Melbourne Cup Carnival 2018 has nearly arrived. It’s so close I can almost hear it. The thunderous roar of the horses galloping past at record speed, in a quest to win the ultimate prize. The winner……. of the 2018 Melbourne Cup is ………. (usually not the one I back unfortunately).
On that note, it’s time to start your racing engines ladies and gents, time to dust off the old frock, whip up a DIY hat and find the most uncomfortable shoes on the market……
Who am I kidding!! Melbourne Cup Carnival brings out the best of the best! Amazing fashions from local and International designers, headbands, headpieces, tiaras and tophats, 3/4 length trousers for men, (worn with no socks) and mismatched jacket and pant combos. Yes, Melbourne Cup Carnival is a feast for your senses. The sights, smells, tastes and touch (maybe a little bit too much of that goes on later in the day, but hey, no judging here). It is a date on the calendar that I look forward to with great anticipation. Bring.It.On.
The Park looks set to be the place to be this Carnival (unless you are fortunate enough to be in a big fancy corporate tent with food and drinks of course). But even then, The Park is the fun zone, the party zone, and the best part is that it is open to anyone with a general admission ticket, yay!
A media preview showcased the offerings of The Park and lucky old me was fortunate enough to get a peek. I present to you, some of the highlights that you too can look forward to partaking in, should you be clever enough to involve yourself in Melbourne Cup Carnival 2018.
Food
Yes, my great love, the one I dream about, the last thing on my mind at night and the first thing I think of in the morning, food. The Park has lots of dining options and the best part is you don’t have to walk a mile to find something delicious to soak up the booze, ahhhh I mean satisfy your hungry little tummy. Adorable little booths made to look like horse stables contain delicious offerings, Mexican, pizza, dumplings, pies, oh the pies. I am a pastry fan and I highly recommend the lamb, goats cheese and truffle option from Princes Pies. Ridiculous is the word I would give that pie, ridiculously amazing.
Try your luck
Roll up, roll up. Roll up those sleeves, get your game face on and put your skills to work at the skill tester booth. Eyes on the prize people, eyes on the prize. (which was a gingerbread cookie, more food for me….winning!)
Adore A Ball
If playing with big pink balls is your thing, then my friend, have I got the place for you! Return to your childhood and jump on into the adult sized ball pit at Adore A Ball. This space will prove to be a winner, for the participants and also the spectators. I expect to see lots of Instagram photos to take place in this zone, even if it takes 75 shots to get it just right.
TAB Legends Cup Fantasy Race
Fancy yourself in the jockeys seat? Then step right up to the Tab Legends Cup Fantasy Race zone. Pick your horse, a past Melbourne Cup winner, climb onto the saddle and hold on to the reigns for dear life. Even funnier when you are with your friends but if they would rather just observe so they can laugh at you then don’t be afraid to go riding solo. Top three winners of the day take home cash prizes, so if you win, you will be the one laughing. At them. 😉
Drinks
Drinks. Hydration. A staple of the races. Very important to stay hydrated especially if the weather is hot, H2o people, H2o. Now that that sensible announcement has been made, lets move onto the fun stuff. Bubbles, beers, vodka and more. There is a wide variety at The Park for those wishing to toast their race wins with a glass of sparkling. There is the lovely grassy green lawns of the Absolut zone, featuring the Absolut dance floor, the stylish Seppelt tent complete with its own rooftop Prosecco bar, beer served from a vintage silver caravan and many other drink venues that are dotted throughout The Park.
The Pony Bar
The Pony Bar has to be one of the prettiest spaces for letting your hair down, however, be warned, there is a naughty corner for those that let it down a little too much. Gorgeous little swings and metal rocking horses looking pretty as a picture beneath a candy pink cloud made of tulle. Ladies, this is place for the perfect Boomerang. I can see it now, videos and photos of frocked up race goers, champagne in hand, swaying back and forth ever so delicately on the swing. Double tap! ♥
Photo ops
The Park has plenty of amazing backdrops and props for patrons to get that perfect photo. Visit the beautiful carousel inspired horse at Nova 100 stand or the magical mirrored horse which is located just inside the entrance. The Bumble zone features a colourful horse prop and you never know, after visiting the stand you may be inspired to find the love of your life, or maybe your next BFF.
The sweet stuff
It’s not a celebration if there is no dessert so I have saved the sweetest till last. Glace Frozen Artisinal will be serving their delicious creations our of their retro inspired dessert van. The perfect sweet treat after scoffing a pie.
Coffee stations are dotted throughout The Park for those needing a little caffeine kick to keep the party going.
So there you have it, a little peek into what you can expect at The Park during Melbourne Cup Carnival 2018. All there is left to do now is to head down to Spotlight to gather the finishing touches for my fascinator. 😉
See you at the races!
Travelling Soul Sister ♥
The 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival runs Nov 3-10.
You can purchase tickets and find further information here: www.flemington.com.au/melbournecupcarnival
Travelling Soul Sister 