Australian Racing Calendar
Key race dates and carnivals. Spring, autumn and every major meeting in one place.
The Australian racing calendar runs year-round, with major carnivals in spring (Melbourne) and autumn (Sydney) and Group 1 races in every state. Knowing the key dates helps you plan form study, bets, and days at the track.
The Spring Racing Carnival in Victoria runs from September to November. The Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate lead into the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington—the race that stops a nation. For exact dates each year, see our When is the Melbourne Cup and When is the Cox Plate pages. The Sydney Autumn Carnival runs from late February through April and features the Golden Slipper (two-year-olds), The Everest (sprint), and the Doncaster Mile among other Group 1s.
Brisbane's winter carnival, Adelaide and Perth feature races, and country cups fill out the rest of the year. Our Racing Today page shows what is on each day, and our feature race and carnival pages link to fields, odds, and results for every major race. Whether you are marking the Melbourne Cup in your diary or planning a quaddie for the Golden Slipper meeting, the Australian racing calendar has something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Melbourne Cup?
The Melbourne Cup is run on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington.
When is the Cox Plate?
The Cox Plate is held in late October at Moonee Valley, typically the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup.
When is the Golden Slipper?
The Golden Slipper is run at Rosehill in Sydney in March, during the Sydney Autumn Carnival.