Melbourne Cup in Wollongong. Best Functions, Venues & Packages in Wollongong and the Illawarra

Famously known as the race that stops the nation, the Melbourne Cup or Cup Day (Tuesday 4 November, 2025) is almost upon us and Wollongong’s finest establishments, restaurants and functions centres are not holding back. Find the best Melbourne Cup event packages and race day experiences Illawarra-wide. You’ll experience the full glitz, glamour and sophistication that only the big race day can bring together with fine dining in some of our region’s most picturesque locations. Frock up, gather your friends and treat yourself to a day of splendour and fun!

For even more Melbourne Cup events and festivities across Wollongong and the Illawarra, click here

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Or search our What’s on in Wollongong site What’s on Illawarra wide – find the best things to do in Wollongong

(Main title article image above c/o Kembla Grange Racecourse)

The Icon – Melbourne Cup After-Party with Reminisce

After backing a few winners this Melbourne Cup, make sure you head to The Icon Wollongong for the after party that stops a nation! From 4pm, Reminisce 80’s & 90’s will hit the decks with Stan The Man and Claude keeping the party alive well into the night. The kitchen will be serving your favourites right through until close at 10pm – the perfect way to keep the celebrations going. Book your table now here!

Cup Day at Kembla Grange Racecourse

Enjoy all the action and glamour of Cup Day close to home at Kembla Grange Racecourse! Can’t make it to Randwick? Celebrate in the Illawarra with eight thrilling local races headlined by the Kembla Grange Cup, plus live coverage of every race around Australia—including the Big Dance—on the big screen.

Cup Day at Kembla Grange Racecourse promises the full Spring Carnival experience with precincts and bars to explore, food trucks for a quick bite, and premium hospitality options like four-course dining and bottomless beverage packages. Dress to impress for Fashions On The Field, enjoy live entertainment on the Public Lawn, dance with the DJ after the last race, and take advantage of free buses home. Gather your friends and join the party—you won’t want to miss it! Secure your tickets now here.

Melbourne Cup Luncheon at Wisos

Join Wisos (formerly Wiseman Park Bowling Club) for an exciting Melbourne Cup Luncheon on Tuesday 4 November. Saddle up for a day of fun with live entertainment on the deck, sweeps, full TAB facilities and best dressed prizes.

Guests will enjoy a delicious two-course luncheon featuring an alternate drop of asparagus with hollandaise and scotch egg or baked scallops with pea purée and crispy prosciutto for entrée, followed by salmon en papillote with seasonal vegetables and lemon butter sauce or chicken breast supreme stuffed with spinach and ricotta, served with roasted pumpkin and thyme jus. All this for just $62 per person. Bookings are essential – click here to secure your spot.

Melbourne Cup at Woonona Bulli RSL

Get ready for a bigger and better Cup Day celebration at Woonona Bulli RSL Club on Tuesday, 4th November! Enjoy bubbles on arrival, free live entertainment with Mark Dabin from 1–4pm, and all the racing action live on the big screen. Try one of our specialty cocktails, go in the draw for a lucky door prize, and indulge in delicious Melbourne Cup Day Specials from the Brasserie (available for lunch and dinner).

Want to celebrate in style? Pre-order a fresh seafood platter for just $59 before 5pm, Friday 31st October. Seats are limited and bookings are essential—call 4284 1577 or see our friendly staff at reception to secure your spot. Dress to impress, round up your friends, and enjoy an unforgettable day at the Club!

Melbourne Cup at The Lake Illawarra Hotel

Celebrate the race that stops the nation LIVE & LOUD from 3pm at The Lake Illawarra Hotel! Enjoy a TWO for ONE lunch special, plus sweeps and Fashions on the Field – so dress to impress and join in the fun. Spaces fill fast, so be sure to book a table to avoid missing out on all the action!

Melbourne Cup Lunch at The Boathouse, North Wollongong

Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in style at The Boathouse North Wollongong on Tuesday 4 November from 11:30am. Start with a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival and a cocktail hour with roaming canapés on the terrace, then enjoy a delicious three-course shared lunch while watching live coverage of the races. Don’t forget Fashions on the Field – dress to impress! Book now to secure your spot.

Dicey Riley’s Hotel

Join in on Tuesday, November 4th for a day of food, fun, and racing the Dicey Riley’s way! Enjoy the thrill of the races with sweepstakes, best dressed prizes, and big screens showing all the live action.

From 10 am, dig into a delicious selection at Dicey’s Bistro, including seafood skewers, barbecued meats, fresh salads, and a complimentary schooner or wine. With free entry and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to spend the day with friends and soak up all the Melbourne Cup excitement.

Melbourne Cup at The Mill (Dapto Leagues Club)

Experience the thrill of the race that stops the nation right here in Dapto! Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day in the Mill or WB Sports Bar with complimentary drinks on arrival, live entertainment, and sweeps, plus indulge in our Plate & Plonk specials while the action unfolds on the big screens. From fashion to racing excitement, soak up the atmosphere, back your favourites, and make it a day to remember! Book your table at The Mill for Lunch or Dinner here.

Melbourne Cup Day at The Balgownie Hotel

Celebrate the race that stops the nation this Tuesday, 4th November at The Bally! From 10am, enjoy live race screenings, sweeps, and the chance to take part in our ‘Pick the Winner’ prize draw for your shot at a Balgownie Hotel Merch Pack (one entry per person, winners go into the draw). This over 18’s event promises an electric atmosphere, so round up your mates, grab a drink, and catch all the action live on the big screens! Free bubbles on arrival when you book your table for lunch.

Melbourne Cup at The Lagoon – The Last Lap

After years of unforgettable Melbourne Cup celebrations by the sea, 2025 marks Lagoon’s final Melbourne Cup under their lease – and it promises to be one for the ages. Join them on Tuesday 4 November, 11:30am–3:30pm, for a day of fashion, food, champagne, and all the excitement of the race that stops the nation. Indulge in a 4-course deluxe menu paired with a premium drinks package, all for $165 per person. This is your last chance to experience Melbourne Cup at The Lagoon in true style – so book your table now and be part of this legendary farewell.

Melbourne Cup Luncheon at North Nowra Tavern

Celebrate the race that stops the nation LIVE & LOUD from 3pm at North Nowra Tavern! Indulge in a carefully curated luncheon menu paired with a 2-hour drinks package for just $69 per person. Enjoy the thrill of sweeps, show off your style in Fashions on the Field, and soak up the atmosphere of Australia’s biggest race day. Secure your tickets and table today to avoid missing out.

Melbourne Cup Day Garden Party at The Shellharbour Club

Saddle up for Melbourne Cup Day at The Shellharbour Club! Indulge in champagne, lobster rolls, and decadent sweets while soaking up the thrill of the race that stops the nation. Enjoy Melbourne Cup Sweeps, live music, and Fashions on the Field, plus a chance to share in $5000 cash with our Lucky Horse promotion! Secure your spot and reserve your table via their website – celebrate Cup Day in style

Melbourne Cup Catering from Villa D’oro

The race that stops the nation is right around the corner – and Villa D’oro has your catering sorted! Grab your fascinator and order from their Catering or At-Home Takeaway Menu for a delicious Melbourne Cup Day feast. Whether you’re hosting a workplace lunch, celebrating with friends, or planning dinner after the main race, there’s something to suit every budget and occasion. Browse the menu online and text 0415 455 555 or DM Villa D’oro on Facebook or Instagram to place your order.

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