A Special Day Out In The Sun: AAMI Victoria Derby Day

A Special Day Out In The Sun: AAMI Victoria Derby Day

Springtime is the best time to be in Melbourne and fortunately there's plenty to do. One of the greatest highlights of the year is the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, which sees numerous world-class horseracing events take place throughout the city. AAMI Victoria Derby Day is undoubtedly one of the most popular, featuring everything from a stylish black and white dress code and a wealth of live entertainment, to delicious cuisine and thrilling racing across an action-packed day. Held Saturday, November 2 at Flemington Racecourse, Derby Day Melbourne is a certainty to be an incredible day out in the sun.

A glamorous day at the races

 AAMI Victoria Derby Day is perhaps only second to the Melbourne Cup when it comes to unmissable days at the racecourse. With nine races taking place throughout the day, four of these are so-called Group 1 races, which attract the fastest horses battling it out for a share in a massive prize pool. The main race of the day is the AAMI Victoria Derby, widely considered to be Australia's premier event for three-year-olds, which has an eye-watering $2 million on offer. Obviously, there's a lot of action taking place on the track, but the greatest thing about going to the races is that even if you don't find the horses thrilling, there's still plenty to look forward to.

Fashions On The Fields

First held in 1962, the Myer Fashions on the Field has become one of the mainstays of any iconic Australian racing event. Recognised as the biggest and most important outdoor fashion event anywhere in the country, budding male and female fashionistas who try their luck in the competition can attract national media attention, along with glowing praise from the Australian and international celebrity judges who help choose the winners.

The dress code for Derby Day Melbourne is strictly black and white, but that still leaves plenty of opportunities to experiment with your look. Ladies work with a traditional black and white palette, while men wear a stylish grey morning suit and top hat, giving this fun day out a touch of elegance and glamour. Meanwhile, the Myer Fashions on the Field is presented in a chic two-story structure set within the event's entertainment quarter known as The Park. Located behind the Flemington Grandstand, within The Park you'll discover a world of stellar live music, fashionable bars, tasty food and much more.

Spectacular Food And Drink Options

Take a break from the track and head to The Park and grab yourself something delicious to feast upon. Many of Melbourne's most beloved eateries are set to be in attendance, ready to serve you something satisfying no matter what type of cuisine you're in the mood for.

Basically everyone enjoys a good slice of pizza and Duke Pizza makes it better than most. As one of Melbourne's most popular pizza bars, the place is admired for its especially delicious vegan and vegetarian slices that are topped with fresh ingredients. Another tantalising option on race-day is Pinchy's, who specialise in Maine-style lobster rolls, while Son in Law can also be found in The Park crafting their signature Thai cuisine, which comes with a fancy modern twist.

It wouldn't be with Derby Day Melbourne without enjoying a couple of frosty beverages. There are loads of spots to grab a drink throughout the warm day, such as the Furphy Beer Garden, which will be pouring drinks from a cool converted truck. You can also grab a refreshing draught beer from the Heineken Container Bar, while other delightful options include the stylish Seppelt Prosecco Bar, the vintage pastel-coloured Pony Bar, and the Grinders Coffee Retro Caravan for those who just want an expertly made flat-white.

Awesome Live Music And Entertainment

Throughout the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, there's a big emphasis placed on live music, with some of Australia's biggest names taking to the stage. For AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Brisbane-based indie rock five-piece Ball Park Music will perform some of their award-winning tracks for race-day attendees. Having formed in 2008 after meeting at university, the band has become renowned for their ability to blend genres and sounds that are as diverse as Elliot Smith and The Avalanches to Superorganism. Having performed for legions of fans at massive Australian festivals such as Falls Festival, Groovin' The Moo and Splendour in the Grass, each of the band's last four albums have debuted in the top 10 of the ARIA charts. Plus, the band's most recent album, 'Good Mood', was nominated at the ARIA Music Awards for Best Cover Art, Best Producer and Best Engineer.

Another headline act that has burst onto the scene in recent years is Lime Cordiale, a pop-rock duo made up of brothers Louis and Oli Leimbach. First writing and performing while still in high school on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the pair have since gone on to perform on stages such as Bluesfest, Homebake, Peats Ridge and BigSound, while also undertaking a North American tour and supporting an array of much-loved Australian bands. Influenced by the likes of The Beatles, The Beach Boys and The Strokes, Lime Cordiale's album 'Permanent Vacation' combines rock, pop, soul and more.

Outside of live music, The Park also welcomes a variety of other lively experiences to soak up throughout the day. Featuring an arcade with claw games and a lounge, a glamorous hairstyling bar and a carousel providing awesome photo opportunities, there's an incredible mix of ways to spend your day at Flemington Racecourse.

How To Get To AAMI Derby Day 2019 From Fraser Place Melbourne

Situated at 19 Exploration Lane in the heart of the city, Fraser Place Melbourne is ideally located for those thinking of visiting Flemington Racecourse and AAMI Derby Day 2019. Surrounded by restaurants, bars and Melbourne's top cultural destinations, there are also endless public transport options, which provide a convenient way to attend the races. With Melbourne Central Station near your luxury serviced apartment, it's only four stops to Newmarket Station, followed by a short stroll amongst the crowds to the racecourse. Alternatively, it's approximately a 20-minute drive or taxi ride through North Melbourne and onto Flemington to enjoy this iconic Melbourne day out.

Find out more information and book by emailing reservations.melbourne@frasershospitality.com or calling + 61 3 9669 6888.