The Melbourne Cup: When Does the NT Get to See the Horses Bolt (Without Actually Bolting Themselves)?
Ah, the Melbourne Cup. The race that stops a nation, or at least makes everyone stop for a snazzy lunch and a flutter on a horse with a name that sounds like a particularly strong cup of coffee (Venti Big Bucks, anyone?). But what if you're not in Melbourne, basking in the glorious spring sunshine (or dodging rogue umbrellas in a sudden downpour, it's Melbourne after all)? What if you're chilling in the Northern Territory, where spring is just an elaborate marketing ploy to sell stubby holders? Fear not, my geographically challenged friends, for this handy guide will tell you exactly when to grab your esky, whack on the fascinator (or a particularly fetching beer hat), and settle in for the race that's almost, kind of, sort of in your state (but not really).
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| What Time Is The Melbourne Cup Race In Nt |
Buckle Up, Territory Travellers: It's Time to Adjust Your Watch (Slightly)
The Melbourne Cup, in all its glorious equine thunder, takes place at 3:00 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT). Now, for our mathematically challenged mates (no judgment, fractions are hard!), that little AEDT thingy means Melbourne is one and a half hours ahead of the Northern Territory. So, for our time zone-trotting Top Enders, the Melbourne Cup fun starts at a much more civilised 1:30 pm.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
Translation: Crack open a coldie at 1:30 pm sharp, because the horses aren't waiting for your dodgy internet connection to catch up.
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
But Wait, There's More! A Handy Guide to Melbourne Cup Time Zones for the Truly Confused
- Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and the ACT: 3:00 pm AEDT (you lucky ducks, you get to see it live!)
- Queensland: 2:00 pm AEST (sorry mates, daylight saving said no thanks)
- South Australia: 2:30 pm ACDT (don't worry, the race is short, you won't miss much)
- Western Australia: Midday AWST (set your alarm early, or blame the time difference if you miss the start)
Remember: This is just for the Melbourne Cup itself. The whole day at Flemington is a marathon of races, so check the schedule if you want to catch something specific.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
FAQ: Your Burning Melbourne Cup in the NT Questions Answered (with Lightning Speed)
How to: Hold a Melbourne Cup party in the NT?
QuickTip: Revisit this post tomorrow — it’ll feel new.
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- Easy! Decorations: fairy lights and stubby holders. Food: snag sangas and whatever dip you have leftover from last night's barbie. Entertainment: impromptu two-up game (just don't get caught by the cops!).
How to: Pick a winning Melbourne Cup horse?
- This one's a mystery even to the experts. But hey, a name that makes you laugh or a horse that matches your outfit is a good starting point.
How to: Watch the Melbourne Cup in the NT if you don't have free-to-air TV?
- Most pubs will be showing it, or check out the magic of the internet (just avoid dodgy streaming sites, they might be slower than a one-legged camel).
How to: Make sure you don't miss the start of the race?
- Set multiple alarms, bribe a friend to call you, or train a particularly enthusiastic budgie to squawk "It's race time!"
How to: Celebrate (or commiserate) after the race?
- Crack open another coldie, chuck another shrimp on the barbie, and reflect on the fact that at least you weren't the one who came last (hopefully!).
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