Each year the annual Spring Racing Carnival sets Melbourne alight with high-stakes racing, fashion, and fun with crowds flocking to the biggest racecourses as the springtime sun brings the gardens back to life.

Spring Racing Carnival 2024

Three months of spring racing action is on the cards this year with racing events expected each weekend of the spring season.

This year’s Spring Racing Carnival will as always be featuring the Stella Artois Caulfield Cup, Ladbrokes Cox Plate, Lexus Melbourne Cup, and Penfolds Derby Day, and as always there will be a host of Country Cup Carnivals scattered throughout the season as well.

What to wear to the Spring Racing Carnival

Clothing requirements vary between race meets however it is generally expected that female patrons wear a dress (and in some instances a fascinator), whereas the gentlemen are generally expected to wear a suit.

While this is a general rule for race meets across Australia, there are some race days that allow patrons to dress up in any way they see fit (it’s not uncommon to find “Where’s Wally” scattered throughout the crowd).

Spring Racing Carnival Key Event Dates

• 21st October: Stella Artois Caulfield Cup – Caulfield Racecourse
• 28th October: Ladbrokes Cox Plate – The Valley
• 4th November: Penfolds Victoria Derby Day – Flemington Racecourse
• 7th November: Lexus Melbourne Cup – Flemington Racecourse
• 9th November: Kennedy Oaks Day – Flemington Racecourse
• 11th November: TAB Champions Stakes Day – Flemington Racecourse

Where Each Spring Racing Cup is Held

Spring Racing Carnival Locations

Caulfield

Caulfield Racecourse features three main race days during the Spring Racing Carnival including the Caulfield Guineas Day, Sofitel Ladies Day Out, and lastly the Stella Artois Caulfield Cup.

All Racegoers attending any of the Carnival days at Caulfield must enter via Gate 21 unless of course, you have parked in the infield, in which case you may enter via the turnstiles located in the centre of the course.

If planning on catching the train into the races, you will have no issues finding the Racecourse from Caulfield Station as it is located directly opposite the station.

You may access Public Parking in the Centre Car Park by entering via the roundabout on the corner of Kambrook Road and Glen Eira Road).

*Insider tip: If you are planning on driving into the races, you may wish to leave early to avoid traffic and typical roadworks located on Queens Road and Neerim Road.

You can find out more about Caulfield Racecourse via The Caulfield page.

Or you can find out everything you need to know about the Caulfield Cup via the Caulfield Cup Page.

Caulfield Racecourse is located at Gate 22, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145

Flemington

Featuring four of the biggest race meets on the Spring Racing card, it is no wonder why Flemington is the biggest and most prestigious racetrack in Victoria. The main race days featured at Flemington Racecourse are the Penfolds Victoria Derby Day, Lexus Melbourne Cup, Kennedy Oaks Day, and the TAB Champions Stakes Day.

Getting to Flemington Racecourse is easily accessed by public transport with trains operating between Southern Cross Station and Flemington Racecourse on all race days throughout the Spring Racing season.

If you plan on getting to Flemington via tram, you may do this by catching the No. 57 West Maribyrnong tram from the corner of Elizabeth Street and Flinders Street to Flemington Drive.

If you plan to drive to Flemington Racecourse you can access the carpark via Flemington Drive, staff will be on hand to assist in directing traffic however, it is worth bearing in mind that there is limited parking, and well advised to leave a little earlier than expected to avoid the rush and ensure a park.

You can find out more about Flemington Racecourse via The Flemington page.

Or you can find out everything you need to know about the Lexus Melbourne Cup via the Melbourne Cup Page.

Flemington Racecourse is located at 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031

Moonee Valley

Moonee Valley Racecourse (also known by locals as “The Valley”) has a bunch of race meets scattered throughout the spring racing season and are known for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate and also for their Friday night lights sessions, more of a “Family affair”, the Valley is welcoming to all guests and can be considered more relaxed than the formal events found at Flemington.

Getting to the Valley via public transport is a little more daunting than most other racecourses, The Moonee Ponds railway station is located roughly 1km west of the Racecourse in which you will then have to choose to catch a bus or tram the rest of the way… which unfortunately does still not bring you to the front of the racecourse. (From here I suggest catching a rideshare as it is much simpler just getting dropped as close as possible rather than having to catch more public transport only to figure out where to go once again).

If you are planning on driving to the Valley, there is on-site parking available in the centre of the racecourse. To access the centre parking you need to enter via Gate 7 at Wilson Street, or via Pattison Street/ Dean Street.

You can find out more about Moonee Valley Racecourse via The Valley page.

Moonee Valley Racecourse is located at Feehan Ave, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039

How to Watch the Spring Racing Carnival

There are numerous ways to be part of the Spring Racing Season this year including attending the races, watching live on free-to-air TV, watching online with Racing.com’s 24/7 dedicated broadcast, or you can listen live with RSN.

Attending the Races

The right of passage for many Victorians throughout the spring season is attending the races in person, as the sun begins to thaw the frosty Melbourne racetracks there is no better place on Earth to be reminded that winter has finally finished for the year.

Watch Live

You can watch all the Spring racing action live and free on free-to-air television. For Melbourne Cup week you will need to check the Freeview to find when races will be airing in your state on 7Plus, 7TWO, Channel 10, and Seven.

24/7 Dedicated Broadcast

Racing.com has a free-to-air digital television channel dedicated to horse racing which means throughout the Spring Racing Carnival you will always have access to the main races. you can access the Racing.com dedicated broadcast via channel 68/78 of free-to-air digital TV, channel 529 on Foxtel, via Kayo Sports or via the racing.com website or app.

Radio

By tuning into 927AM (RSN) in Victoria you will have access to live coverage for the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival, RSN also have their very own app and you can also listen via the RSN website.