When: Tuesday, November 4.
Where: Flemington Racecourse, 448 Epsom Rd Flemington.
Gates open: 8.30am.
First race: 10.30am.
Melbourne Cup: 3pm.
Last race: 5.15pm.
Myers Fashion on the Field final: Noon.
Weather: Expected to be good a partly cloudy day is forecast on Tuesday but temperatures will reach up to 29 degrees, with a minimum of 11.
Crowd: Crowded – the annual crowd at the Melbourne Cup tops 100,000.
Tickets: Be warned – tickets are not available at the racecourse on the day. General Admission tickets can be purchased online at Ticketek, or at Flinders Street, Southern Cross and North Melbourne train stations. An adult ticket costs $74 and children 15 years and under can enter free. Reserved Grandstand Seating has sold out but tickets to The Precinct are still available starting at $195. Admission to exclusive precincts such as The Birdcage and The Rails are also exhausted.
Getting there:
* Expect heavy traffic if travelling to Flemington via the CBD by car. Racegoers are recommended to travel the Dynon Road – Kensington Road – Hobsons Road route. Limited space is available to the public in the centre car park and will set you back $20.
* The number 57 tram travels from the corner of Elizabeth street and Flinders street and stops at Flemington Drive. Extra trams will be running throughout the day.
* The first train will depart Flinders Street for Flemington Racecourse at 8.15am, stopping at Southern Cross and North Melbourne stations. Trains depart the racecourse from 2pm with the last service departing at 8.50pm.
* Route 472 or 404 buses go to Flemington. Free shuttle buses will also run from Flemington to central Footscray between 5pm and 8pm and from Flemington to Southern Cross from 4pm.
* Taxis can only drop off racegoers at the Stables Drive entrance or in Leonard Crescent. Controlled taxi ranks will also be located outside the public and Members' entrance, on Leonard Crescent and outside The Elms turnstiles.
* City River Cruises will run services for exclusive groups from Docklands to Flemington along the Maribyrong River but tickets have already sold out.
* Helicopters departs from Melbourne and land at the helipad at the racecourse. A VIP Lexus can then transfer you to the main entrance. Prices per person start at $600 return or $390 one way.
Dress code: There is no formal dress code for general admission, but smart attire is encouraged, as is flamboyant and exotic fashion. The members' areas prohibit denim, shorts, casual footwear, open-neck shirts for men and any garments showing midriff for women.
Cloakroom: A free cloakroom service is available for both the public and members.
