The Melbourne Cup may be the race that stops the nation, but it doesn't stop the celebration.

Whether you want to take a long lunch with decadent food and drinks or spend the whole day soaking up the fashion, sweeps and atmosphere of Cup Day, look no further than these venues.

Each of these locations has something special to offer and places are filling up fast. So don't leave it until the last minute to secure your race day party!

Choose from two stunning venues at RACV Royal Pines

As if one exquisite party wasn't enough, the RACV Royal Pines is dishing up two.

First choice is the Kalinda Restaurant Seafood Buffet Lunch where RACV is inviting punters to join in the spring carnival fun.

A freshly prepared seafood buffet and 3-hour beverage package will be served at Kalinda, overlooking the resorts tropical pool.

Price includes a 3-hour beverage package. Watch all the live action along with sweepstakes and great lucky door prizes.

Next is the Videre High Tea, an exquisite affair to elevate the senses.

A 3-hour beverage package is also included, plus sweepstakes and lucky door prizes.

Website | Email | Phone: (07) 5597 8700

Pool soiree at The Westin Brisbane

Escape the heat on race day and stay cool by the pool at The Westin Brisbane.

It's a unique Melbourne Cup celebration complete with all the trimmings.

For starters is the delicious Oyster Bar, complimented by a 3-hour beverage package.

On the day there will be live entertainment, sweepstakes, best-dressed prizes and all the action live from Flemington on the big screen. 

Don your best race day attire and book your tickets to the slickest soiree in town.

Website | Email | Phone: (07) 3557 8888

Exquisite Cup Day lunch at GCCEC

It's a bona fide trifecta at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre; exquisite food, French champagne and unmatched entertainment.

Watch the big race at the 'rose garden' themed celebration, complete with a four-course spread by award winning chefs.

Esteemed guests from 102.9 Hot Tomato will host entertainment for the day, including live music by Sex and Chocolate.

French bubbly on arrival, giveaways and games, sweeps presented by the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation and of course fashion prizes for best dressed are all part and parcel. 

This celebration is one not to be missed.

Website | Email | Phone: (07) 5504 4181

Melbourne Cup at The William Inglis - a stylish equine experience

The William Inglis is known for its passion for equine culture plus a year-round celebration of racing history and the thoroughbred industry. 

What better place to witness the pinnacle moment in Australian racing?

Watch the event live on multiple large screens, feast on a delicious buffet lunch with a glass of champagne on arrival and take part in competitions throughout the day to win amazing race day prizes.

Website | Email | Phone: (02) 9058 0310

Grand ballroom luncheon at Surfers Paradise Marriott

Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa is the perfect place to be this November on race day.

From a three-course luncheon in the Grand Ballroom to seafood and traditional high tea with ocean views, there is something to suit everyone.

The luncheon ticket includes a decadent 3-course spread plus three hours of premium beverages, plus access to the after party at Chapter & Verse Bar and Lounge from 3:30pm.

Enjoy live entertainment by 'Musique', a fashion show presented by Lisa Brown, sweepstakes by Variety the Children's Charity, prizes for best dressed, live coverage from Flemington plus raffle tickets and giveaways.

For another classy option, Elandra Lounge is offering high tea in the sky on the Marriott's 27th floor. Two hours of flowing champagne plus live event coverage is included in this package.

Feel like making a night of it? Melbourne Cup event-goers will also have the chance to stay in one of the Marriott's luxurious rooms with exclusive accommodation rates. Quote the code L6C to redeem.

Website (luncheon) | Website (high tea) | Phone: (07) 5592 9800

Fields of fun at the Sharks Events Centre

Some might think one big screen is enough to capture the action of the Melbourne Cup, but the Sharks Events Centre knows better.

Watch the race that stops the nation on your choice of five big screens while enjoying a delicious three course menu plus four-hour beverage package and dessert by ice cream cart Wheel & Spoon.

No-one will be left wanting for any race day favourites with live entertainment, a best-dressed fashion parade and sweeps.

Rather than letting the fun stop after the event, why not stay the night? Tickets and accomodation packages are available.

Website | Email | Phone: (07) 3834 4856

QT Gold Coast gets a little bit racey

There's nothing wrong with getting a little racey on cup day, and no better place to do it than QT Gold Coast.

Come November 5th, the colourful personalities gather in just one of two haunts along the final straight rail, or at the annual QT Melbourne Cup Party.

From long shots to sure things, trackside divas to charming gamblers, frolicking fillies and Italian stallions, every cup runneth over and let's just say, you'll like these odds.

Of the two incredible choices, the first is the Carnival at Stingray. From games on the lawn to the serious business of the races, to fashion on the fields and free-flowing champagne. From an Oyster and Caviar station to Willy Wonka inspired dessert bar the QT has it all.

Not to be outdone is the decadent Lunch at Bazaar. Prepare yourself for ample glamour, an indulgent feast with an array of seafood and champagne bottles and bottles of Champagne.

Plus, all guests receive a complimentary glass of Mumm Champagne on arrival plus a three-hour premium beverage package.

Website | Email | Phone: (07) 5584 1200