The Birdcage: From saddling paddock to social hotspot

A humble beginning

In Flemington’s early days, the area now known as The Birdcage was simply a saddling paddock where horses were prepared for their races. It was a gathering spot for racing enthusiasts to observe the horses and jockeys before the action began.

The birth of The Birdcage

During the 1880s, the saddling paddock was upgraded and enclosed by a decorative fence, becoming known as ‘The Birdcage’. The name, borrowed from Newmarket Racecourse in England, evoked a sense of elegance and exclusivity.

A new era: the Roaring Twenties

In 1924, a new Birdcage was built in the Art Deco style, reflecting the trends of the time. The old Birdcage was repurposed as a car park, which would later evolve into a key social space.

The rise of the members’ car park

The members’ car park, adjacent to The Birdcage, became a sought-after spot for racegoers to socialise and enjoy picnics. It attracted celebrities, fashion icons, and with them, photographers, capturing the who’s who of society. This popularity prompted the VRC to introduce reserved car spaces, further enhancing its exclusivity.

The Nursery is born

With demand for prime parking spots exceeding availability, the VRC designated two areas for reserved parking. One was The Birdcage car park, offering proximity to the horses and marquees. The other was adjacent to the plant nursery, providing a slightly more relaxed setting for members to entertain. This second area soon became affectionately known as The Nursery.

Marquees and modern glamour

Commercial sponsorship grew in the 1980s, with Foster’s becoming the Melbourne Cup’s first sponsor in 1985. This fuelled demand for marquees, not all of which could be located near The Birdcage. The VRC upgraded the Nursery and Birdcage Car Parks with amenities like paving, toilets, and big screens. When Emirates sponsored the Cup (2004-2017), they erected the most elaborate marquees Flemington had seen, paving the way for the exclusive enclosure that we know today.

The Birdcage now

Today, The Birdcage is a dedicated hospitality enclosure, a collection of luxurious marquees hosted by major sponsors. It’s a place where fashion, fine dining, and racing converge. Each year, brands strive to create innovative and impressive marquees, ensuring that The Birdcage continues to be the ultimate destination for a luxurious race-day experience.