The Melbourne Cup carnival is one of the most highly-anticipated events on the social calendar.
And a lucky group of celebrities will be treated to a lavish experience as they enjoy the ultimate VIP treatment inside Flemington Racecourse’s world-famous ‘Birdcage’.
In the exclusive enclave, guests are treated to high-class delicacies from free-flowing French Champagne, specialty cocktails and meals prepared by famed chefs.
This year’s VIP attendees will also be indulging in caviar bumps – a fine dining trend which refers to eating a mound of the expensive food off the back of the hand.
And there is certainly not a portaloo in sight inside the luxury marquees, which are famous for providing the very best for the social set.
Famous faces inside the Birdcage this year include Rebecca Judd, Rozalia Russian and Nicole Kidman’s niece Lucia Hawley, who will are guests of G.H. Mumm, the official Champagne sponsor of the event, Furphy, winemakers Penfolds, Lexus and Crown Resorts.
Channel Nine also have their own marquee while Don Julio has opened a vibrant pink-themed tequila bar offering delicious specialty cocktails and live DJ performances.
The Melbourne Cup carnival is one of the most anticipated events on the social calendar and is known for its luxury offerings (pictured: Emma McKeon at G.H Mumm’s Birdcage marquee)
But a lucky group of celebrities will get an even more lavish experience with the ultimate VIP treatment at Flemington Racecourse’s famous ‘Birdcage’ (pictured: G.H. Mumm’s marquee)
Famous faces who have secured the elite package at 2024’s spectacle include Rebecca Judd (pictured), Rozalia Russian and Nicole Kidman ‘s niece Lucia Hawley, among many others
On Thursday, G.H. Mumm unveiled their trackside marquee with a unique luxury travel theme.
The pop-up is called ‘Now Boarding’ and is the French Champagne brand’s largest marquee to date, featuring an observation deck with 270 degree views.
The unique red and gold structure boasts G.H. Mumm’s iconic branding and has luxury booths inside resembling a first-class passenger booth on a private jet.
Featuring chic black marble tables, VIP guests will be treated to the ultimate fine dining experience from Anthony Puharich, co-owner of meat purveyors Victor Churchill.
From a luggage carousel serving caviar to canapés and G.H. Mumm’s finest cuvées, the booth certainly has all the most exquisite offerings up for grabs.
For the ultimate VIP guests, there is also an exclusive invite-only secret cellar with their most exclusive vintages on offer.
Australian Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon opened G.H. Mumm’s festivities in style by sending a shower of free-flowing Cordon Rouge champagne high into the sky.
With thousands of bottles of Champagne on offer, G.H. Mumm have unveiled their trackside Birdcage marquee, which has a unique luxury travel theme
Australian Olympic swimmer Emma McKeon opened G.H. Mumm’s festivities in style by sending a shower of free-flowing Cordon Rouge champagne high into the sky
In a Melbourne races first, the pop-up is called Now Boarding and is G.H. Mumm’s largest marquee to date, featuring an observation deck with 270 degree views
The unique red and gold structure boasts G.H. Mumm’s iconic branding and has luxury booths inside resembling a first-class passenger booth on a private jet
For the ultimate VIP guests, there is also an exclusive invite-only secret cellar including the House’s most exclusive vintages on offer
Don Julio have also brought their very own colourful touch to the Birdcage with their luxury pink-hued party oasis, Club Rosado.
With partygoers told to keep the luxury secrets of the Don Julio experience within the walls of the marquee, it proves to be a day out to remember at the carnival.
Back for its second year, exclusive party card invitations for Club Rosado will be handed out to those cherry-picked by the Rosado Party Starters crew.
The hidden venue is accessed by the Rosado phone box and the ‘Dial for Don Julio’ option unveils the entryway to the secret experience.
Those lucky enough to get their hands on the coveted invitation will then be able to explore the party vibes and high-tempo energy in the vibrant, pink parlour.
The sprawling pop-up bar features crushed velvet furnishings and an all-pink bar with signature cocktails from world famous bartender Orlando Marzo.
Guests will have the chance to try the newly-launched Don Julio Rosado, a signature Reposado tequila finished in Ruby Port wine casks from the Douro wine region of Northern Portugal.
Along with their drinks, delicious treats will be on offer including a glitter-sprayed Mexican-inspired tostada featuring candied grapefruit, salmon and guacamole.
Don Julio have also brought their very own colourful touch to the Birdcage with their luxury pink-hued party oasis, Club Rosado, which boasts a secret entrance
The hidden venue is accessed by the Rosado phone box and the ‘Dial for Don Julio’ option unveils the entryway to the secret experience (pictured: Rozalia Russian at the entrance)
Those lucky enough to get their hands on the coveted invitation will be able to explore the party vibes and high-tempo energy in the vibrant, pink parlour
The sprawling pop-up bar features crushed velvet furnishings and an all-pink bar with signature cocktails on offer from world famous bartender Orlando Marzo
There will be a range of live performances taking place to give the entire pop-up an upbeat feel, including from none other than DJ Kitty Kat
Guests (Rozalia is pictured) can try the newly-launched Don Julio Rosado, a Reposado tequila finished in Ruby Port wine casks from the Douro wine region of Northern Portugal
There is also another hidden ultra-exclusive experience within the marquee – the intimate Secret Don Julio 1942 Tequila Bar, which is accessible through a secret door.
A select few VIPs will be invited into the luxurious setting where they will be able to relax at a table of eight to enjoy a dark chocolate and dulce mousse taco.
There will be a range of live performances taking place to give the entire pop-up an upbeat feel.
Elsewhere inside the Birdcage, Crown Resorts have also taken over a three-storey trackside marquee to provide their renowned hospitality to some lucky racegoers.
Across all four race days, Crown will treat a range of celebrities, business leaders, corporate partners and members to their world-class dining experience.
With stunning views of the track on offer, the green-hued lounge boasts a laidback and casual atmosphere, with a main bar offering G.H. Mumm’s Champagne, a range of wines from Penfolds, Heineken Lager, Kirin Ichiban and premium spirits.
Guests will be able to savour a range of delicacies at an exclusive food station, where chefs will be preparing seared scallops with pea puree and caviar.
Across all four race days, Crown will also treat a range of celebrities, business leaders, corporate partners and members to their world-class dining experience
The green-hued lounge boasts a laidback and casual atmosphere, proving to be the perfect VIP race-day getaway
The trackside balcony has unmissable views of the racecourse as well as the wider city of Melbourne
The main bar offers G.H. Mumm’s Champagne (pictured), a range of wines from Penfolds, Heineken Lager, Kirin Ichiban, and premium spirits
Rebecca Judd was in attendance at the grand opening and made sure to capture attention in a dazzling silver sequinned dress
The top floor offers an exquisite and unmissable experience with caviar bumps and freshly shucked oysters on offer as well as other food from chef Guillaume Brahimi (pictured)
Hairstylist Joey Scandizzo (pictured with Bec Judd) and make-up artist Jade Kisnorbo will offer salon touch-ups to add to the relaxation feel
Acclaimed chef Guillaume Brahimi will also be preparing entrées, including smoked salmon brioche, cacio e pepe croquettes, and ocean trout and avocado tacos.
There is no shortage of food on offer with an array of plates flowing throughout the entire race day, giving guests the chance to enjoy the best of Brahimi’s creations.
Other delicious treats on offer include chicken, coconut and lemongrass empanadas, champagne poached chicken sandwiches and wagyu beef daube served on Guillaume’s famous Paris mash.
Guests will also be among the first to sample offerings from Crown Melbourne’s soon-to-open venue in partnership with Marmont’s Grant Smillie.
A harpist duo will show off their talents live while hairstylist Joey Scandizzo and make-up artist Jade Kisnorbo will offer salon touch-ups to add to the relaxation feel.
On the first floor, guests will be treated to lively entertainment from a whole host of DJs, while the top floor offers an exquisite and unmissable experience with caviar bumps and freshly shucked oysters on offer.
As well as Penfolds wine being made readily available in the Crown’s marquee, the winemakers have also unveiled their very own pop-up with quite the vibrant feel
It features a bold red checkerboard exterior and a deep red lounge set-up inside, with glamorous performers circulating the venue wearing eye-catching chequered hats
Its opening featured live music from DJ Yo Mafia (pictured) as the space was given an upbeat feel
Nicole Kidman’s niece Lucia Hawley attended the opening and oozed sophistication in a stunning black gown
Nine has also unveiled a Melbourne Cup Carnival marquee, which is inspired by the network’s iconic dots and provides guests with a luxurious racing day experience
The marquee’s elegant atmosphere will provide an unforgettable experience with its highlights including its hidden bar, The Snug
James Bracey, Eddie McGuire, Francesca Cumani, Billy Slater and Nicole Slater were all seen attending the opening of Channel Nine’s marquee
As well as Penfolds wine being made readily available in the Crown’s marquee, the winemakers have their very own pop-up with quite the vibrant feel.
It features a bold red checkerboard exterior and a deep red lounge set-up inside, with glamorous performers circulating the venue wearing eye-catching chequered hats.
Thursday’s opening featured live music from DJ Yo Mafia while TV presenter Lucia Hawley, who is the daughter of Nicole Kidman’s sister Antonia, was also in attendance.
Nine has also unveiled a Melbourne Cup Carnival marquee, which is inspired by the network’s iconic logo.
The marquee’s elegant atmosphere will provide an unforgettable experience with its highlights, including its hidden bar The Snug.
The venue offers racegoers an intimate escape from the hustle-and-bustle of the carnival experience, allowing them to unwind in style.
The pop-up also features stunning new artwork by renowned artist Nicole Slater, depicting the legendary racehorse Verry Elleegant.
Over at the Lexus marquee, extravagant cocktail creations were provided for esteemed guests who managed to score exclusive access
Some of Lexus’ most luxurious vehicles were on display inside the very exclusive marquee experience
Furphy Beer have also brought their signature pub-feel to the Birdcage with their very own sprawling marquee
Featuring a light and airy lounge space with a huge bar, guests are given the chance to unwind and relax over one of the brand’s light and balanced beers
The interior boasts a typical pub feel and has the very best of Furphy on offer, with guests able to freely mill around and enjoy the space
TAB (pictured) have also unveiled their very own pop-up bars inside the Birdcage, with every kind of dining and partying experience guests could want on offer
As the official broadcast partner, Nine’s hosts Eddie McGuire, James Bracey, Billy Slater and Francesca Cumani were all on hand to unveil the special VIP experience.
There will also be live coverage in the Nine marquee from Clint Stanaway, Sylvia Jeffreys, Jelena Dokic and Olympic champion Jessica Fox.
Furphy Beer have also brought their signature pub-feel to the Birdcage with their very own sprawling marquee.
Featuring a light and airy lounge space with a huge bar, guests are given the chance to unwind and relax over one of the brand’s light and balanced beers.
Lexus and TAB have also unveiled their very own pop-up bars inside the Birdcage, with every kind of dining and partying experience guests could want on offer.
