Watch the race that stops the nation at these Canberra hotspots

The race that stops the nation is rapidly approaching.

Run on the first Tuesday in November every year, the Melbourne Cup is celebrated at bars across the country – and Canberra is rapidly becoming a place with plenty of options to enjoy the festivities.

Here are the best places to watch the iconic race.

Melbourne Cup at QT

Location: QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit
Time: 12 pm to 3 pm

Express yourself on raceday at one of Canberra’s most well-known hotels. QT Canberra will be offering a best-dressed competition with a style zone to keep you looking your best the entire day. For $170, you get three hours of canapes, three-and-a-half hours of beverages from brands including Patron, Hendrix and Aperol plus all the live action on TVs spread across the venue.

Melbourne Cup at The Dock

Location: The Dock, 7/81 Giles St, Kingston
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm

Enjoy a special catering menu designed for groups of all sizes at The Dock. Large screens will show all the action indoors and out. With $10 Aperol Spritzes, sweeps and best-dressed prizes, it is the best location to watch the races lakeside.

TAB Melbourne Cup and Big Dance Race Day at Thoroughbred Park

Location: Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Rd, Lyneham
Time: Gates open at 11 am

What better way to spend a day of racing than at the track? Thoroughbred Park is bringing a day of races and entertainment back for another year. Fashions on the Field, corporate hospitality and local racing spread across the day lead up to the big race. General entry is $27 or book a table in the Black Opal Room to be entertained in luxury for $95 per person.

Taittinger Melbourne Cup at Midnight Bar

Location: Midnight Bar, 1 Elouera Street, Braddon
Time: 1 pm to 3:30 pm

Enjoy two-and-a-half hours of indulging in a selection of exceptional food including lobster rolls, deli platters and finger sandwiches as well as plenty of Taittinger Champagne, tap beers and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages at Midnight Bar. Get dressed up to go in the draw to win a night’s stay at the luxury accommodation. Tickets are $130 and guests are encouraged to stick around for live music by local artists until 6 pm.

Melbourne Cup Day Buffet at Woden Southern Cross Club

Location: Southern Cross Club Woden, 92-96 Corinna Street, Phillip
Time: 12:30 pm

Settle in to watch the races on a range of big screens and a seafood buffet lunch with a glass of sparkling on arrival. Canberra Southern Cross Club Woden invites you to indulge in a variety of salads, fresh seafood and desserts for $89. There’ll also be plenty of opportunities to walk away a winner with sweeps and prizes throughout the day.

Melbourne Cup Day Buffet Lunch at Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison

Location: Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison, corner of Catchpole and Bowman streets, Macquarie
Time: 12:30 pm

Grab your chance to win prizes in sweeps and contests across the day at Canberra Southern Cross Club Jamison. For $79 you will be treated to a buffet lunch with something for everyone. From grilled barramundi to teriyaki chicken and plenty of desserts, watch the races on one of the club’s many big screens while enjoying a glass of sparkling on arrival.

Melbourne Cup Garden Party

Location: Hyatt Hotel Canberra, 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla
Time: 12 pm to 3 pm

Celebrate the day with style in the elegant surrounds of Hyatt Hotel’s heritage gardens. Tickets are $169 per person and include a three-hour food and beverage package complete with a glass of Taittinger on arrival as well as grazing boards, a live grill and decadent desserts. You will also be treated to live music and prizes for best dressed including an overnight stay at Park Hyatt Sydney.