Food, wine, frocks and parties. If you’re thinking of a trip to Melbourne, Spring Racing Carnival really is the perfect time to do it. From the fashion and thrills at the races, to live music, unique eateries and late night clubs, we’ve got you covered with the best reasons to book a ticket to Melbourne this Spring Carnival. Why not make more of a day than just the races and discover everything that the great city of Melbourne has to offer?

Nightspots keep the party atmosphere alive

Melbourne’s love of cool bars and buzzing nightspots is on full display during Spring Carnival. And with so many great options, there’s something to suit everyone.

For a drop of small batch vino or a late night coffee, head to Tom Pocket Cellars in Glen Iris. Music on Friday nights and a weekly dinner menu make this classy joint the perfect place to end a night, or begin one.

Sagra is a family run bar and restaurant with a great atmosphere. Even better, it’s only 10 minutes from the races at Caulfield. High-end Italian food and wine without the fancy price tag – you’ll be a regular before you leave.

For a cheeky cocktail or two, head to the newly opened Good Heavens, a rooftop bar right in the heart of the CBD on Bourke Street. A frock-friendly establishment with a contemporary atmosphere, it’s a great place to escape the race crowd as the night draws on.

Or take a different route home and wind down in Moonee Ponds with board games and beautiful wine at Valley Cellardoor, a cute, comfy place to keep the night going.

Music to move your hips to at Spring Carnival

Spring Carnival is about more than just racing. Some of the hottest bands will be lighting up the stage during race season this year. ARIA Award winning Temper Trap will be playing classics as well as new tunes from their new album ‘Thick as Thieves’ at the Carlton Draft Front Bar on Guinea’s Day 14th October. And if that’s not enough for you, international DJ sensation Grant Smillie has you covered for Caulfield Cup on the 21st.

Tickets to see Temper Trap at the Caufield Guineas Day start at a mere $30, whilst a day at Caufield Cup watching Grant Smillie spin the decks will only set you back $40 – a small price to pay to see some of Australia’s top musical talent live at the races!

And just because the races are over doesn’t mean your day has to end. There are a bevy of live music venues in Melbourne. Check out the Corner Hotel, Northcote Social Club and Cherry Bar for live music after hours.

Late night clubbing after Spring Carnival

If the Temper Trap isn’t enough music for your Spring Carnival, be sure to check out some of Melbourne’s top clubs.

Revolver Upstairs is the classic all night club spot located on Chapel Street, so it’s easy to track down some breakfast after a big night of dancing.

While clubbers looking for something a little more artsy will find Loop Project – a welcoming addition to the Melbourne night scene, sporting a funky dancefloor, great cocktails and the occasional obscure documentary on the big screen.

Finally, La Di Da is an all-night club that parties hard through to the daylight hours. Three rooms of music, burlesque, cheap drinks and a handful of DJs make this the perfect spot to end the night.

More sport than you can shake a stick at

Aussie Rules Football, Melbourne’s other big sporting event, ramps up just in time for Spring Carnival, with the grand final taking place on the 30th of September in 2017. It’s worth flying in early for the Spring Carnival to catch the tail end of the season.

If you can grab a ticket, why not? Otherwise pull up stumps in a sports bar and revel in the festive furor that is Australia’s most popular sports code. The AFL parade takes place in the streets of Melbourne the day before, which happens to be a public holiday across the state.

Breakfast and brunch for Spring Carnival

When the sun rises it’s time to seek sustenance before another day of carnival fun. Fortunately, Melbourne has plenty to offer when it comes to breakfast, brunch and everything in between.

Head to Toorak Road in South Yarra to discover mascarpone pancakes, green olive grissini and over 15 types French and Italian style bread at Ned’s Bake.

Also in South Yarra, Wilson & Market serves up mostly vegetarian fare sourced locally from the Mornington Peninsula by British born chef Paul Wilson. Bircher muesli, seaweed pancakes with ocean trout, and scotch eggs with inhouse relish are all favourites on this evolving and tasty menu.

The Kettle Black in South Melbourne is an upmarket affair, but worth the splurge for the Mandarin sorbet, while Footscray’s Rudimentary is anything but, serving up breakfast fit for a renaissance era art crowd.

Wholesome fun at the markets

Spending the weekend? Melbourne’s dizzying array of outdoor markets are a great way to explore a more wholesome side of this festival city.

Grab fresh produce and delicious breads at the Carlton Farmer’s Market, or enjoy food truck heaven in the picturesque surrounds of the Hank Marvin Markets in Alma Park East. Art lovers can head to the Rose Street Artists Market every Saturday and Sunday, while lovers of good food should check out the Slow Food Melbourne Farmer’s Markets, fourth Sunday of every month the at the Abbotsford Convent.

What are you waiting for?

With affordable raceday packages and so much to see and do, Spring Carnival is the time to be in Melbourne. With plenty of flights departing from major capital cities to Melbourne on offer for under $200 return during this period, and countless affordable accommodation options through the likes of Lastminute and Airbnb, a trip to Melbourne during Spring Carnival is an affordable and unforgettable experience that should be ticked off everyone’s bucket list.

Can’t afford to pay upfront? Don’t’ fret – you could have all of this for just for 1 small weekly repayment over 12 months with SRG Finance. So what are you waiting for? Grab a friend, some tickets and your Sunday best and start planning your trip to Melbourne today.