How to best experience the Melbourne Cup from home

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The twenty-four equine speedsters that will duel in 'the race that stops a nation' will be announced in October, just a few days before the gates are set to crash open.

For all the residents of Victorians, this is always a day to kick back, relax and enjoy the festivities. Melbourne Cup Day, however, is unfortunately only a regional public holiday, meaning Western Australians, Tasmanians and other non-Victorians will need to arrange time off work if they want to experience the Melbourne Cup this year.

Although all bets were nearly off, due to the pandemic, the 160-year-old cultural phenomenon managed to beat the odds, and all of Australia is looking for something fun and exciting, different and most importantly, safe, to do on the first Tuesday in November.

What could be safer than an amazing stay-at-home Melbourne Cup Day, or evening with your mates? With a little creativity and planning, you can ensure that you get the most out of the Melbourne Cup if you're watching from home.

Let's take a look at a shortlist of firm favourites that will make you the real winner on race day.

Every year at 3pm, Australians collectively hold their breath for around three minutes, until the winner of the richest 'two-mile handicap in the world, flashes past the winning post.

This iconic cultural event is typically associated with glamour, fashion and gourmet food, and is not usually an event you would like to drag to your toddler and their friends too.

However, this year why not try something different and put the odds in the toddler's favour, allowing you a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories, laughter, and hundreds of Insta-worthy moments for you and your little ones, by hosting a Melbourne Cup Party for them.

Besides horses, Cup Day is about hats and fashion. Host a party at home and invite your friends and family, ensuring that your invitation clearly states "dress for the races".

Having an opportunity to dress up, choose your most glamorous outfit and put the loungewear away for just one day will help you to feel human again. Prepare cocktails in advance, have plenty of drinks in the fridge and get a good selection of snacks ready to host the biggest party of the year.

If anyone can't make it, why not get them to join via Zoom to bring a new dynamic to the Melbourne Cup party of the year!

While getting glammed up might be fun for some, others might prefer a slightly more laid-back approach to the races. Fire up the barbecue, invite your mates round and enjoy the action from your deck in the sunshine.

Make sure that you have the fridge well-stocked and that the Esky is full of drinks for the kids and adults alike.

Hosting your Aussie race day barbeque is "simple as." Hose down the deck, give the outdoor furniture a good wipe and polish, mow the lawn and make sure the hot plate and grill are clean and ready.

You can marinate your meat, prepare your condiments, and prepare salads in advance to make sure you're relaxed when the action begins.

You may not be able to turn your home into Flemington Racecourse, but with a little ingenuity and some careful planning, you could be the firm favourite in your circle of friends this year.

There are many fun and spectacular events that you can arrange for home to mark the occasion and spend quality time with your friends and family.

Whatever you decide to do, with a little creativity, you can be sure that you will be a winner on Melbourne Cup Day this year.