Spring can only mean one thing in Melbourne – Spring Carnival. After two years without crowds, this year’s carnival is shaping up to be a big one, and excitement is certainly in the air across the city. Whether you’re there for the races, or the fashion, there are plenty of ways that you can celebrate Spring Carnival from your Wyndham City home.
The history of racing in Wyndham City
Did you know that Wyndham City has played a role in the history of the Melbourne Cup? Some 142 years ago, a horse that was born, bred and trained in Point Cook was accepted to run in the Melbourne Cup. A decade previously, Thomas Chirnside announced he was turning his property into Australia’s “Newmarket” – Newmarket being the English Heath in Suffolk that was known as the centre of the United Kingdom’s thoroughbred horse racing, breeding and training industry. The stables that Chirnside and his brother built are still standing today by the Point Cook Homestead, and a one-mile training track lies at the bottom of Sanctuary Lakes Resort.
Way back in 1874, that first horse, Haricot, won the Melbourne Cup.
Celebrating the Carnival at home
We know that not everyone wants to attend the races in person – for some, it’s just a time to get together with family and friends and celebrate an iconic event that marks spring in Melbourne. So if you prefer to entertain at home, here are some ideas for glamorous entertaining.
Serve a festive drink – spice up your regular glass of champagne with some pureed white peach, muddled berries or a favourite liquor (soak a sugar cube in it first to sweeten it up) and then top with your favourite brand of bubbles.
Have food ready to go – smoked salmon on dill pikelets, oysters kilpatrick, mini bruschettas and goats cheese and asparagus tartlets are all great options.
Have ice handy – it’s often forgotten, so make sure you have ice ready to keep those drinks cool. No one likes a warm G & T.
Get guests involved – ask your guests to bring a plate of their signature finger food to share.
Set up the TV –while everyone may be socialising, you may find that many of your guests have had a punt on the day. If you have an outdoor TV, have it set up so that the races are running in the background, or make sure your television is accessible to those wanting to check in on the events in Flemington.
Carnival is a time to dress up
If you are at home, feel free to dress up to enjoy the day. And if you’re heading into Flemington, there are some dress codes you do need to follow, particularly if you are in one of the dining or corporate venues:
- Men and boys over the age of 12 are required to wear a suit of tailored slacks (tailored chinos acceptable), sports coat or blazer, plus tie and dress shoes. Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country.
- Women and girls over the age of 12 are expected to maintain a suitable standard of racewear attire – and a hat is always a good idea!
Celebrating at home or in the office? Why not have your own “Fashions on the Field” and ask your guests to dress up in clothing suitable for a celebration.
Getting to Flemington
Wanting to attend the Spring Carnival in person? There are a few ways that you can get to Flemington from Melbourne’s west. Your best bet is to take the Werribee train line to Southern Cross station, and then from there, trains then run to Flemington. These details may change, so it is best to check the details in the days leading up to the event you are attending.
Talk to us
Are you looking to buy or sell in Wyndham City? Speak to the friendly team at Established Property and see how we can help you.