Australian Date Calculators
Tuesday 3 November 2026 — The Race That Stops a Nation. Live countdown, public holiday info, and key dates.
The Melbourne Cup is Australia's most famous horse race — a 3,200-metre handicap race held at Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday of November each year. First run in 1861, it has become one of the richest turf races in the world.
Known as "the race that stops a nation," the Melbourne Cup commands enormous attention across Australia, with office sweepstakes, long lunches, and millions watching the broadcast.
Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in parts of Victoria:
If you work on Melbourne Cup Day in an area where it's a public holiday, you may be entitled to penalty rates under your award or agreement.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 November | Tuesday |
| 2027 | 2 November | Tuesday |
| 2028 | 7 November | Tuesday |
| 2029 | 6 November | Tuesday |
| 2030 | 5 November | Tuesday |
Use our free calculator to count down to Melbourne Cup, EOFY, holidays, or any date you choose.
Open Date CalculatorWhen is Melbourne Cup 2026?
Melbourne Cup 2026 is on Tuesday 3 November 2026. It is always held on the first Tuesday of November.
Is Melbourne Cup a public holiday?
Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in metropolitan Melbourne and some regional Victorian areas. It is not a public holiday in other states, though many workplaces allow flexible arrangements.
What time is the Melbourne Cup race?
The Melbourne Cup race traditionally starts at approximately 3:00 PM AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Time).
Do I get the day off for Melbourne Cup?
If you work in the Melbourne metropolitan area, Melbourne Cup Day is a gazetted public holiday. Some regional Victorian areas observe it on a different day. Outside Victoria, it is not a public holiday but many employers offer flexible arrangements.