The Flemington Fareground dials up the race day fun

Flemington Racecourse will be transformed into a spectacular retro resort-style theme this autumn, with a series of race days dialing up the fun factor.

Whether you’re a racing enthusiast, foodie, here for the fashion, or want to have a unique and fun day out with the kids, the events will bring a slice of retro fun to our city.

Off the track, the action will be happening at Flemington Fareground in The Elms, at the western end of the Flemington Front Lawn.

The area will be a playground for children and adults alike. The Fun Fare and Resort Lawn includes free carnival rides, roller skating, a karaoke lounge, face painting, pony rides, and lawn games. The Phar Lap Club Retreat zone is perfect for young families, and has jewellery making, a ball pit and sensory play. Kids will even be able to hunt for Easter eggs on Australian Cup Day, Saturday 30 March, with pre-booked sessions available exclusively to our Phar Lap Club members. Not a Phar Lap Club Member? You can sign up kids under 12 on any race day for free!

Foodies will love the selection on offer, with a range of tasty food offerings from across Melbourne, including wood fired pizza from 400 Gradi, ice creams from Wonder Whip and $5 food specials from retail outlets located in Saintly Place. 

Remember to bring along spare change. Volunteers will be rattling tins for the Victorian Racing Club’s charity partners, including the Good Friday Appeal, and you can grab a happy snap with a retro pink convertible for a gold coin donation.

Entry to the Flemington Fareground is free with your race day ticket.

ON THE TRACK

Racing action is set to be hot this autumn, with some of Australia’s best thoroughbreds to hit the track across three huge race days.

This weekend it’s Super Saturday. On March 9 witness Australia’s most famous sprinting handicap, the $1.5m 1200m Group 1 Yulong Newmarket Handicap. This historic race has been going for 151 years and is a tough race to win; only five horses in this time have won it more than once. 

The Australian Cup Day will be held on Saturday, March 30. It’s a pivotal day on the racing calendar, with action including the $3m Group 1 TAB Australian Cup (2000m), and the Listed Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m), which has prize money of $500,000 and is a Golden Ticket for the winner into the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup in November.

PLAN FOR YOUR BEST DAY OUT

To make the most of your day at Flemington, it’s best to book ahead, and tailor a package that’s right for the group you’re with.

If you’re coming along with a small group of friends, the Mates Rates reserved table for four ($170) or six ($240) on the Flemington Front Lawn is a great option. The price includes a round of drinks on arrival. There is also the option to upgrade for an extra $40 a head for a $50 food and beverage credit.

Another option for a smaller group is a Picnic Pod table. For $240, six people can enjoy a relaxed day at a reserved table, with the price including an arrival drink for each person. If you’re with a group of foodies, you can upgrade to a Premium Picnic Pod for an extra $40 a head, and enjoy a gourmet grazing box for six people and two bottles of sparkling wine or rose. 

For a large group of between 16 and 50 people, book ‘Group of Mates’ - a private, fenced-off area on the Flemington Front Lawn. It’s just $95 a head, and the price includes hot snacks delivered to your site, plus a $50 food and beverage voucher for each person. 

And for a really special day out, immerse yourself in the best of what Flemington has to offer. The Furphy Deck is an exclusive shaded outdoor area with unbeatable views of the track and winning post and overlooking the colourful Flemington Front Lawn. For $195 per person enjoy an all-inclusive street food and drinks package, live entertainment and access to private betting facilities. This area is available on Howden Australian Guineas Day and Super Saturday only.

Families can enjoy general admission for two adults, and two children (under 12) for $60. General admission is $30 for adults and kids under 12 are free.