Getting to Flemington

Arriving by car

Flemington is located 6kms north-west from the CBD.

It is recommended patrons enter Flemington via the Dynon Road - Kensington Road - Hobsons Road route.

Please be aware: You may experience heavy traffic conditions travelling by car to Flemington via the CBD so we recommend that you take this into account when planning your journey. Delays in Ascot Vale Road at the railway gates can also be expected due to increased train frequency.

Car parking on course

Public Car Parks

Limited public car parking is available in the centre car park, which opens at 8.30am on Derby Day and Cup Day, and 9am on Oaks Day and Stakes Day. A $15 parking fee applies. Patrons should enter off Smithfield Road at the Stables Drive entrance.

VRC Members' Car Parks

Members' parking in the Unreserved Car Park must enter via Flemington Drive off Epsom Road. Members' Reserved Car Parks (The Nursery, The Rails & The Domain) site holders should refer to directions provided with their confirmation pack. 

A Shuttle Bus service operates within the general Racecourse areas as follows:

  • Within the Members’ Unreserved Car Park, near the Flemington Drive entrance to the Main Public Turnstiles
  • Within the Centre Car Park to Infield Turnstiles.

Corporate Car Parks

This is preferred parking for corporate guests (passes as per package purchased).

  • The Terrace Restaurant, Skyline, Panorama & The Gallery Restaurants: Reserved VIP car parking off Leonard Crescent.
  • Trackside Enclosure: Reserved VIP car parking off Leonard Crescent.
  • Winning Post Enclosure: Reserved VIP car parking in the centre of the track. Patrons should enter at Stables Drive (off Smithfield Rd at Gatehouse Drive Intersection).
  • Hill Stand Corporate Suites: Reserved VIP parking off Leonard Crescent.

Other transport options

There are many ways you can travel to Flemington for Melbourne Cup Carnival, including:

Trains

Fast, frequent trains will run to and from Flemington Racecourse. Special race trains will depart Flinders Street (Platforms 8 & 9), stopping at Southern Cross station (Platform 14) and North Melbourne (Platform 6), then express to Flemington.

No alcohol is to be taken on the train. Patrons bags will be checked upon entry to the course and any alcohol will be confiscated.

Make sure you have a valid Metcard for your journey. For further enquiries, contact Metlink on 131 638. 

Trams

Catch the No. 57 tram from the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders streets. Trams stop at Flemington Drive off Epsom Road. 

Buses

Catch the Route 472 from Williamstown, Footscray or Moonee Ponds and alight on Fisher Parade, near the Riverbank entrance. Catch the Route 404 from Footscray or Moonee Ponds and alight on Smithfield Road. 

Private buses should enter at Stables Drive (off Smithfield Road). Buses dropping off at the Elms Precinct should enter at Lynch’s Bridge gate from Smithfield Road / Hobsons Road. 

Taxis, limousines and hire cars

Taxis, Limousines and Hire Cars are not permitted entry to the Racecourse at Members Drive or Flemington Drive. Three main Taxi ranks operate throughout the four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival:

  • Main Taxi Rank (Main Members / Public Turnstiles & Rose Arbour): Entry to the main taxi rank is at Stables Drive via Smithfield Road to the designated rank via the internal taxi road.
  • Leonard Crescent Taxi Rank (The Hill Turnstiles): Enter Leonard Crescent (one-way access) via Langs Road exiting via Fisher Parade.
  • Elms Taxi Rank (River Precinct): Entry to the Elms Precinct is at Lynches Bridge Gatehouse from Smithfield Road (one way access) to the designated taxi rank, exiting via Fisher Parade.

At the end of each race day, controlled taxi ranks will operate at all of the above locations.

Holding Bays for Limousines are provided near each taxi rank and a client "call down" system will operate.

The Winning Post or the Home Straight Enclosures via taxi or hire car: Patrons can be dropped off at the Winning Post drop-off area. Please note that this is not a dedicated taxi rank. We recommend that you make your way to the Riverbank Taxi Rank for the journey home or arrange for your hire car to return to the Winning Post drop-off area.

Helicopters

Flights depart from Melbourne CBD, Essendon and Moorabbin Airports and land at the helipad/passenger area, at Flemington Racecourse. VIP Lexus courtesy vehicles will then transfer from helipad to main entrance.

For more information, contact our exclusive helicopter provider, Melbourne Cup Helicopters on 1300 724 927.

Ferries

Ferry services for exclusive groups operate from the city centre to Flemington along the Maribyrnong River. For all information, contact City River Cruises on (03) 9650 2214.  

For private berthing information, contact Parks Victoria on (03) 9426 4666.

Park & Ride

Etihad Stadium Park & Ride

Park & Ride at Etihad Stadium, only a short train trip from the races. Undercover parking is available at Etihad Stadium on all four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Patrons can then walk across to Southern Cross station (platform 14) to catch a train to Flemington. Enjoy the atmosphere of the ride on the train with this "Park & Ride" option.

Harbour Town Park & Ride

Park & Ride from Harbour Town at Waterfront City, only a short distance from the races. You'll find up to 3,000 undercover parking spaces on Waterfront Way and Pearl River Road. Catch the no. 86 tram to Southern Cross Station (platform 14) to catch a train to Flemington.

 

Travelling from the airport

The SkyBus express service operates between the city centre and Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine). They operate 24/7 including all public holidays.

The SkyBus offers a Hotel Transfer Service from their Southern Cross station city terminal to your Hotel, using their fleet of mini buses.

For more information, contact the Skybus team or view their website to book online.