For those looking to fill their social feed with aesthetic pics and pop the champers on an inaugural Melbourne Cup event, look no further than Isoletto Privé and Lawn. Overlooking Broadbeach with views of the ocean, Isoletto offers fashionable folk the chance to sip on a three-hour beverage package while basking in the sunshine. Tickets to this glamorous event are $249 per person plus the booking fee and allow you to feast your eyes and stomachs on a range of different tasting stations. Start at the oyster station, packed full of freshly-shucked oysters with fresh lemon, finger lime, mignonette, bacon and onion dressing. You can savour charcuterie delights from the antipasto station (think cured meats, chutneys, cheese, bread and fresh fruit) before watching the chefs create a classic Spanish paella or Italian ravioli at the live kitchens. There will also be a bounty of roaming canapes, like smoked salmon, shrimp salad, two-cheese arancini, smoked brisket sliders, crispy-fried lemon honey chicken and more. When you’re not feasting or tasting the range of champagne, wine and beer included in your package, you’ll be enjoying live entertainment, races on the big screens, a special guest MC and partaking in the fabulous Fashions off the Field competition.

If you’re keen to dodge the sun, wander inside to one of the Gold Coast’s premier Japanese restaurants – Kiyomi. Here, you can taste the flavours of Tokyo while celebrating race-day successes. For $260 per person plus a booking fee, you’re invited to sit back and enjoy a nine-course set menu curated by head chef Winson Law. Your taste buds will think they’re at sea, with fresh Hiramasa kingfish, maguro tataki, seared scampi, Moreton Bay bug tempura and sushi on the menu. While the seafood is a stand-out feature, make sure you leave plenty of room for the lamb cutlet with hatcho miso and premium wagyu flank with confit shiitake, which are bound to be a true race day success. As you feast on chef Winson’s delicate flavour creations, enjoy a sip or two as part of the three-hour beverage package that includes NV Veuve Clicquot Brut, a selection of red and white wines, beers, soft drinks and juices. It wouldn’t be Melbourne Cup without the race, streamed live and loud and complemented by a special guest MC and live entertainment.

Don’t leave it to the last minute to secure your spot at one of these stellar race day events. Find a fascinator and grab your ticket today. 

This article was written in collaboration with our friends at The Star. Guests must be 18 years old or over to attend. The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.