What’s Open for Melbourne Cup Public Holiday 2023
The first Melbourne Cup race was held in 1861, and just four years later, the day was already a half holiday in metropolitan Melbourne. By 1873, Cup Day was officially a public holiday throughout most of Victoria.
Ever since then, Melbourne’s had the first Tuesday of November off to celebrate “the race that stops a nation”. Although the Melbourne Cup race itself has become more controversial in recent years, Cup Day is still a great chance to relax and (hopefully) enjoy some good spring weather.
Whatever you get up to on the day, these new cafes, restaurants and bars are all staying open to help you make the most of it.