A great day at the races is all in the planning. Outfit, tickets, lunch, transport – leave any of it to the last minute and race day gets stressful fast. Here is a simple countdown to help you get it right.
Your race day countdown
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 3–4 weeks before | Buy tickets and book your chauffeur or group transport |
| 2 weeks before | Sort your outfit, shoes and a back-up plan for the weather |
| 1 week before | Confirm guest numbers and pick-up addresses with us |
| The day before | Charge your phone, check the forecast, lay out your outfit |
| Race day | Eat breakfast, pack comfy shoes, keep your driver’s number handy |
When should you book transport?
For the biggest days – The Everest, Cox Plate, Derby Day and Melbourne Cup – we recommend booking at least 3–4 weeks ahead. Larger vehicles like minibuses and coaches book out first.
Timing your pick-up
| Plan | Pick-up time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Leave after the feature race | Straight after the main race | Beat the crowds |
| Stay for the last race | 30–45 minutes after the last race | Let the crowd thin out |
| Kick on after the races | Agreed time and place | Your driver meets you wherever the night ends |
What to pack
- Tickets on your phone and a charged battery pack
- Flat shoes for the trip home
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A light jacket – spring weather changes fast
Frequently asked questions
How early should I book race day transport?
3–4 weeks ahead for the major race days, earlier for large groups.
Can we change the pick-up time on the day?
Contact us as early as possible and we will do our best to accommodate changes.
Can the driver take us somewhere after the races?
Yes – just include it in your booking.
Do you cover both Sydney and Melbourne race days?
Yes, we can arrange transport for major race days in both cities.
Related: Spring Racing Carnival 2026 Guide · Event Transportation