Race.com.au
How to Watch the 2026 Melbourne Cup
The race that stops a nation is free to watch everywhere in Australia. Here's how to catch it live — on TV, streaming and radio — wherever you are on Tuesday.
Start times across Australia
3:00pm AEDT, Tuesday 3 November
- Melbourne / Sydney / Canberra (AEDT)3:00pm
- Brisbane (AEST)2:00pm
- Adelaide (ACDT)2:30pm
- Darwin (ACST)1:30pm
- Perth (AWST)12:00pm
TV & streaming
The Cup is on the anti-siphoning list, so it airs live and free-to-air nationally with wall-to-wall Cup Day coverage from midday. Streaming runs through the broadcaster's app and the racing streaming services — our racing on TV guide lists every channel and stream carrying Flemington on the day.
Radio & trackside
RSN (Victoria) and Sky Sports Radio (national) call the full card, and the nation's workplaces famously stop at 3:00pm. If you're heading to Flemington, gates open early and the Cup is Race 7 — our Flemington track guide covers getting there and the course itself.
More 2026 Melbourne Cup coverage
Frequently asked questions
What race number is the Melbourne Cup?›
Race 7 on the Cup Day card at Flemington, jumping at approximately 3:00pm AEDT.
Can I stream the Melbourne Cup free?›
Yes — the free-to-air broadcaster's app streams Cup Day live at no cost, and racing streaming services carry the full meeting.
What time is the Melbourne Cup in Queensland and WA?›
2:00pm AEST in Queensland and 12:00pm (noon) AWST in Western Australia, Tuesday 3 November 2026.