Spring is racing season in Australia. From Sydney’s Royal Randwick to Melbourne’s Flemington, October and early November are packed with the biggest race days of the year – and the busiest days on the roads.
Here are the key 2026 dates and the easiest way to get to and from the track.
Spring Racing Carnival 2026 at a glance
| Race day | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| The TAB Everest | Saturday 17 October | Royal Randwick, Sydney |
| Caulfield Cup | Saturday 17 October | Caulfield, Melbourne |
| Cox Plate | Saturday 24 October | Flemington, Melbourne (first time away from Moonee Valley) |
| Victoria Derby Day | Saturday 31 October | Flemington, Melbourne |
| Melbourne Cup | Tuesday 3 November | Flemington, Melbourne |
Always check the official racing club websites for final race times.
Why race-day transport needs planning
Big race days bring huge crowds, limited parking, surge-priced rideshare and long taxi queues when the last race finishes. Most racegoers also want to enjoy a drink – so nobody wants to be the designated driver.
Transport options compared
| Option | Parking | Drinks? | Getting home | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive yourself | Limited and expensive | No | Traffic after the last race | Early leavers |
| Train or tram | Not needed | Yes | Crowded platforms | Solo racegoers |
| Rideshare | Not needed | Yes | Surge pricing, long waits | Short trips |
| Redy2go chauffeur or group van | Not needed | Yes | Driver waiting at an agreed point | Couples, groups, corporate guests |
Our race-day services
- Chauffeured sedans and SUVs for couples and VIP guests
- People movers and vans for groups of friends
- Minibuses and coaches for workplaces and clubs
- Airport transfers for interstate racegoers flying into Sydney or Melbourne
Tips for racing season
- Book early – race days are among our busiest days of the year.
- Agree on a pick-up point away from the main gates.
- Plan your finish time – most racegoers leave after the last race or the feature race.
- Comfortable shoes in your bag – you will thank us later.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Melbourne Cup?
Tuesday 3 November 2026 at Flemington Racecourse.
Where is the Cox Plate being held in 2026?
For the first time, the Cox Plate will be run at Flemington on Saturday 24 October, while Moonee Valley is redeveloped.
Are The Everest and Caulfield Cup on the same day?
Yes – both are on Saturday 17 October 2026, one in Sydney and one in Melbourne.
Can you transport a group to the races?
Yes. We run vans, minibuses and coaches for groups of all sizes.
Do you do airport transfers for interstate racegoers?
Yes – we run private transfers from Sydney and Melbourne airports.
Related: Event Transportation · Melbourne Airport Transfers · Sydney Airport Transfers
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