Sustainable artist Joost Bakker, Emilie Delalande and Lexus ambassador Henry Wilson have teamed up on the luxury three-level Lexus Design Pavilion. It encompasses glass louvers, recycled materials and edible installations. Grab a Cold Drip Martini or Frosé and a plate of Miyagi Fried Chicken from street food favourite, Mr Miyagi on level 1, or head upstairs for a longer lunch with David Moyle of Tasmania’s Franklin. Attica’s Ben Shewry is even curating a chef’s table experience over six sittings.

Lexus Ambassador Ben Shewry (Attica) will return to present a chef’s table concept over just six sittings for eight lucky guests.

Following the wine series ‘Bromley by Wolf Blass’, Aussie artist David Bromley was hired as the creative director of the 2016 Wolf Blass Birdcage marquee. He’s favoured a pink colour scheme, timber bar and plenty of animal accents throughout.

Kangaroo paws and waratahs are some of the native flora in the Australiana-themed Emirates Birdcage marquee

To mark 20 years of operation in Australia, the theme of this year’s Emirates Birdcage marquee is ‘Australiana’ and it extends to the menu. Curated by Wolgan Valley One&Only Executive Chef Nancy Kinchella, who earned a Michelin star during her time in London, the tasting plate features locally sourced ingredients such as the Melbourne inspired Victorian Lamb loin with sheep’s yoghurt and cumin scented jus. Pies and Milo are also making an appearance, as well as a cocktail list including The Ned and The Splice – a twist on the iconic Australian ice cream.

As the official Champagne of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, G.H. Mumm are previewing their new summer series of cocktails at their Club de la Plage (“Beach Club”) themed marquee at Flemington. It’s led by the season’s sweetest drink, Mumm Frosé, and also includes the Bae Beach Breeze and tropical-leaning Playa del Rey: Mumm Cordon Rouge NV Champagne, coconut and pineapple. Stop by for a sip and dip in their plunge pool.

Adam D’Sylva of Melbourne’s Coda is creating dishes inside the Lavazza Marquee.

Inside the Lavazza Birdcage marquee at Flemington

The French atelier-themed Myer marquee is using 200m of velvet to drive its Euro theme home.

Drinks inside the Myer Birdcage marquee

Bubble-shaped baubles are filling the Schweppes Birdcage marquee this year. Schweppes’ famous drinks shave informed the menu via dishes like prawn and ginger dumpling with citrus and chilli oil dipping sauce.