If you’re looking for an afternoon of unbridled fun, you’ll find it at this waterfront bar on Sydney’s northern beaches. This year, they’re hosting events on all levels, including a rooftop party with inclusive food and wine ($95) and a three-course lunch at their grill restaurant ($105) and ground-level bistro ($69), with big-screen TVs throughout the venue. 36-38 South Steyne, Manly. manlygreenhouse.com.au.

For somewhere refined, rather than rowdy, you can’t go past this light and bright glasshouse, backdropped by the Brisbane River and sparkling CBD. Acclaimed chef and kitchen stud, Alanna Sapwell has put together a winning menu, which includes goose prosciutto with persimmon and fig leaf, squid with preserved lemon, and skirt steak with coal-roasted mushrooms, priced at $160pp or $230pp with wine pairings. 5 Boundary St, Brisbane. arcdining.com.au.

The Stables is a natural choice for Cup Day celebrations in Perth. This year, choose from a four-course long luncheon with beverage package in the dining room ($140pp) or head outside and join the garden party, which includes beverage tokens and food stations($50). The afternoon will include live entertainment, MC’ing by comedian Adrian Alaberg, sweepstakes, door prizes and more. 888 Hay Street, Perth. thestablesbar.com.au.

It’ll be a race to nab the final tables at The Star’s new Chinese-Japanese venue, Chuuka, by renowned chefs Chase Kojima and Victor Liong. To celebrate their first cup, they’ll be putting on a five-course sharring menu, which will include sashimi platters, steamed Murray cod with shallot and coriander, wok-fried wagyu, crab omelette, and purple yam ice cream, along with a glass of Moët & Chandon on arrival ($135pp). Suite 62-64, Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont. chuuka.com.au.

Naturally, Sydney’s most iconic waterside diner, Bennelong, is also in the running for best Melbourne Cup Day lunch. Guests will be treated to a glass of Charles Heidsieck Champagne and canapes on arrival, followed by a three-course lunch menu by executive chef Peter Gilmore and head chef Rob Cockerill, that harnesses the best in local produce ($240pp). The race will run live on screen, with sweeps and prizes. Bennelong Point Sydney Opera House, Sydney. bennelong.com.au.

Even harder than choosing a race day outfit will be deciding which party to attend at Electra House Hotel. Choose from three events, including a Japanese omakase menu with drinks on level 1 ($110pp), a three-course feasting menu with free-flowing Pol Roger Champagne on level 2 ($160pp), or for something less exxy, pull the reins in with grazing boards and St Germain cocktails on the ground floor ($50). You won’t need to compete to see the screens, with the race broadcast on 8 TVs across the venue. 131 King William St, Adelaide. electrahouse.com.au.

Odds are you’re bound to like one of the two premium offerings at scenic waterfront pub, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Choose between a beach buffet ($169), which includes a seafood feast along with three hours of free-flowing drinks under the striped umbrellas of the Beach Club or the grand feast ($220) which is made up of a three-course sharing-style menu, three hours of premium drinks and a glass of Piper-Heidsieck on arrival, held in the scenic Sunset Room. 1 Military Rd, Watsons Bay. watsonsbayhotel.com.au.

Sydney’s modern Mexican restaurant and tequila shrine, Bar Patrón, will pop up at Rockpool Bar & Grill Perth this Melbourne Cup, bringing a Latin American fiesta to the race day festivities. Swing by for a vibrant three-course sharing menu, which will include fish tacos, Mexican-style fried chicken and a choice of four desserts (if you want to back a winner, go the tres leches cake). The lunch package includes three classic margaritas made from Patron silver, orange citronage and lime with a thick salt rim ($125pp). Crown Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood. rockpoolbarandgrill.com.au.

Celebrate race day in style at Bentley Restaurant & Bar, where acclaimed chef, Brent Savage, has put together a special menu featuring dishes like Robbins Island rump cap with caramelised yoghurt and pumpkin curd with brown butter ice cream. Tickets are priced at $120pp and include four courses, plus a glass of Louis Roederer Champagne on arrival. 27 O’Connell Street, Sydney. thebentley.com.au.

Overlooking Perth’s Swanbourne Beach, this relaxed waterfront venue will be pulling out all the stops this Melbourne Cup Day. Pol Roger NV Brut Champagne and freshly shucked oysters will greet guests on arrival, followed by a four-course lunch, priced at $150pp. There will be plenty to keep you entertained between bolts, with DJ FADJ on the decks, sweepstakes and prizes, as well as fashion model and lifestyle blogger, Rayne Bryant, in MC duties. 278 Marine Parade, Swanbourne WA. shorehouse.com.au.

If you don’t make it to the racetrack this year, trot on down to Neptune Food & Wine for a long lunch celebration. The wine bar will be putting on a two-course set menu with grazing tables, as well as a bottomless booze package made up of Four Pillars Gin and Capi cocktails and Louis Roederer Champagne ($150). Afterwards, kick off your heels on the d-floor, with a DJ hitting the deck from 3pm and complimentary recovery gift bags for those who get a little carried away. neptune.melbourne.

All dressed up and nowhere to go? This year, Otto will be putting on a classy soiree to celebrate The Cup, which includes a glass of champagne on the terrace, followed by a three-course sit-down lunch ($130). Depending on how rowdy you want to get, there’s also an optional beverage package available for $20 per person, per hour. Level 4, 480 Queen Street, Brisbane. ottoristorante.com.au/Brisbane.