The People's Cup hits the road again - Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour reveals 37 destinations for 2026 journey

From the remote red dirt towns of outback Australia to iconic racetracks across the United States, the United Kingdom and France, the 18 carat gold trophy — now valued at a record $1 million — will once again connect communities around the world through the excitement of the 24th annual Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.

The 2026 tour comes off the back of 125 applications from communities across Australia and overseas - the highest in the tour's history - a testament to the enduring interest of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Reigning Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melham and trainer Calvin McEvoy were on hand at Flemington to mark the occasion, with the duo still celebrating their fairytale win in last year’s Lexus Melbourne Cup.

The iconic trophy will travel far and wide across Australia as part of the annual tour, including visits to Atherton in Far North Queensland, Darwin in the Northern Territory, Birchip in Victoria’s Mallee region, as far as Carnarvon on Western Australia’s Coral Coast and Hobart on the Apple Isle.

The People’s Cup will also visit several Australian race days during its five-month journey, including Walgett in northern New South Wales and Rockhampton in Central Queensland.

Internationally, the Cup will travel to Kyoto in Japan before heading to golden ticket races at Belmont Park in New York, York Racecourse in the United Kingdom, and Deauville-La Touques Racecourse in France, where the winner of each golden ticket race will secure their place in the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

Since its inaugural journey in 2003, the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour has grown into one of the most significant community sporting programs in the country, with its impact including:

• The trophy has travelled more than one million kilometres, visiting over 780 destinations.

• 501 schools and 440 hospitals and aged care facilities have welcomed the Cup through their doors.

• More than 2,250 community events have been held along the way.

• Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised for local fundraising initiatives.

Leading the charitable donations is the return of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep, which will again feature 24 rural and regional destinations. Each community will be allocated a barrier in the Lexus Melbourne Cup, giving them the chance to win a share of $50,000 for a charity of their choice.

VRC Chief Executive Kylie Rogers said the record applications showed the Cup's connection with communities had never been stronger.

"When the Tour first began in 2003, we never imagined it would evolve into such a significant event that deeply connects with communities not throughout Australia, but around the world. Yet year after year, its momentum continues to grow," Ms Rogers said.

"This year we received a record-breaking 125 applications from communities across the globe, all eager to share in the magic of the Cup - clear proof that interest and pride surrounding the Lexus Melbourne Cup is alive and thriving."

Lexus Australia Chief Executive Jack Hobbs said the Lexus Melbourne Cup has always carried a sense of occasion that extends far beyond the day itself.

”The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour reflects the enduring connection between the Cup and the communities that welcome it,” Mr Hobbs said.

“As Principal Partner of the VRC, a large part of why our relationship is so strong is our shared belief in what the Cup represents beyond race day, and you see that come to life through the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.

“We are incredibly proud to help more people connect with the People’s Cup, across Australia and around the world.”
The 2026 tour commences Monday 1 June in Kyoto, Japan. For further information about the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour please visit Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour 2026.

2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour Destinations

Victoria – Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Longwood, Mansfield/Mount Buller, Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat, Birchip, Charlton, Wycheproof, Geelong, Wangaratta, Moe, Ocean Grove

New South Wales – Sydney, Walgett, East Gresford, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Bowral, Jingellic

Queensland – Brisbane, Rockhampton, Atherton, Mareeba,

Western Australia – Perth, Carnarvon

Northern Territory - Darwin

Tasmania – Hobart, Oatlands, Deloraine

South Australia – Adelaide, Wudinna, Oakbank

International – Kyoto (Japan), New York (USA), York (United Kingdom), Deauville (France)

Schedule