Essentials Guide

Your Guide To The Carnival

A one-stop-shop for everything you need for your Ladbrokes Cox Plate Carnival experience

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Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day - SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER

• Flower of the Day - Cecil Brunner Rose
• Gates Open - 10.20am
• Access to Dining Rooms/Marquees - 11.20am
• First Race - 12.20pm*
• Feature Race - Ladbrokes Cox Plate - 5.10pm*
• Last Race - Ladbrokes Cox Plate - 5.50pm*
• Close Time - Corporate Marquees/Dining Rooms - 6.10pm

*Times are subject to change

Getting To The Flemington Racecourse

Flemington Racecourse is located approximately six kilometres northwest of the Melbourne CBD and will host Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day in 2026. The racecourse is situated in Flemington and can be accessed from Epsom Road, Flemington Drive and Smithfield Road.

Please be aware that traffic management measures, changed road conditions and restricted access may be in effect on race day. Patrons are encouraged to plan their journey in advance and consider public transport as the preferred option.

Flemington Racecourse is accessible by train, tram, bus, rideshare, taxi and car. Further information about each transport option and the recommended racecourse entry points is provided below.

TRAM

Catch Route 57 from the corner of Elizabeth Street and Flinders Street and alight at Flemington Drive, Stop 30, located outside the racecourse’s main gate. Route 57 does not operate low-floor trams, so passengers using mobility aids are encouraged to travel by train.

TRAIN

Travel directly to Flemington Racecourse Station and enter via the Train Gate. Metro trains operate between Southern Cross Station and Flemington Racecourse on race days, unless otherwise advised by the VRC or Public Transport Victoria.

BUS

Catch Route 472 from Williamstown, Footscray or Moonee Ponds to Fisher Parade and enter via The Elms Gate. Alternatively, take Route 404 from Footscray or Moonee Ponds to Smithfield Road and enter via Stables Drive.

Members' Car Park

Annual Reserved Car Sites and Ranks 1–4 can be accessed via Members Drive. Members Unreserved Parking begins from Row 15 and is accessible via Flemington Drive, with traffic management staff available to assist.

Unreserved parking is subject to availability. Once full, members will be directed to the nearest available parking area.

General Admission Parking

Complimentary public parking is available for race day ticket holders. The recommended entry is via Flemington Drive off Epsom Road.

Taxi & Hire Car

The Main Taxi Rank will operate on race day and can be accessed via Stables Drive off Smithfield Road.

General Information

ATM and EFTPOS Facilities
ATMs and EFTPOS facilities are available at various locations throughout the Members, Public and Corporate areas of Flemington Racecourse.

Ticketing
Patrons must hold and display the correct ticket, membership credential or accreditation for the racecourse area, reserved seat, enclosure or hospitality facility they are entering. Entry may be refused where the appropriate ticketing cannot be produced.

Information
Race day staff will be available throughout Flemington Racecourse to assist with directions and general enquiries. Patrons can also use the Flemington digital map to locate entrances, facilities, dining outlets, bars and other race day services.

Prohibited Goods
Alcohol cannot be brought through the racecourse turnstiles. The only exception is within designated Members’ Reserved Car Parks, including The Nursery and The Rails, where specific conditions apply. Alcohol can be purchased from licensed dining facilities and retail bar outlets throughout the Members and Public areas. Security personnel will conduct bag checks at racecourse entry points.

BYO food is not permitted in The Club Stand, except on the Members Lawn and in the Members Betting Ring. BYO food is permitted in The Grandstand, except within The Atrium Dining and The Peak.

Glassware, knives, weapons, drones, fireworks, flares, large umbrellas, portable shade structures, animals other than assistance animals, large flags, banners and other dangerous or disruptive items are not permitted. Certain chairs, sporting equipment, transportation devices and items intended for commercial distribution are also prohibited.

For the complete list of prohibited items, please refer to the Flemington Racecourse FAQs and the Flemington Racecourse Conditions of Entry.

Cloakrooms
Public and Members’ cloakrooms are available for the cloaking of personal items on race days. Please refer to the race day map or speak with a staff member for the nearest available cloakroom location. Patrons are encouraged not to bring valuable or unnecessary items to the racecourse.

Food and Beverage Outlets
A range of food and beverage outlets is located throughout Flemington Racecourse. Please refer to the race day map for public outlets and the locations of pre-booked dining and hospitality facilities.

Responsible Service of Alcohol
Persons who are, or appear to be, intoxicated or under the influence of drugs on arrival may be refused entry. Patrons whose behaviour is considered detrimental to the safety, comfort or enjoyment of others, or to the proper conduct of the race meeting, may also be asked to leave the racecourse.

Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout Flemington Racecourse, allowing patrons to access online race day information and communication services from their smartphones.

Owners
Owners with a runner on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day should follow the ticketing and arrival information communicated directly to them before the race meeting. Owner ticketing and Mounting Yard wristbands can be collected from the designated Race Day Ticketing Office.

For further information, please visit the Flemington Owners Information Hub or the MVRC Owners Information page.

First Aid
Qualified first aid personnel will be available on course for the duration of the race meeting. First aid locations will be identified on the race day map, and patrons requiring assistance should speak with the nearest staff or security team member.

Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping are only permitted in designated areas. Flemington’s grandstands, including balconies, The Club Stand and areas within 10 metres of food vendors are smoke-free. Patrons must observe all signage and comply with Victorian smoking laws.

FAQs
Still chasing an answer? Visit our Ladbrokes Cox Plate FAQs.

Persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. Entry to Flemington Racecourse is subject to the applicable ticketing terms, event conditions and Flemington Racecourse Conditions of Entry.

CARNIVAL AND LEAD-UP EVENTS

Course Map

LOCATION

Google Maps

OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES*

Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day

Gates open: TBC
First race: TBC
Last race: TBC

*Please note: gates and race times are subject to change

TICKETING

All tickets purchased through Ticketmaster will be subject to the terms and conditions from Ticketmaster, which can be found on the Ticketmaster website at https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/h/purchase.html

PLEASE NOTE TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAN CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

LADBROKES COX PLATE DAY DRESS CODE - TRADITIONAL

Please be aware that Victoria Racing Club’s Members’ Dress Regulations apply in the Members Enclosure. The Club reserves the right to deny entry or remove anyone deemed inappropriately dressed.

The Members Enclosure includes The Club Stand, The Grandstand, the Members Lawn, the Members Betting Ring, and the Members Car Parks.

Please note: It is the responsibility of the person booking the tickets to ensure their guests adhere to the dress regulations.

LADIES DRESS REGULATIONS

MEMBERS ENCLOSURE

The Victoria Racing Club’s dress standards will be strictly enforced throughout the racing season. To avoid inconvenience on race day, please ensure that your attire, and that of your guests, is appropriate for the Members Enclosure. Younger children accompanied by an adult must also be suitably attired. The Club reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove from the Members Enclosure any person considered inappropriately attired.

LADIES (INCLUDING CHILDREN 12 AND OVER)

Ladies are expected to maintain a suitable dress standard in keeping with the distinction of the Members Enclosure. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal National Dress of their country.

NOT ACCEPTABLE:
• Any form of the following footwear: joggers, sports shoes, track shoes, runners, slippers, dilapidated footwear, gumboots or rubber thongs

• Jeans, jodhpurs, tracksuits or untailored pants

• Short jumpsuits/playsuits and shorts or short suits that are above the knee

• Pants tucked into socks or footwear

• Torn or ripped clothing even if considered ‘designer’ tears

• Garments which show belly button and garments which show an open back below the waist

• Bralettes and bandeau crop tops

• Leggings worn as pants. Footless tights acceptable if suitable dress worn over the top

• Parkas, duffle coats, windbreakers, tracksuit tops, golf and yachting weatherproofs, denim jackets, casual or untailored leather jackets, anoraks and Driza-Bone (oilskin) jackets

• Strictly no denim

GENTLEMEN DRESS REGULATIONS

MEMBERS ENCLOSURE

GENTLEMEN (INCLUDING CHILDREN 12 AND OVER)

Gentlemen are required to wear a suit, or tailored pants (tailored chinos and tailored leather pants are acceptable), tailored shorts on or below the knee, sports coat or blazer and a collared dress shirt, plus tie or bow tie and dress shoes.
Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal National Dress of their country. During the period between 1 December and 31 March jackets may be removed.

NOT ACCEPTABLE:
• Any form of the following footwear: joggers, sports shoes, track shoes, runners, sandals, thongs, dilapidated footwear, gumboots or slippers

• Jeans, jodhpurs, untailored pants, cargo pants or pants with elastic cuffs

• Shorts of any kind that are above the knee - such as, bike shorts, stretch shorts, board shorts, sports shorts and casual shorts

• Torn or ripped clothing even if considered ‘designer’ tears

• Open-neck shirts or shirts with no collar

• Parkas, duffle coats, windbreakers, tracksuit tops, golf and yachting weatherproofs, waist length jackets including bomber jackets, denim jackets, casual or untailored leather jackets, anoraks and Driza-Bone (oilskin) jackets

• Safari suits, tracksuits

• Peaked caps, beanies

• Pullovers or cardigans (without a jacket), rugby tops and football guernseys, even if wearing a tie

• Cravats

• Strictly no denim

Flemington Racecourse: 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031

For all information on getting to Flemington Racecourse, visit https://www.vrc.com.au/visit-us/plan-your-visit/

CAR: Public Parking at Flemington Racecourse is complimentary for race day ticket holders, with the best entry point through Flemington Drive off Epsom Road.

Note for members: Allocated Annual Reserved Car Sites and Ranks 1–4 can be accessed via Members Drive only.

The Members Unreserved Car Park begins from Row 15 and is accessible via Flemington Drive. Traffic management staff will be on hand on race days to guide all unreserved car park holders.

Please note: Unreserved car parking is subject to availability. If spaces are full, members will be directed to the nearest available parking area.

TRAIN: We recommend travelling to Flemington by train to Flemington Racecourse station and entering via Train Gate Entry.

Metro trains run directly between Southern Cross Station and Flemington Racecourse on all race days, unless otherwise advised by the VRC or Public Transport Victoria.TAXIS: There is one taxi rank in operation, the Main Rank, which can be accessed via Stables Drive off Smithfield Drive.

TRAM: No.57 tram from West Maribyrnong arrives directly at Flemington Drive (Stop 30). VRC main entrance is across from this stop.

BUS: Take Route 472 from Williamstown, Footscray or Moonee Ponds to Fisher Parade, with entry to Flemington via The Elms Gate entrance. Or take Route 404 from Footscray or Moonee Ponds to Smithfield Road, where you can enter the racecourse through the Stables Drive entrance.

Ticketing and Conditions of Entry for Flemington Racecourse can be found here - VRC Racecourse Terms & Conditions