Enjoying the Melbourne Cup in Sydney

Known as the race that stops the country, the Melbourne Cup is Australia's most famous horse race. Held just before 3 pm on the first Tuesday in November at the Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, the race is celebrated around the country - both on and off the field.

The Melbourne Cup has been an Australian tradition since the inaugural race in 1861. Today, it is more than a race, with Melbourne Cup celebratory lunches and Fashion of the Fields as much a part of the celebration as the race itself. It also remains one of the richest races in the world, with the total prize money for the 2010 race totaling A$6 million.

If you're in Sydney on Tuesday, November 1st, make sure you get amongst the celebrations. Although the race is held in Melbourne (it's even a public holiday there!), it is still widely celebrated in its neighbouring city. In most (if not all!) pubs, restaurants and cafés in the city the race is aired and celebratory lunches are hosted.

One of the best parts about the horse race is trying to pick the winner! At whichever pub or restaurant you choose to watch at, there are a number of sweepstakes going. And don't forget one of the most important elements to the day – ‘Fashions on the Field'. Even if you're not at the race itself, it's a great excuse to get spruced up for the day. Fascinators, hats and head pieces are the order of the day for the ladies, and suits are a must for the gentlemen. Dressing up is a nice homage to the lasting elegance of the race day.

If you're in Sydney and craving some on-field action, Randwick Racecourse also hosts a Melbourne Cup Day, where they live stream all the action from Melbourne and host races of their own.

If you're planning to be in Sydney for Melbourne Cup and are looking for accommodation, Sydney has a number of hotels that can help you organise a race day celebration. Your Sydney hotel might even be hosting a celebration or lunch of its own!

Melbourne Cup is a fun and festive day Australia-wide, so make sure if you're in the country at the time you get involved!

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Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel suite or cheap accommodation, Sydney has a range of options to choose. Pick a location and accommodation style that suits you and you'll have an amazing time exploring this antipodean city.

Crave Sydney Food Festival

If you're in Sydney this October, your taste buds are in for a treat. The annual Crave Sydney Food Festival is on, and there are a number of food and wine based events planned to show off Sydney's vibrant and diverse food culture.

From October 1-31, The Crave Sydney Food Festival brings together some of Sydney's best chefs and restaurateurs, as well as general food enthusiasts. With spring in the air, it's a great time to sample amazing food and wine and enjoy the buzzing community atmosphere at different events and restaurants throughout the city. Here's a breakdown of some of the most popular events –

Night Noodle Markets: From October 10-14 and 17-21, Hyde Park is transformed into an Asian style market, with hawkers selling amazing fares from dumplings to noodles to desserts. Tables and fairy lights scatter the park complimenting a festive atmosphere. You can grab some food between 5-9 pm, and enjoy a glass of wine as you do!

Let's Do Lunch: Throughout the month of October, a wide range of restaurants take part in ‘Let's Do Lunch' deals, where they offer a set main course, a matched glass of Brown Brothers wine, Coopers beer or San Pellegrino sparkling or Acqua Panna still mineral water, plus coffee, for just $38. It's a great opportunity to try some of Sydney's best restaurants – even those that are hatted!

Cocktail of the Month: Some of Sydney's coolest bars are also taking part, offering a cocktail and canapé combo for just $20.

Breakfast on Bondi: The newest event on the Festival calendar is Breakfast on Bondi. On Sunday, October 23, Sydneysiders and visitors will gather on the shores of the famous Bondi Beach to welcome the day and enjoy good music, good food and good company. Celebrity chef Bill Granger will be there, and you can either BYO picnic or pick up coffee, drinks and other food options from local restaurants and cafes.

Pop up dinners: These dinners are perfect for those who like a bit of mystery when they dine. These mystery dinners are food adventures, at which attendees will eat and dine at hidden kitchens and secret food destinations. Are you game?

For more information on the above events, visit http://www.cravesydney.com/index.php. You'll see what other events are on and be able to book and plan your next meals. If you're visiting Sydney while the festival is on, make sure you venture from your Sydney accommodation to sample some of the delicious fares of this international food festival. If you're looking to visit Sydney during this month of culinary delights, there are a number of hotels in Sydney to choose from.

What are you ‘craving' at the Crave Sydney Food Festival?

About the Author

Whether you're looking for a luxury hotel suite or cheap accommodation, Sydney has a range of options to choose. Pick a location and accommodation style that suits you and you'll have an amazing time exploring this antipodean city.