Melbourne Cup Day
1st Tuesday in November — VIC metropolitan area only
Melbourne Cup Day is observed on the first Tuesday in November and is a public holiday in the Melbourne metropolitan area of Victoria. It coincides with the running of the Melbourne Cup horse race at Flemington Racecourse, known as 'the race that stops a nation'. The Melbourne Cup has been run annually since 1861 and is one of Australia's most famous sporting traditions.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Actual Date | Observed |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday, 3 November 2026 |
Tuesday, 3 November 2026
1st Tuesday in November — VIC (Melbourne metropolitan area) only |
| 2027 | Tuesday, 2 November 2027 |
Tuesday, 2 November 2027
1st Tuesday in November — VIC (Melbourne metropolitan area) only |
Legal Basis
When is it observed?
1st Tuesday in November — VIC metropolitan area only
Other Holidays
- New Year's Day
- Australia Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Saturday
- Easter Sunday
- Easter Monday
- ANZAC Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
- King's Birthday
- Bank Holiday
- Canberra Day
- Reconciliation Day
- Family & Community Day
- AFL Grand Final Friday
- Labour Day
- Royal Queensland Show
- Adelaide Cup
- Western Australia Day
- Eight Hours Day
- May Day
- Picnic Day