Melbourne Cup 2025: Where to Celebrate in the Shire & Sydney

3d
3 min read

Updated: 3d

The race that stops the nation returns — and both the Sutherland Shire and Sydney are bringing the bubbles, fashion, and fabulous food. Whether you're after a relaxed beachside lunch or a glamorous city rooftop, here's your guide to the best Melbourne Cup celebrations for 2025.

Sutherland Shire Venues

Zinc Bar, Cronulla — $50pp

A fun, affordable way to celebrate by the sea. Enjoy a drink on arrival, canapé lunch, games, prizes, and the race live on screen. Perfect for a laid-back afternoon with great company.

Cronulla RSL — $120pp

Beachside glamour with a three-course gourmet lunch and champagne on arrival. Expect live entertainment, sweepstakes, Fashions on the Field, and lucky door prizes — including Endota Spa vouchers. Ocean views meet race-day elegance.

The Alley, Rydges Cronulla Beachside — $90 to $155pp

Start with an Aperol spritz on arrival, enjoy roaming canapés and live music by This is Prototype. Upgrade to the three-hour beverage package for the full experience, with a DJ kicking off after the race. Where the celebration continues long past the finish line.

St George Sailing Club, Sans Souci — $165 to $185pp

A waterfront celebration featuring champagne or beer on arrival, gourmet food stations, live entertainment, sweeps, and post-race dancing. Go all out with serious style by the bay.

Hurricane's Cronulla Beach — $145pp

A three-course shared menu with champagne on arrival and panoramic beach views. Enjoy the live DJ, best-dressed prizes, and standout dishes like wagyu rump, pork ribs, and tiramisu. Sophisticated yet social.

Summer Salt, Cronulla — $145pp

A three-course set menu with sides, champagne on arrival, and stunning ocean views. Complete with sweepstakes, big-screen race coverage, and best-dressed prizes. Elegant seaside sophistication.

Pippi's Restaurant, Cronulla — $125pp

A Mediterranean-inspired menu overlooking the water. Large screens for race viewing, sweeps, fashion fun, and Pipi's signature coastal charm. Relaxed yet refined.

Jensens Restaurant, Kareela — $165pp

A Cronulla classic offering a three-course set menu and live entertainment from 12pm. The perfect balance of excellent food, great atmosphere, and race-day sparkle.

Northies Cronulla Hotel, Cronulla — $85pp

Race Day Bottomless Brunch from 1–3pm. Two courses plus free-flowing drinks for the ultimate mix of brunch, bubbles, and beachfront vibes. The most relaxed way to celebrate.

Sydney City Venues

Smoke at Barangaroo House, Barangaroo — $240pp

A three-hour beverage package with beer, wine, and spritz cocktails, plus roaming canapés. Sweeping harbour views, chic ambiance, and undeniably Sydney sophistication.

The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks — $99pp

An iconic rooftop venue with a two-course lunch and glass of Moët on arrival. Enjoy race coverage and Fashions on the Field. Classic Sydney charm with harbour views.

Café Sydney, Circular Quay — $295pp

Three-course fine dining with champagne on arrival and breathtaking views over Circular Quay. Luxe, timeless, and perfect for celebrating in style.

Race Day Tips

👗 Dress Code: Think fascinators, bold colours, statement accessories, and race-day glam

🎟️ Book Early: Tables fill fast for Melbourne Cup — secure your spot now

📸 Photo Ops: Most venues have Fashions on the Field and best-dressed competitions

🚗 Transport: Plan ahead — it's a long lunch with drinks, so Uber or designate a driver

⏰ Timing: Most venues open from 12pm, with race coverage starting before 3pm

Going with Your SLAM Crew?

Make Melbourne Cup your next epic SLAM gathering! Book a table together, coordinate your outfits, and turn race day into a full celebration. We'd love to see your race day style — tag us in your photos!

Where Will You Celebrate?

From $50 beachside fun at Zinc Bar, to $295 harbour-view luxury at Café Sydney, there's a Melbourne Cup celebration for every style and budget. Gather your girlfriends, book your table, and get ready to sip, dine, and sparkle your way through the race that stops the nation.

Book now — the best tables won't last!

Event details verified at time of publication (October 2025). We recommend confirming final details directly with venues when booking.

Curated by SLAM Society — connecting women through friendship, business, and local experiences across the Shire and Sydney. 💕