is Miss Moneypenny’s in Broadbeach, this is the perfect opportunity. The team is dialling up the decadence this Melbourne Cup day with a fabulous four-course lunch complete with a champagne cocktail, a glass of Mumm or a Miss Moneypenny’s lager on arrival. Tickets for the luncheon are $155 per person or you can enjoy lunch and include a three-hour premium beverage package for $250 per person. Snap up a ticket here.

Surfers Pavilion, Surfers Paradise
Frosé the day away waterside at Surfers Pavilion. Tickets to this sensational soiree are getting snapped up faster than you can say “three more frosés, please”. The Pavilion Package ($109) includes substantial canapes and a three-hour premium beverage package including prosecco, bubbles, wine and a selection of tap beers. If you’re keen to perch yourself by the water, the Chandon Garden Spritz Package ($179) is for you. To make a booking, hop over here.
Burleigh Pavilion, Burleigh Heads
If the cup is first and foremost about the fashion, food and fun (not to mention bubbles overlooking beautiful Burleigh beach), book a seat at Burleigh Pavilion’s beachside function post haste. Along with all of the usual cup-day entertainment on the big screens, there will be DJs spinning party tunes, Fashions on the Field and share plates for $99 per person. Plus, you’ll get an arrival drink to get the party started!

Maggie Choo, Broadbeach
Celebrate the race that stops the nation under the forever-blooming cherry blossom tree at Broadbeach’s Maggie Choo. While away the afternoon with a lychee martini on arrival followed by a scrumptious banquet menu and a three-hour drinks package. Tickets are $159 per person and are available here.

The Collective, Palm Beach
The much-loved Palm Beach institution is bringing you 2023’s instalment of its Spring Fling. Celebrate in style with a four-course shared lunch and a welcome Aperol spritz. There will be fashions on the field competitions and the race will be shown on a huge four-metre screen so you won’t miss a moment. There’s also a live soloist to keep the vibes going well into the afternoon. Tickets are $99 and selling fast. Grab yours here. 

YOT Club, Main Beach
Step aboard the spring-inspired YOT and prepare for a stylish day cruising the Gold Coast Broadwater for this year’s Melbourne Cup. Indulge in a premium canape package and free-flowing sparkling wine all while watching the race broadcast live on the five-metre screen. Tickets start from $195 and can be purchased here. 

White Rhino, Surfers Paradise
Melbourne Cup at White Rhino has become somewhat legendary around town. This year will be no exception. Celebrate with live entertainment from midday until late, delicious tapas and a free-flowing premium beverage package, fashions on the field and prizes for best dressed. Tickets are $99 per person and can be snagged here.