As Melbourne Cup once again rears its head, party revellers prepare for day of fun and (boozy) frolics. After all the excitement of the day, those keen to carry on the celebrations (or begin the commiserations) have plenty of option. Whether you're keen on a few quiet wind-down drinks or an all-out party, we've rounded up the best Melbourne Cup after parties in Sydney, for a guaranteed post-race party session.
Daniel San
When the sun goes down, change gears into party mode and head to Daniel San in Manly. Order a drink and relax into the beachside setting. For all the action, head upstairs to the Beachside Dojo where the DJs will be spinning well into the night.
Tuesday 5th November, from 4pm
Free entry
55 N Steyne, Manly
Cargo Bar
Once the big race is over, let your fascinator down at Cargo Bar. Anyone looking for killer beats, delicious cocktails, and a pumping dance floor, Cargo Bar is the place for you. With the party celebrations kicking off from 3:30pm, the live band will start the festivities, and the DJs will take you into the night.
Tuesday 5th November, from 3:30pm
Free entry
52-60 The Promenade, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour
Cup Day Festival
With pop-up eateries, the Mumm Champagne terrace, craft beer garden and a huge line up of live entertainment, Barangaroo's Cup Day Festival is the place to be for Melbourne Cup partying. Until 9pm, party harbourside at this 'pop-up festival' as you sip on Mumm and dance to covers of your favourite party hits (CC: Beyonce- Crazy in Love) by Furnace and The Fundamentals.
Tuesday 5th November, 12pm-9pm
Free entry
Barangaroo
Matteo Downtown and Disaronno presents The Cup After Party
Sold out for lunch, the restaurant will turn in to an epic dance floor after the race. Settle in for a huge Melbourne Cup after party featuring special guest DJ’s Rich Penny, Minx and Dolso plus live vocalist Amy Chase with Kei Araoka live on sax.
Tuesday 5th November, from 4pm
Free entry
Matteo Downtown, 20 Bond Street, Sydney
Coogee Pavilion Rooftop
On the rooftop, Coogee Pavilion will be going off after the big race. You'll find moreish bites and cocktails, to ensure your Melbourne Cup ends on a high. Make a beeline straight to the rooftop for epic DJ sets, and gorgeous views of Coogee Beach shoreline.
Tuesday 5th November, from 3pm
Free entry
169 Dolphin St, Coogee
NOLA Smokehouse and Bar
This Barangaroo restaurant is set to put on one hell of a show after Melbourne Cup this year, ensuring you get your fill of Cajun and Creole hospitality. After their sold-out Melbourne Cup event, the doors will open to the public from 3:30pm for whiskeys, wine and good times. Be sure to try one of the Sazerac cocktails while you’re there – we’re certain it’ll kick-start the rest of your evening.
Tuesday 5th November, from 3:30pm
Free entry
Level 1, International Tower 1, 100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo South
Palings
This lively outdoor venue in the heart of the ivy complex suits those looking for a loud and fun atmosphere. First in best dressed, try and snag a table in the atrium for the optimum cocktail sipping spot. If you are feeling peckish order a bite from Sunee's Thai Canteen (the chicken satay is a must), or if you are keen for a boogie just listen out for the resident DJ.
Tuesday 5th November, from 11am
Free entry
330 George Street, Sydney
ivy Pool Club
If the weather is good, then a dip at ivy Pool Club is a must post-race. Pack your swimmers and head over to the rooftop hangout where you can sip cocktails poolside and soak up the sunshine. With the bar fully stocked, Vinnie's Pizza taking care of the menu and DJs playing until late, you are in for an awesome post-Cup day party.
Tuesday 5th November, from 3pm
$30pp
320 George Street, Sydney
Rock Lily- The Star
This year The Star's live-music venue Rock Lily will play host to Sydney live music legends Brown Sugar Music for their post-race party. Open from 3pm with free entry, celebrate the wins and losses of Cup Day with Brown Sugar’s signature RnB covers fueling the party (and dancefloor) into the evening.
Tuesday 5th November, from 3pm
Free entry
80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont
Mrs Sippy
This year the Mrs Sippy Melbourne Cup After Party will swing open the doors to Sydney’s A-list. The after party kicks off at 4:30 pm in the Mrs Sippy courtyard with drinks flowing, tunes playing and delicious complimentary canapés. Look forward to DJs who will spin on the decks till late into the evening.
Tuesday 5th November, from 4:30pm
Free entry (RSVP required)
37 Bay Street, Double Bay
Café del Mar
Cockle Bay Wharf's ultimate party destination Cafe del Mar will be leading the after-party charge come November 5th. For $29, race-watchers can party from 5pm with a glass of Champagne or Peroni on arrival and canapes. Live entertainment will continue till 10pm, so will satisfy your party needs but have you home at a respectable mid-week time.
Tuesday 5th November, from 5pm
$29pp
35 Wheat Road, Rooftop Terrace, Cockle Bay Wharf
RECOVERY
Bloody Mary Burger, Chargrill Charlie's
Combining two essential hangover cures, chicken institution Chargrill Charlie's has created a genius Bloody Mary Burger to help Australians get back in the saddle the day after Melbourne Cup. This culinary lifesaver will be available for one day only, Wednesday 6th November, in store or delivered straight to the office as part of their Melbourne Cup Hangover Pack, feeding the team with eight burgers, devil wings and wedges.
Wednesday 6th November
Various Locations