Sydney’s Best Free Spots to Watch the 2025 Melbourne Cup Live
Kinselas Hotel
383 Bourke St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Free room hire for groups, complimentary bubbles on arrival for table bookings, and TVs lined up for live viewing. www.kinselas.com.au
Hotel Pennant Hills
352 Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills NSW 2120
Free entry. Live screens, TAB access, sweeps and best-dressed prizes. Pre-book a table for 6+ for a free bottle of bubbles. www.hotelpennanthills.com.au
Greenfield Tavern
Greenfield Park
Free entry, live and loud viewing on big screens, food & drink specials. www.greenfieldtavern.com.au
The Harbourview Hotel
The Rocks/Upper level Sydney CBD
Free entry; big screen live race + shared dining & sparkling options.
Pyrmont Bridge Hotel
Pyrmont (Sydney)
Free entry for Cup day; big screens, food specials and strong race-day vibe.
The Dolphin Hotel
Surry Hills
Big party energy, live race shown, good drinks and loyal crowd.
Alexandria Hotel (Sydney Brewery)
Alexandria
Free entry Cup Day party, live and loud viewing, cold beers and chilled vibe.
The Sussex Hotel – Public Bar & Beer Garden
Sydney CBD
Public bar/beer garden live screening of the Cup, with a casual sit-down menu also available.
Northies Cronulla Hotel
Cronulla (The Shire)
Free entry, bottomless brunch style from 1-3 pm then after-party; good for a beach-day extension.
Crocodile Farm Hotel
Ashfield
Free entry, Cup-day food specials, big screens, suburban crowd and good value. www.crocfarmhotel.com.au
Quick tips before you go
– Arrive early (doors from ~10–12 pm) to grab a good spot and avoid crowds
– Check for booking requirements or minimum spend (some require a pre-booked table to guarantee a screen).
– Dress: smart-casual works – no need for full race-meet garb unless you want to stand out.
– Bring cash/card for sweeps or pool bets if you’re feeling lucky.
– For suburban venues (Pennant Hills, Ashfield) expect a more laid-back crowd; for CBD or beach venues (Cronulla, Pyrmont) expect higher energy.
– Book a ride-share or check transport – post-race traffic often spikes.
Lock in your venue, pick your horse and let’s make this Cup Day one to remember.
