Public New Year's Eve Race Day Guide

Bring in the New Year with family and friends at Flemington!

Experience New Year's Eve at Flemington, right here in the heart of Melbourne. Whether it's your first visit or the start of a summer tradition with family and friends, your day and night will be full of fun and exciting moments to enjoy together.

From the thrill of live racing in the afternoon to family-friendly entertainment, the family fireworks and the countdown to 2026, there is something happening at every stage of the day – no matter your pace or plans.

This guide has everything you need to plan a fun-filled New Year's Eve. Arrive early, stay late, or make it your own – Flemington is the place to welcome the New Year.

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Family Zone Activities

From little ones to teenagers, there's something for every age to enjoy from gates open right through to the family fireworks!

Kelly Sports

The Front Lawn

3:00PM – 7:30PM

Kids Glow Zone

The Front Lawn

3:00PM - Onwards

Soft Play

The Front Lawn

3:00PM – Onwards

Pony Rides

The Front Lawn

3:00PM – 7:30PM

Cinema

The Front Lawn

7:30PM – Onwards

Illuminate Flemington

The Front Lawn

8:00PM – 1:00AM

Karaoke Pod

The Front Lawn

3:00PM – 9:30PM

Phar Lap Club Membership

Give your child a taste of the magic of Flemington.

Phar Lap Club Membership is free for children under 12 and includes complimentary racecourse and Members Enclosure access on every race day — even the Melbourne Cup Carnival — plus exclusive benefits like 10% off VRC merchandise.

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Eat & Drink

From bars and cafes to food trucks, there is a range of food and drink options for everyone to enjoy.

Discover open venues, and the service hours for each below.

TAB Saintly Place Bars

The Hill Stand

3:00 PM – 1:00AM

TAB Saintly Place Servery

The Hill Stand

3:00 PM – 9:30PM

Food Trucks

The Front Lawn

3:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Pop-Up Bar

The Front Lawn

3:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Equine Wellbeing

Meet Living Legends in the Stables with the chance to pat and feed them, as well as learn interesting facts about horses!

Flemington Family Pass

Purchase a Family Flemington Pass and receive access to New Year's Eve Race Day and NYE activities until 1am for 2 adults and 2 children for $60!

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Parking and Public Transport

Getting to Flemington

Departing Flinders Street Station

2:39 PM - 5:44 PM Stopping North Melbourne through to Flemington Racecourse.

Departing Southern Cross Station

7:16 PM - 10:25 PM Stopping North Melbourne through to Flemington Racecourse.

Getting Home

6:54 PM - 1:20 AM: Trains will depart Flemington, stopping North Melbourne through to Southern Cross Station, leaving approximately every 30 minutes.

The first train to depart after the 9.30pm fireworks will be at 9.59pm, with trains departing approximately every 30 minutes until 11pm.

After the midnight fireworks trains will depart Flemington at 12:25am, 12:52am and 1:20am.

Complimentary parking is available at Flemington Racecourse for all ticket holders.
The recommended entry is via Flemington Drive off Epsom Road.
Please follow event signage and allow extra time on arrival to ensure a smooth entry experience.

On Course Services

Friend in Me Sensory Space

A Friend in Me sensory space will be located on The Front Lawn for patrons who need a break or chance to regulate.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

The Victoria Racing Club is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Our Disability Assistance Support and Information teams are trained to support patrons with Sunflower badges or lanyards. If you need help or support, please see a member of our team.

Need To Know

Key Schedule

Gates Open: 3:00 PM

First Race: 3:40 PM

Last Race: 7:30 PM

Footscray Park Fireworks: 9:30PM

Melbourne City Fireworks: 12:00AM

Dress Code

General public ticket holders are encouraged to dress suitably, don their favourite racewear, dress to impress and be comfortable. New Year's Eve is the perfect occasion to add some extra colour or sparkle to your outfit!

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VRC App and new Digital Map experience.

Take your Flemington experience to the next level. The updated Digital Map helps you plan your experience before you have even arrived!

The Digital Map gives you real-time navigation and access to everything happening across Flemington throughout the racing season.

It has also been included in the VRC Updated iOS App, available for download now on Apple App Store.

EXPLORE MAP

VISIT THE RACE DAY PAGE