How should we spend Melbourne Cup Day after arriving in the city?

Book lunch or a viewing spot if you want a particular venue. Leave the first morning light enough for flight delays and check-in luggage.

Plan the airport transfer before landing and expect demand around the holiday and race. Compare a fixed transfer, taxi rank and public transport by total travel time.

Check the current public-holiday trading and official Cup event listings for your date. A hotel bar or central venue showing the race can give you the atmosphere without travelling to Flemington.