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5 night Luxury Melbourne Cup 2023 package

Indulge in our 5-star Club-level Luxury Melbourne Hotel, plus shopping and wineries, then go to the races!

Your 2023 Melbourne Cup package has it all – 5-star luxury hotel with Club Level inclusions, shopping at Australia’s most luxe mall, complimentary evening drinks and canapés, Yarra Valley wineries with lunch, and then the big day, The Melbourne Cup 2023 with all-day drinks and dining included!
“The race that stops a nation”.

INCLUSIONS 

Stay in a luxurious 5-star Melbourne hotel with Club Level inclusions, shop in Australias most luxe mall, enjoy sensational Aussie wineries and eats, and then go to the greatest fashion and racing spectacle in the Southern Hemisphere with our full beverages, food and entertainment package!

  • Air New Zealand flights Auckland/Melbourne/Auckland return
  • Return airport to Melbourne hotel transfers
  • 5 nights 5-star InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto with breakfast daily in a Premium Room with full Club access
  • Club Access:
    Private registration for check-in and check-out,
    Deluxe hot & cold breakfast in the private Club area,
    Light refreshments and afternoon tea,
    Complimentary twilight drinks and canapés,
    Designated entertainment area,
    Wireless high-speed internet access throughout the lounge,
    Personalised Concierge
  • Full day Yarra Valley Wine Experience 4 wineries and lunch included
  • Day at Chadstone Mall – The Fashion Capital Australia’s largest and most luxurious, with our exclusive goodies bag. (We can swap this out for golf or another activity if you want)
  • Exclusive NZ travellers Dinner Function inclusive of meal & beverages, 05 November.
  • Return transfers to Flemington Racecourse
  • Full Riverside Bar & Bistro package to Lexus Melbourne Cup Day 2023 – Inclusive all-day Drinks, Food and Entertainment!
Melbourne Cup 2023 with 5-star luxury hotel, club inclusions, shopping and wineries

Revel in all cosmopolitan Melbourne has to offer, partake of 4 Yarra Valley wineries, meet fellow Kiwius over an included dinner and drinks, then head off to the greatest race and fashion show on the calendar the Lexus Melbourne Cup 2023

Every year this sells out – we advise to book early! Please enquire about group sizes, we have many options for hotels, activities and Melbourne Cup packages to cater for all size parties from 2 to 20+.

Package features:

3rd November 2023.
9.05 am Air New Zealand Works flight Auckland to Melbourne arrives 10.55 am
Transfer to hotel

5 nights 5 star InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto with breakfast daily in a Premium Room with Club access
Located on prestigious Collins Street, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto is an icon of glamour, grandeur, and grace. The glass atrium, ornate windows, and original brickwork are stunning while the elegant interiors weave a tapestry of contemporary elegance. Just steps away, experience stylish boutiques and some of the best restaurants in Melbourne.

Let the Intercontinental make the most of your stay in the Club Level room. Club InterContinental combines personal service and exclusive privileges to make your stay extra special. They aim beyond the obvious, turning their attention to thoughtful touches and signature moments. Delicious!

Complimentary drinks and canapes in the Intercontinental Club Area this afternoon.

4th November 2023. Full day Yarra Valley Wineries Tour with lunch:
After being collected you will enjoy the journey to the picturesque Yarra Valley which is under an hour.

Visit:
Greenstone Vineyards
Greenstone is beautifully situated on a single site. The Winery and Cellar Door, which are nestled into the base of the Christmas Hills, have unparalleled views of the Estate vineyard and Great Dividing ranges. It is here that winemaking operations are carried out, making Greenstone one of the most progressive wineries in the valley.

Balgownie Estate
Indulge in a guided tasting session at the Balgownie Estate tasting table. Make your selection of wine for lunch and take your complimentary glass to the eatery. Lunch includes a main meal, a glass of Balgownie Estate wine & tea or coffee.

Yering Farm
Yering Farm is one of the Yarra Valleys most charming boutique wineries. It has stunning views and a delightful sense of heritage. At the Yering Farm cellar door you’ll experience traditionally-made wines, and see the antique copper wine-making equipment used by the Yarra Valley’s pioneer vignerons.

Soumah of Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley cool climate focus allows this winery to specialize in wine styles and varieties typical to northern Italy and southeastern France. With awards for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and a passion for northern Italian varieties, you will be sure to find something pleasing while overlooking the rolling hills of the vineyard and the majestic Warramate Hills.

5th November 2023. A day at Chadstone Mall with over 500 premium stores, 100 Australian brands and over 40 luxury brands is sure to entice. It is the largest mall in the Southern Hemisphere for a reason – to please your every shopping desire! Chadstone The Fashion Capital… Australia’s predominant retail, lifestyle, fashion and entertainment hub and a “must include” for every visitor to Melbourne. The new 70 million dollar development the Social Quarter has over 95 dining and fresh food options, plus a brewery should a special someone desire that too!
(We can swap this day out for golf or another activity if you want)
We include our exclusive complimentary extras: Chadstone shopping tote with a water bottle, directory and Tourist Shopping Passport to make your day go even easier. Don’t forget the canape and cocktail hour awaits at the Intercontinental on your return.
Please enquire about the personal styling service at Chadstone!

Hosted dinner function with drinks this evening
Join your fellow Kiwis over a glass or 2 and dinner out in Melbourne, all included as part of our package.

6th of November 2023.
Free Day
– perhaps more shopping? Spa? Golf? Ballooning? Foodie walking tour?

7th of November 2023. CUP DAY! Transfer, Ticket and Full Hospitality and Drinks package at the Lexus Melbourne Cup Riverside Bar & Bistro
Experience this iconic venue directly on the riverside rails, which offers something new, fresh and delicious at every turn. Uniquely inspired and creative menu selections, an amazing trackside position, all while being surrounded by energetic live entertainment and DJs-on-the-decks keeping the party going strong all through the day. This is your ticket to enjoy a sit-down dining experience with access to an elevated courtyard bar to watch every race. It is the complete package – fine food, stellar drinks, and the best thoroughbred racing imaginable.
Features: All-inclusive buffet menu | All-day drinks package, including beer, wine, sparkling and soft drinks (upgraded beverage selection purchased on consumption) | Trackside views | Outdoor viewing deck with bar | DJ and entertainment | Access to betting facilities | Racecourse access and race book.

8th of November 2023. 
Transfer to airport for 12.10pm flight Air New Zealand Works Melbourne to Auckland arrives 5.40 pm

From $5,749 per person twinshare

Please get in touch to adjust as you wish, we are happy to advise alternative hotels, flights, daily inclusions and Melbourne Cup Day packages. It’s your Cup Day!

Upgrade options for Hospitality Packages:

Parade Lounge
It’s the perfect way for your guests to see what Melbourne Cup Carnival is all about! Getting up close and personal as the magnificent animal’s parade past is exactly what you can expect with this all-inclusive offering. We’ve sorted all the details for you, as your party is invited to indulge in a day-long chef inspired grazing, top-quality wines, beers, and other beverages that come included with your own private bar, with even more creative drinks on offer too. With such a picture-perfect position to call your own for the entire day, things only get better on the private indoor and outdoor experience, with its super-easy access to the front lawn and the betting ring, there’s never a dull moment in the Parade Lounge. We’ve not forgotten to include the views as well – looking out over the Parade Ring from your own private balcony and the expanse of Flemington’s renowned Front Lawn spread out before you on a sunny Melbourne Cup Carnival Day.
Features: All-inclusive grazing menu provided throughout the day | All day’s drinks package including beer, wine, sparkling, soft drinks (upgraded beverage selection purchased on consumption) | Exclusive outdoor area | DJ and entertainment | Access to betting facilities | Parade Ring and track views | Racecourse admission and race book
Parade Lounge add $170 per person

Makybe Diva Marquee
Situated in an enviable position that ensures an exclusive spot that offers both immediate access to the track, but still unencumbered by the crowds, your guests will thrill to this dream location for their own ‘one for the record books’ day at the races. Along with a springtime fresh design and full wait service throughout the day, it’s the race experience you have been dreaming of.
When it comes to the very best race viewing possible, the exclusive viewing courtyard or prime seating area in the Lawn Stand will ensure that you will be there when all-new legends emerge.
Features: Shared marquee with outdoor courtyard | Track, Winning Post and city views | Access to seating in a dedicated section of the Lawn Stand | Three-course plated lunch plus afternoon tea. Morning tea included on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day | All day drinks package including beer, wine, sparkling and soft drinks (upgraded beverage selection purchased on consumption) | Reserved tables with waiter service  | Barista Coffee | Access to betting facilities | Racecourse admission and race book.
Makybe Diva Marquee add $240 per person

Skyline Dining
The day begins with a glass of G.H.Mumm Champagne on arrival, before the superb, four-course lunch and all-inclusive beverage package is served directly to your table throughout the day. This premium restaurant experience continues to deliver with live entertainment to keep the energy levels at an all-time high. Spectacular Winning Post views from your reserved seating area in the Hill Stand, allow you to celebrate the day’s races from one of the best possible locations on offer. It all adds up to one very special Carnival experience.
Features: Four-course menu | All days drinks package with a glass of G.H.Mumm Champagne on arrival, a range of beer, wines and soft drinks, (upgraded beverage selection purchased on consumption) | Trackside views from reserved seating area within the Hill Stand, located directly in front of the room | Live entertainment | Access to betting facilities | Racecourse admission and race book | Private tables of 10 and 12 are available. Smaller bookings can be accommodated on shared tables.
Skyline Dining add $490 per person

The Rose Room
Something else that will go on forever are the expansive views that stretch to the horizon accompanied by the exquisitely curated lunch and fully inclusive drinks package, all graciously served to your table by the experienced wait staff. In between the appetising morsels and five-star, five-course plated meal, witness the days thrilling action from your table or take advantage of the private outdoor deck with views of the front lawn and Winning Post. Take advantage of the location and enjoy the sights and sounds from The Park including Fashions on the Field, pop up bars and the live sound stage with some of Australia’s hottest music acts.
Features: Track, Winning Post, and city views | Five-course plated lunch plus afternoon tea. Morning tea included on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day | All day’s drinks package, including standard spirits, beer, wine, sparkling and soft drinks | Reserved tables with waiter service | Access to betting facilities | Racecourse admission and race book | Available only to bookings of tables of 4, 8, 10 and 12. Shared or split tables are not available.
The Rose Room add $736 per person

Skyline Lounge
Step up from the ordinary and enjoy an ‘elevated experience’ that’s elevated in every possible way. From delectable hors d’oeuvres and perfectly created shared plates that go far beyond your expectations. Savour the custom-created cocktail in the lounge or your reserved tables upon arrival and enjoy ice-cold beers and local wines throughout the day. Your every need will be catered for, ensuring a day of pure indulgence. From your position perched high above it all, where you can get a full view of the power and beauty of the stars of the all-day show: the knifes edge atmosphere just before the horses bolt from the gate, through to the spectacular finishes that roar past directly below.
Features: All-day: shared plates served to your reserved table throughout the day | All-day drinks package, including a signature cocktail on arrival, beer, wine, sparkling and soft drinks (upgraded beverage selection purchased on consumption) | Trackside views from a reserved seating area within the Hill Stand, located directly in front of the room | Entertainment throughout the day | Access to betting facilities | Racecourse admission and race book | Available only to bookings of tables of 4 and 8. Shared or split tables are not available.
Skyline Lounge add $1,449 per person

Optional Hotel: “Melbourne’s most fashionable new address” – Next Hotel Melbourne. Located at the ‘Paris’ end of Collins Street which is predominantly Melbourne’s premier shopping and dining precinct: Staying in a Next Hotel Club room – 3rd to 5th November, where at a Club level you will enjoy Manhattan loft-inspired interiors with striking art, the latest technology and round the clock premium food and drink. The Club is an exclusive city retreat for Next Hotel’s Club guests and local members only, from 5 to 7pm a curated selection of wines and delicious antipasto, nibbles and small bites are served to help you wind down from your shopping adventures pre-dinner… Next Hotel add $399 per person, based on twinshare. The building is located within 80 Collins – 80 Collins details here.

Prices are based on current availability, and can change without notice, airfare is included but is capacity controlled.

Looking for other Australian Inspiration, or to add to this package? 

LUXURY MELBOURNE STAY AND GOLF PACKAGE: Combine a luxe Melbourne Hotel, Wineries, Gin and a country cottage stay inclusive of golf at a Greg Norman course. Luxe Melbourne City and Country Golf package here.

LUXE 5 STAR MELBOURNE AND HAYMAN ISLAND PACKAGE: Delight in our Club Level 5-star Melbourne hotel with many inclusions in your exclusive area including afternoon drinks, partake of some Yarra wineries with lunch, then head to Whitsundays Hayman Island to soak up the sun and relax in paradise with our free resort credit and sparkling wine on arrival! 5-star Melbourne and Hayman island package itinerary here.

HANDPICKED LUXURY TASMANIA FOODIE AND WINE PACKAGE: Sensational Tasmania (I was there in November) has so much to offer from fine hotels and stunning scenery to outstanding cuisine and winery experiences, why not add golf too? Tasmania Food and Wine Explorer package details here

ADELAIDE, BAROSSA AND OUTBACK SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SPECTACULAR: This offers all of the best of South Australia (I was there late 2021) featuring the multi-awarded Sky City EOS, a boutique Barossa Wineries cottage escape and Outback experience too. South Australia Luxury City, Country and Outback Escape package here

THE BEST OF THE BEST SOUTH AUSTRALIA & ADELAIDE LODGE PACKAGE: This is the Ultimate in Southern Australia Lodge experiences, I have stayed at stunning Adelaide Hillas Sequoia, the restaurant is one of the best in Australia, plus in the award-winning Adelaide EOS, and the Barossa’s Louise is immaculate after a 35 Million makeover. For the ultimate in indulgence look at the South Australia Lodge Package here.

SYDNEY AND HUNTER VALLEY WINERIES BOUTIQUE ESCAPE: Enjoy the charm of our hand-picked Sydney hotel inclusive à la carte breakfast and evening cocktail and canapés, then head to the delights of the Hunter Valley to relax and partake of our Ultimate Hunter Valley Wine Experience. Boutique Sydney and Hunter Valley winery package details here.

SYDNEY, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS AND CANBERRA WINE & FOODIE DELUXE TOUR : Take in all Sydney has to offer then head off to Canberra via the Southern Highlands on this boutique accommodation exclusive private adventure for 2 ( or more) with many inclusions! Sydney to Canberra and South Highlands Wine and Foodie tour here.

All packages can be customised to choice of destination and accommodation, length of stay, inclusions and special activities. 

This package is just one example of many, that The Travel Co can offer you. Working with Bryce, you get direct access to an expert travel planner that will create a customised experience for you, based on your unique interests and expectations. Bryce has been a Travel Agent for over 25 years, creating luxurious experiences for individuals just like you. Inquire below to discuss your plan and become inspired.

Melbourne, Australia, is known for its changeable weather, with distinct seasons that can greatly impact travel experiences. Here are some seasonal travel tips for Melbourne:

Spring (September to November): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Melbourne, with mild temperatures and colourful blooms in the city’s many gardens and parks. It’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such as strolling along the Yarra River, visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, or taking a day trip to the nearby Yarra Valley wine region.

Summer (December to February): Melbourne’s summers can be hot and dry, with temperatures regularly reaching over 30°C. It’s a great time to enjoy the city’s beaches, such as St Kilda Beach or Brighton Beach, and take advantage of the many outdoor festivals and events that take place during this season, including the Australian Open tennis tournament and the vibrant arts and cultural events of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Autumn (March to May): Autumn in Melbourne brings cooler temperatures, but still pleasant weather, with mild days and cool evenings. It’s a great time to explore the city’s vibrant food and wine scene, visit the nearby Dandenong Ranges for colourful foliage, or take a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road to see the changing colours of the leaves.

Winter (June to August): Melbourne’s winters can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to single digits, and occasional rain. However, it’s also a great time to experience the city’s cozy indoor attractions, such as its numerous museums, galleries, and coffee shops. Winter is also the season for skiing and snowboarding in the nearby snowfields of the Victorian Alps, making it a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for some local travel suggestions for Melbourne, here are some recommendations:

Explore Melbourne’s laneways: Melbourne is famous for its laneways, which are narrow alleys that are filled with street art, hidden cafes, boutique shops, and unique bars. Discover the city’s vibrant street art scene, grab a coffee from a local café, and immerse yourself in the city’s urban culture by exploring its laneways such as Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, and Degraves Street.

Visit Queen Victoria Market: The Queen Victoria Market is a historic landmark in Melbourne and one of the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a must-visit for food lovers, where you can sample fresh produce, gourmet delicacies, and local specialities. You can also find unique souvenirs, clothing, and crafts at the market.

Take a tram ride: Melbourne is known for its iconic trams, which are a part of the city’s public transport system but also offer a unique way to explore the city. Jump on one of the historic trams or the free City Circle Tram, which loops around the city centre, and enjoy a leisurely ride while taking in Melbourne’s landmarks and architecture.

Experience Melbourne’s coffee culture: Melbourne is renowned for its thriving coffee culture, with numerous specialty coffee shops scattered throughout the city. Take the time to indulge in a delicious cup of coffee in one of Melbourne’s cosy cafes, and immerse yourself in the city’s love for all things caffeinated.

Explore Melbourne’s cultural precincts: Melbourne is a city with a rich cultural scene, and there are several precincts worth exploring. Visit Southbank, which is home to the Arts Centre Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria, and various theatres and galleries. Wander through Fitzroy and Collingwood, known for their trendy shops, galleries, and street art. And don’t miss the vibrant neighbourhood of Brunswick, known for its diverse food scene, live music venues, and eclectic street art.

Take a day trip to the Great Ocean Road: The Great Ocean Road is a stunning coastal drive that stretches along Victoria’s coastline, known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Twelve Apostles. Rent a car or join a guided tour and spend a day exploring this scenic route, with stops at beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and quaint coastal towns.

Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens: The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne are a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city, offering serene gardens, stunning views of the city skyline, and a variety of plant species from around the world. Take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or join a guided tour to learn about the botanical wonders of this tranquil oasis.

Catch a sports game: Melbourne is known as the sports capital of Australia, and catching a sports game is a quintessential Melbourne experience. Whether it’s Australian Rules Football (AFL), cricket, or tennis, attending a live sports event can be an exciting and memorable experience, immersing yourself in the local sports culture.

Enjoy the food scene: Melbourne is a melting pot of diverse culinary experiences, with a thriving food scene offering a wide range of cuisines from around the world. From fine dining restaurants to casual eateries, food trucks to hidden gems in laneways, there’s something for every palate in Melbourne. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the city’s vibrant food scene and sample local specialities.

Take a ferry to explore the bay: Melbourne is located on Port Phillip Bay, and taking a ferry or boat ride is a great way to explore the bay and its surroundings. Take a ferry to Williamstown, a charming coastal suburb with historical architecture and waterfront dining options.

Did you know…Melbourne was founded in 1835 by John Batman and John Pascoe Fawkner, who established competing settlements on the northern and southern banks of the Yarra River, respectively.

In 1851, gold was discovered in Victoria, including in the areas around Melbourne, which led to a significant influx of population and economic growth. This period, known as the Victorian gold rush, transformed Melbourne into a major city and the financial and administrative centre of the colony.

In 1854, the Eureka Rebellion took place in Ballarat, a city located about 120 kilometres west of Melbourne. It was a significant event in Australian history, as gold miners protested against oppressive mining laws and demanded democratic rights.

Melbourne became the capital of the newly established colony of Victoria in 1851, and remained the capital when Victoria became a state within the Commonwealth of Australia upon its federation in 1901.

The first Australian Rules football match was played in Melbourne in 1858, making it the birthplace of this popular Australian sport. Today, Melbourne is home to numerous Australian Rules football clubs and hosts the annual Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final, which is one of the biggest sporting events in Australia.

Melbourne’s streetcar system, known as trams, began operation in 1884 and is now the largest urban tram network in the world. The iconic trams are an integral part of Melbourne’s public transport system and a distinctive feature of the city’s urban landscape.

In 1901, the first Australian Parliament was opened in Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It served as the seat of the Australian Federal Government until the capital was moved to Canberra in 1927.

Melbourne hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics, which were the first Olympic Games held in the Southern Hemisphere. It was a significant event for Melbourne, as it put the city on the global stage and helped establish Australia as a sporting nation.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Melbourne became a centre of cultural and social change, with the emergence of the arts and music scene, and the rise of the counterculture movement. It was a period of social activism, cultural diversity, and creative expression that shaped the city’s identity as a vibrant and progressive metropolis.

Today, Melbourne is known for its diverse population, rich cultural heritage, and thriving arts and culinary scenes. It consistently ranks highly in global livability surveys, and has been recognized as the world’s most livable city by The Economist Intelligence Unit multiple times.

Wineries, Ballooning, Golf, Craft Beer, Gin – more shopping! Plus so much more… let me know, I am here to make this a fantastic holiday for you!

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