The Melbourne Cup is one of the most iconic events in Australia, making it a must-visit occasion for any self-respecting sports fan.
Staged annually on the first Tuesday at Flemington Racecourse, ‘the race that stops the nation’ generates massive interest in the betting industry.
Sportsbooks offers offer Melbourne Cup odds months in advance, giving punters the opportunity to grab some early value for their selections.
The internet is awash with Flemington tips on reliable betting platforms such as Only Racing in the run-up to the race, which can help you pick the winner.
The number of bets placed on the Melbourne Cup is no surprise given how many people who travel long distances to witness this superb sporting occasion.
Many of them use the event as the central focus of a vacation as Flemington is located in the beautiful state of Victoria in Australia.
One of the best ways to explore the area is in a motorhome, so read on as we look at some of the best sites for tourers to stay when visiting Flemington Racecourse.
Iron Brook Donkey Farm
Iron Brook Donkey Farm is located in the rolling hills of mountain pasture by the Yarra State Forest, offering a peaceful escape and stunning views for visitors.
This spot is perfect for tourers who enjoy bushwalking as tall trees and tree ferns surround the little creeks, or you can just relax in a deck chair and take in the exquisite view at the top of the hill.
Visitors looking to check out nearby towns can explore several tracks leading through forest to Noojee, Powelltown and Reefton – all of which have cosy pubs where they can unwind.
The farm also has different campsite locations that offer both convenience and serenity, and the toilet and bathroom facilities are well looked after.
People looking to spice up the experience with a fun activity can try donkey riding, but it is advisable to carry cash if you wish to enjoy extra services during your stay.
The Fern Glade
The Fern Glade has three campsites alongside the Murrindindi River, and they are all ideal options for tourers who want peace and privacy.
The first one is a large flat area beside the river and is a decent spot to relax all year round. It also has fencing and gates, making it the perfect residence for anyone who travels with pets.
The second campsite is shady and surrounded by tall swamp gums, black wood wattles and tree ferns. The best time to visit is between late spring and autumn, making it a perfect spot for tourers pouring in to visit the Flemington Racecourse.
The third site is spacious and ideal for campervans and tents, with room to spread out. All three campsites have fireplaces, and fishing is a popular activity for visitors who want to try their luck.
The Fern Glade campsites also boast some exceptional views from the hill up and down the Murrindindi Valley, especially at sunset.
Seven Hills Tallarook
The Seven Hills Tallarook is a scenic property located just over an hour north of Melbourne’s central business district (CBD).
Tallarook covers 600 acres of thick Victorian bushland and farmed paddocks. It has a variety of hobby farm animals, including pigs, sheep, cattle, alpacas, chickens, ponies, a donkey and a commercial herd of South African Boer goats.
Native wildlife such as kangaroos, rabbits, deer and wallabies come out to roam at night. There are over ten kilometres of roads within the property, and they are mostly accessible by two-wheel-drive vehicles depending on the weather.
There are parts of the property that are only accessible by four-wheel-drive, but the campsites are spread out to ensure privacy and minimise potential interactions with other campers.
This spot is ideal for introverts who simply want to bask in the glory of the Melbourne Cup without any added shenanigans.
Dromkeen Macedon Ranges
Dromkeen Macedon Ranges is located in Riddell’s Creek, which is just half an hour away from Melbourne Airport.
It is a beautiful heritage-listed home with lovely gardens, including Australian native and European plants. It also has a gazebo and two resident alpacas.
Dromkeen features an exhibition by award-winning Australian authors and illustrators, including Mark Wilson, Leigh Hobbs, Ann James and Gabrielle Wang.
The Homestead has a tea room that opens from Wednesday to Sunday. They also have a delightful daily menu that contains an array of delicious cakes, tea, toasted sandwiches, speciality pies and other weekly specials.
Dromkeen has a spacious car park that is capable of housing vans, motorhomes or horse paddocks for tents and campers. They have very clean toilets, but there are no showers.
Visitors are allowed to bring their pets, but only if they have made a request in advance. It is also important to note that all the sites are not powered unless prearranged for an extra $10 per day.