Five of the best ways to celebrate the Melbourne Cup

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On a spring afternoon in November, Australia's premier horse race will once again stop the nation. But the allure of Melbourne Cup is not all about the horses and jockeys jostling for victory around Flemington Racecourse. In fact, there are longstanding traditions relating to spring carnival season that have more to do with frocking up and dining out than picking the winner of the Melbourne Cup.

Melbourne Cup Pool Party @ W Brisbane

Head to WET Deck, the luxury rooftop featuring a tropical poolside oasis with views across Brisbane's riverside, at W Brisbane to celebrate the race that stops the nation. Arrive with your entourage for a three-and-a-half hour cocktail and cuisines package featuring free-flowing Veuve Clicquot French Champagne, espresso martinis, Aperol Spritz and multiple gourmet food stations. Four large screens will showcase all the action from Flemington, sweepstakes, live tunes and prizes for best dressed will create an incredible atmosphere. Pick a winner? Book a suite and spend the night in five-star luxury. For bookings, click here.

Annual Croc Racing Event @ Berry Springs Tavern in the Northern Territory

Forgo the pomp and circumstance of Flemington in favour of this annual baby croc-racing event held at the Berry Springs Tavern, which is just a short drive from Darwin in the Northern Territory. This uniquely Territorian tradition gives race day a bit of bite as six juvenile saltwater crocodiles scamper down a five-metre-long stretch of turf edged with hay bales. Call in a sickie when you snatch victory from the jaws of your competitors or wind up in the winner's circle for Fashions in the Bush. The family-friendly day at the country pub is very convivial: it includes canapes and shared plates that celebrate native cuisine and attracts a motley crew of tourists and locals. For bookings, visit berryspringstavern.com

Moet & Chandon Melbourne Cup Champagne Breakfast @ The Westin Melbourne

There will be a mad rush for fascinators, top hats and tails ahead of this year's exclusive Moët & Chandon Melbourne Cup Champagne Breakfast, an annual top-tier tradition at The Westin Melbourne. The morning event is a precursor to the main affair at Flemington Racecourse and represents an opportunity for fashionistas to prolong the amount of time they spend parading around in their finery. Expect canapes and a flute of Moët & Chandon on arrival at the breakfast, which is only open to members of the public who stay in the hotel overnight. Attendees who play dress-ups for the day can win fabulous prizes at this year's event, held in the light-filled lobby overlooking Melbourne's City Square. In keeping with tradition, the theme is kept secret until the big reveal on Cup Day.

Melbourne Cup @ Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas, Tropical North Queensland

Even if you don't back a winner, you will feel like one when you emerge from your luxurious room or suite looking fabulous. Melbourne Cup Day in Port Douglas is less about watching the horses rocket to the finish at Flemington and more about enjoying an afternoon of laidback fun. What makes the Melbourne Cup even more thrilling at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas is its location at Four Mile Beach, which defines this stunning stretch of Tropical North Queensland coastline. This year, the hotel is hosting a Melbourne Cup event that includes an interactive lunch complimented by a three-hour beverage package. Yes, there will be prizes for 'fashions off the field' so join your fellow race fans in the dash for glamour. Arrive at 11am to enjoy the build-up to the race in the air-conditioned comfort of the Glade Pavilion in the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. For bookings, click here.

How to host a Melbourne Cup picnic with friends @ Centennial Park, Sydney

The Melbourne Cup is one of the most famous horse races in the world. But you don't have to participate in all the pomp and ceremony. Those saying 'Nup to the Cup' can instead enjoy a banquet on a blanket on the lacquered green lawns around Centennial Park: pop in a few chilled bottles of Josef Chromy sparkling wine, some sourdough loaves from the aptly named Thoroughbread Bakery, a round of Pepe Saya butter and a kilo or two of Aussie prawns and a dozen Pambula oysters. Kick off your heels and enjoy having your own patch of turf in this idyllic park setting, which is only minutes from the jostling crowds at Randwick Racecourse. When you've finished lunch, try a spot of 'forest bathing' with a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. centennialparklands.com.au

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