Where to celebrate the Melbourne Cup in Sydney 2023

The Melbourne Cup always coincides with the ushering in of perfect alfresco weather and when it comes to Sydney hotspots that deliver perfect outdoor vibes, you can’t go past Greenwood Hotel. Come November 7, guests are invited to don their gladrags and step into the outdoor garden party to sip bubbles and watch the race on a giant outdoor screen.

For $79pp, you’ll gain access to a glass of sparkling on arrival, a huge selection of grazing boards, fresh seafood and delicious food stations. If you want to go the whole hog, you can add a three-hour drinks package which includes sparkling, pinot grigio, merlot, rosè and tap beers for a further $80. Punters will also be treated to sweeps, live entertainment and a best-dressed competition. You can continue the winning energy post-race to the after party which kicks off at 3pm. Book here.

Attention: all city slickers! If you’re looking to make an appearance at the office on race day before hot-footing it to catch the Cup at a convenient CBD venue, then save yourself a seat at Verandah Bar. They’re offering up a decadent three-course menu including zucchini blossoms, slow-roasted beef tenderloin and white chocolate panna cotta for $139pp, with the option to upgrade to a three-hour beverage package for an additional $69pp.

Sit amongst the canopy of greenery as the race unfolds on the big screen and get involved in sweeps, best-dressed competitions and memorable entertainment. Keep the energy swinging into the after party which starts right after the race. Book here.

Catch all the action magnified on the biggest outdoor screen in Sydney CBD at Cabana Bar. Their 2023 Melbourne Cup bash is unequivocally tropicana with an Aperol Spritz (or bubbles if that’s more your lane) on arrival to get you in the coastal mood. For $109pp, you’ll also get access to roaming canapés (the best kind), food stations, entertainment (did we mention stilt-walking flamingos?!) and a party smack bang in the middle of the city. Upgrade your package for $79pp to receive 3.5-hours of drinks including premium wines and tap beers.

From 11.30am, Cabana Bar is also partnering with 25 Martin Place on a plaza takeover with pop-up bars from the holy trinity – G.H. Mumm Champagne, Balter Cerveza and Aperol. The fun won’t stop there with DJs to you revel into the night long after the jockeys have dismounted at the after party. Book here.

For the well-heeled Mosman crew, the Buena is your best bet at enjoying the Melbourne Cup in style. From 11.30am, Cup-ers will be invited into the Buena for a drink on arrival followed by a luxe three-course meal for just $139pp. Think burrata panzanella, pistachio-crusted lamb rump, and potato gnocchi with barramundi. 

There will also be sweeps for the serious punters to lock in their last-minute quinellas, trifectas and quadrellas; a best-dressed competition; and live DJs from 3pm at Mosman’s official Melbourne Cup after party. Sounds like a sure bet to us. Book here.