Melbourne Cup Day
Tuesday 3 November 2026
VIC local time
Melbourne Cup Day is Victoria's public holiday for the race that stops a nation.
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About Melbourne Cup Day
Melbourne Cup Day is Victoria's public holiday for the race that stops a nation.
Remembrance Day on 11 November is a day of commemoration, not a public holiday.
How Australians Observe Melbourne Cup Day
The Melbourne Cup is Australia's most famous horse race, run at Flemington Racecourse in front of more than 80,000 people. Even outside Victoria, where it isn't a public holiday, workplaces around the country pause for the 3pm race, and office sweeps and fashion-on-the-field traditions are everywhere. In Victoria it's a full public holiday, kicking off the Spring Racing Carnival's biggest day.
Frequently asked questions
When is Melbourne Cup Day 2026?
Melbourne Cup Day 2026 falls on Tuesday 3 November 2026.
Is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday?
Yes, but only in Victoria. Some regional council areas replace it with a local holiday on a different date. Melbourne Cup Day is not a public holiday in any other state or territory.
When is Melbourne Cup Day 2027?
Melbourne Cup Day 2027 falls on Tuesday 2 November 2027.
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Related tools
Melbourne Cup Day is a Tuesday every year, so Victorians can take the Monday off for a four-day break spanning the weekend through to Tuesday, using just one day of leave. Outside Victoria, many workplaces still allow a long lunch or early finish to watch the race.
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