Melbourne Cup at Parliament House 2026

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in timeless style at Queensland Parliament House. Celebrate the race that stops the nation in one of Brisbane's most iconic and historic venues. Join us at Strangers' Restaurant inside the historic Queensland Parliament House for an elegant Melbourne Cup luncheon filled with fine dining, fashion, and festivities. Enjoy a carefully curated menu showcasing Queensland’s finest seasonal produce, with an impressive dessert station to complement the chef snacks, entree and main courses. The event will feature: • Gourmet chef-curated luncheon • Live broadcast of the Melbourne Cup • Prize for best-dressed • Sweepstakes • Lucky door prize Dress to impress in your race day finest and experience the excitement and sophistication of Melbourne Cup Day in the heritage surrounds of Parliament House. Bookings are essential. Limited seats available. This event sells out every year, so secure your tickets now. When: 11.30am arrival for 12pm start Where: Strangers' Restaurant, Parliament House Cost: $139 per person Sip, savour and celebrate with our 4 hour beverage package, thoughtfully designed to enhance your Melbourne Cup luncheon experience. Additionally available for $75 per person. Lucinda Bar Lucinda Bar will be open from 11:30am for drinks prior to being seated in the dining room for a 12pm event start. About Strangers’ Restaurant Strangers’ Restaurant was originally known as the ‘Members Dining Room’ and the space was exclusive to Members of Parliament. In more recent years, the restaurant has been opened to the wider community and offers lunch, dinner and high tea sittings. The beautiful heritage room is also available for private hire and events. You can find out more information or book a table here 📷 PHOTOGRAPHY DISCLAIMER Please note you may be photographed or filmed during this event. If you wish to be excluded from content, please inform the photographer at the event. Sample Menu CHEF SNACKS Mooloolaba prawn cocktail, tomato gel, herb salad A GF DF Black Angus striploin, pepper berry, mandarin & carrot crumb, pickled onion gel DF GF Native salsa, buckwheat cracker, macadamia cream, banya nut pesto GF VG ENTRÉE Citrus cured salmon, pink grapefruit, kombu mayo, edamame, wasabi dressing A DF GF H Asparagus Trat, fermented stalk, crunchy quinoa, cinnamon myrtle oil (Vegetarian Option) GF VG H MAIN Braised darling downs short rib, pomme purée, heirloom carrot, crispy lemon onion, red wine jus GF Sesame mirin glazed eggplant, spicy pumpkin seed Namjin, pickled Thai basil, flaxseed cracker (Vegetarian option) GF VG SIDE Radicchio & rocket salad, shaved radish, pickled red onion, walnut dressing GF VG H DESSERT STATION Selection of Petite desserts FAQs What do I need to bring with me? Parliament House, Queensland is a working parliament and as such has strict security rules. All attendees must provide Government issued photo ID upon entry. What time should I arrive? Please arrive from 11:30am to allow time for security processing before the Melbourne Cup event commences at 12:00pm. How do I find the Strangers’ Dining Room? Guests must enter the Parliamentary Precinct via the Parliamentary Annexe, located on Alice St. For security reasons, guests are not permitted to leave the Annexe foyer area without an escort. A member of staff will collect guests from the foyer of the Parliamentary Annexe and escort them to the Strangers’ Dining Room. What are my parking options during the event? Guests arriving by car must make their own parking arrangements, as there is no visitor parking available at Queensland Parliament House. The closest paid parking facilities are located next door at QUT. What is the refund policy? We are more than happy to refund purchased tickets until 7 days prior to the event. Guests who wish to cancel their ticket after this time can transfer their paid seat to another event No refunds or transfers are available within 48 hours. What is the dress code? The dress code is smart casual, don't forget your fascinators! Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? No, your ticket is not needed as guest names and contact details must be submitted during the ticket purchase process. These names will be included on our attendee list and checked against your photo ID when you arrive. How can I contact the organiser with any questions? Please feel free to email [email protected] with any questions you may have.