Spring is always here before we know it and because of this the important things, like how to get there, can get lost midst the flurry of fascinators and windsor knotted ties.
Fear not, our raceday transport guide will help smooth out the speed bumps. For those who don’t fancy sweating through a new dress or suit or ruining a pristine pair of Jimmy Choo’s while sprinting along the footpath, read on.
Whatever chosen your mode of transport apps are your best friend.
- Trip Go is one app you shouldn’t be without. It’s a free app for iOS and Android that gives you multiple journey options from door to door.
- Public Transport Victoria’s (PTV) app provides you with a plethora of information too.
- Yarra Trams Tram Tracker app is definitely a good option. Using the map view you can check the arrival time nearby tram stops and see when the next few trams are arriving and the ‘My Tram’ feature provides you with an estimated time of arrival at each stop on the route.
Taxis
You’re better off with an app than calling. With the 13 CABS and Silver Top Taxi options you can see when your booking has been picked up and where the cab is plus its registration number. Cabs will be busy though, so for many people Uber is an alternative.
Public Transport
When all else fails- and even when it doesn’t- public transport is often the most reliable transport option. Yes there will be large crowds. Yes, there might be atonal singing from large groups of post-race revellers inside the trams and trains, but public transport will get you where you need to go.
Most Melbournians use public transport each day, but for visitors or infrequent users, don’t get caught by the peculiarities of the Myki ticketing system. If you don’t have a Myki, then need to purchase one before you travel. Myki cards can be purchased at 7 Eleven stores as well as many other outlets.
Visit the Public Transport Victoria website for more information.
Flemington
If you’re heading to Flemington Racecourse special trains will be running direct to Flemington Racecourse from the city on the big race days, but there are other options too. If you’re coming from Melbourne’s western suburbs, whether it’s Williamstown, Footscray or closer in at Moonee Ponds, Bus Routes The route 472 and 404 buses are a good option. There’s also a taxi rank outside the main gate.
Moonee Valley
From the city,catch the Craigieburn line from Flinders Street and jump off at Moonee Ponds station. Once you alight its just a gentle 10 minute stroll down Puckle Street where you can pick up a coffee or a bite to eat, if attending to your coiffure has kept you busy all morning. If your shoes aren’t made for waking, then the route 59 tram from the city will drop you closer to the track. There’s also a taxi rank on McPherson Street, but be prepared to queue if you’re planning to catch a cab after a big day like the Cox Plate.
Caulfield
Caulfield Racecourse has a great array of public transport options. No less than four lines- Dandenong, Frankston, Pakenham and Cranbourne- run from the city to Caulfield Station, just a hop, skip and stroll from the racecourse. Tram Route 3 (and 3a) will drop you close by (alight at stop 56). Bus route 624 can take you to the track from the South Eastern suburbs, including Auburn Station, Tooronga Station and Holmesglen station and Kew. There’s also a taxi rank at the main gate
But just in case none of these options sound appealing then happily there is an alternative. For those willing to really splash out, why not arrive via helicopter?
Just make sure it’s a legitimate work expense if you’re going to claim it.
Don’t forget tickets are on sale for this week’s BECK Caulfield Guineas Day
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