Hey there,

There is a chance I could be going to my first Melbourne Cup this year and I plan on flying down and back on the day of the Cup. I was wondering if anyone here had been before and where was the best position at the course to watch the race, good betting facilities etc. I was wondering how you get into the Grandstand or this reserved for members only? Any help appreciated.

Good for you Makybe. I hope you have a great day. Your quesion is a bit hard to answer because everyone has a different opinion of what they like in a race meeting. It is all about the atmosphere at the cup. Don't expect to find it super easy to get bets on and get drinks etc but if you wander around a bit you can often find little bars that a relatively less patronised.

The big closed in grandstand is strictly members only. The other parts...i.e. hill stand, undercroft and lawn stand are all available...but at a price of course. Given that general admission alone is the best part of $50 these days, I have been able to convince myself to fork out a bit extra to ge a seat in the lawn stand. If you get in early you can get your own seat almost on the finishing post. However, be warned...when it is sunny and fine everyone looks at you with green eyes but when it is pouring rain or a mini tornado (2004) whips up you have to retreat to the general admission areas like everyone else. There are many places to wander in the general admission areas and sometimes you can be lucky to jag a little spot to yourself but usually I find you end up on your feet all day.

As for flying down and back in one day. I have flown down from Brisbane on the morning of Derby day but never back that night. Even then I found it a very long night and if you can I would suggest trying to find a bed somewhere to crash that night as you might be quite tired.

Anyway, just my opinions. I have only been a few times and I am sure that many other forums members might have some different advice. Have a great day.

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Thanks for that Tubby. I'm also from Brissy and was trying to keep the price cheap as possible. Just wondering where does general admission let you go exactly on the course? One of the people I'm going with is reasonably old so they'll prob want a seat so the lawn stand sounds the go. How much is this?$100?

A seat in the lawn stand used to be about that but is now $130. Check out the VRC website (www.vrc.net.au....I think I am allowed to post that). The ticketing page can be found at http://www.vrc.net.au/cpa/htm/htm_m....asp?page_id=72

It's a bit hard to explain where you can go with a general admission ticket but be assured there are plenty of marshalls to keep you in line (mind you they get a bit slack at about race 8 or 9). A map of the course can be found here.

http://www.vrc.net.au/cpa/htm/htm_location_map.html

If you have older people in your party I would suggest that saving a little extra for the better ticket might be worthwhile. They are selling quick. I will be down there this year so am currently in negotiations. Carpark this year for something different.

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Ever get the feeling that the world is a tuxedo and you are a pair of brown shoes?

Could anyone tell me if the grassed area out in front of the Grandstand and the Hill Stand is for members only? If not, what ticket do you need to get around there?

Unless things have changed, general admission will allow you use of the lawn areas in front of both the Hill & Members Grandstand, other than for any corporate areas they may be using.

My recommendation would be the covered area of the Hill Stand (at least that is where I went for many years), however according to the ticketing map that is not available just for Cup Day only.

Therefore, I would recommend the Undercroft as it is covered, but I've never had reserved seats in that area before, as it does not have the elevation that the Hill Stand offers which could be an issue re the number & location of the corporate marquees.

If you are going to stay overnight, I would also give consideration to booking your accommadation asap.

Makybe,

I am a member of Flemington and attend most meetings during the year and Spring Carnival.

General Admission provides access to most areas around the grandstands including the front lawn.

I have friends who come from Brisbane each year and always reserve seats in the Hill Stand. Unless you reserve a seat you will most likely not get to sit down all day. The front lawn area tends to get a bit messy "Drunks" during the afternoon and very squeezy for room. Without sounding "Snobby", sometimes I have had to walk through the general public to get set on the bookmakers and it is awful.

You will have difficulty finding accomodation this late in the year. Most will be in the suburbs around the CBD adding to your transportation costs. If you can find accomodation would highly recommend staying as it is a long day with racing starting around 10am.

Post any other questions you may have and I will gladly answer them.

Brad

Thanks for that Brad. Anyone know why the Hill Stand is not available just for Cup day? If I get a Lawn Stand ticket, am I allowed in the general admission areas for instance the grassed area in front of the stands.

The Hill Stand, I believe is the cheapest option and to increase revenue the club bundles the days together. High demand means they usually still sell out.

Your purchase of the reserved seat will include admission to course and therefore access to all general admit areas

Brad

Okay, Thanks for that. Unless I'm doing something wrong, all tickets are booked for Cup Day in the Lawn Stand. Can anyone access tickets?It also appears that the Undercroft is booked out which is a bit of a ************.