With Melbourne Cup a big affair nationwide, there’s a few big hitters in the Far North making the most of the day that stops the nation.
Tuesday 1st of November is set to be bigger and better than ever, so after years of doing the rounds, we at Tropic Now have compiled a list of events that we're most looking forward to.
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Crystalbrook Flynn
Good vibes and glamour are a go at Crystalbrook Collection's resident social butterfly, Boardwalk Social.
An event not to be missed, you'll be treated to the big race on the big screen, as well as live entertainment, a 3.5 hour drinks package including wine, beer and bubbles, plus a selection of canapés and snacks brought to you by Boardwalk Social.
The event will boast 10 pop-up bars including Absolut, Byron Bay Lager, Malfy Gin, Canadian Club, Diablo, Aperol Spritz, Vodka Cruiser, Bacardi, Wolf Lane Distillery, and Little Dragon Ginger Beer.
Carry it on as Boardwalk Social continues with an after party to make the most of the day.
Early bird tickets have sold out, so get in quick - $129 per person.
If you're looking for a win before the day even begins, enter our giveaway and go in the draw to win two tickets to the event.
The Backyard Cairns, Pier Point
Situated on the wharf, The Backyard will be making the most of the presumably perfect weather with plenty of food, drinks and entertainment doing the rounds.
They’ll also be raising funds for the FNQ Cerebral Palsy Group, making the day a charitable affair.
You'll be treated to a cocktail on arrival as well as 3.5 hour drinks package, roaming canapés throughout the day, and charcuterie table featuring delicious gourmet goodies.
Not to mention all the usual race day trimmings including the big race live from Flemington, sweeps and raffles, and lucky door prize and giveaways.
Tickets are available now for $99 per person - don't miss out!
Crystalbrook Riley
Melbourne Cup at Crystalbrook Riley is offering style, glam, sophistication, and it's already in high demand with early bird tickets sold out.
But don't fret, standard tickets are still available for $149 per person, and there's a chance to make your day even bigger and better with their VIP experience coming in at $169.
You can't complain with all the inclusions, along with the usual opportunity to catch the race on the big screen and enjoy Fashions on the Field.
The day will include a 3.5 hour drinks package with sparkling, wine and beer, a range of food stations.
There will be 12 pop-up bars showcasing the best of Malfy Gin, Grey Goose, Maker's Mark, Pimm's, Aperol, Whitley Neill, Stone and Wood Pacific Ale, Kirin Ichiban, Wolf Lane The Barista Co Espresso Martinis, Dead Man's Fingers, James Squire Ginger Beer and Ratu.
And for those committing to VIP, you'll be spoilt for choice with an additional two bars - Piper Heidsieck and Patron Margarita - as well as access to the oyster bar and roaming canapés, the parlour room for an easy refresh, air conditioning (it is the tropics after all), and finally, exclusive entry to the after party at Rocco.
Make sure to nab your tickets before it's too late!
Reef Lounge, Cairns Jockey Club
If you can’t get south, then getting to a track is the next best thing, and the Cairns Jockey Club has you sorted.
The Reef Lounge will be providing a three course alternate drop lunch, a four hour drinks package that includes the usual culprits of beer, wine and of course champagne.
You'll have the opportunity to get amongst the festivities with plenty of TVs to catch the racing action, TAB facilities, and sweeps.
It's not all about the race though is it?
There'll be prizes for the best dressed, live music, and every ticket gets you a $10 TAB betting voucher to be used on the day.
Tickets are $150 for members, or $160 for non-members.
Tuscan Long Lunch at Cazalys
Melbourne Cup at Cazalys is set to be a Tuscan affair transporting you to the hills of Italy!
It's offering a Tuscany-style long lunch buffet with a seafood feast including oysters and prawns.
As well as the race on the big screen, there'll be sweeps and TAB facilities, fashions by Lulubelles, a photo booth to ensure a memorable day, and live entertainment by Fingerprint.
Cazalys have also partnered with COUCH (The Cairns Organisation United for Cancer Health), with Bec Dent hosting.
“I am looking forward to dusting off my radio-vocals for the day and joining in the action as emcee,” Bec said.
“There’s a lot planned and it’s going to be such a fun day”.
Tickets are $99 per person, all for a good cause hey!
Nu Nu, Palm Cove
A sell-out every year, Nu Nu hosts one of the biggest Melbourne Cup events around town. Nestled amongst rows of palms and fruity décor, this event boasts live music, fabulous food and entertainment that always surprises and delights.
We've heard whisperings tickets will be on sale before month's end so keep an eye out - last year they sold out within six minutes!
Nu Nu will also be raising funds for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, in particular for the Children's Ward at Cairns Hospital.
A record $42,000 was raised at last year’s event, bringing the total tally since the event’s inception to a quarter of a million dollars.
Purchases have included baby warmers in ER, specialised fridges for mother's milk beside each crib in the Specialised Care Babies Unit, a paediatric kidney dialysis machine, a paediatric remote cardiac monitor, playground equipment and a high-tech mannequin for the paediatric nurses to train on.
Hemingway’s Brewery, Port Douglas
Spring racing meets tropical style at Hemingway’s Boat Room.
If being in Port isn’t glorious enough for the big race, there’ll be live music, fashions on the field, and a few prizes and sweepstakes up for grabs.
Lunch will include grazing boards, canapés, and a three hour drinks package.
Tickets are $125 per person.
The Glade, Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas
Partnering with local charity KIND (Kids In Need Donations), Sheraton is hosting Spring Racing in the Tropics.
$10 from every ticket plus anything raised on the day will be donated to support children who have been diagnosed with a terminal or debilitating illness or injury.
Tickets are $175 per person, and selling quick!
Benson Hotel, Cairns City
Melbourne Cup at Benson Hotel will be a grand affair with a four hour drinks package, canapés, three course menu, live entertainment, Calcutta and sweepstakes, Fashions on the Field, and a range of prizes for best dressed.
They are also giving you a chance to win a trip to the Dubai Cup, whilst raising funds for COUCH.
Tickets are $155 per person.
