Melbourne Cup 2026 at Olims Bar & Bistro
The Race That Stops the Nation
Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day at Olims Bar & Bistro with a relaxed, fun-filled race day in the heart of Canberra. Gather your friends, colleagues or clients and enjoy all the action from Flemington, live on multiple screens, including the large Beer Garden Big Screen.
With free entry, TAB facilities, sweepstakes, food and drinks specials and prizes throughout the day, Olims is the perfect place to enjoy Melbourne Cup without the expensive ticket.
Whether you’re planning a workday lunch, an afternoon with friends or your annual Melbourne Cup catch-up, Olims is the easy choice for race day in Canberra.
What’s On
Watch Every Race Live
- Melbourne Cup and all Flemington races shown live
- Multiple indoor and outdoor screens
- Beer Garden Big Screen
- TAB facilities available from 11am
Melbourne Cup Sweepstakes
- Get involved in our race day sweepstakes.
- Great prizes up for grabs.
Lucky Horse Draw Receive a horse upon arrival for the chance to win a free drink if your runner crosses the line first.
Food & Drink Specials
Enjoy all your favourite pub classics throughout the day, plus Melbourne Cup food and beverage specials.
Food Highlights
- $25 Lunch & Drink Special
- Melbourne Cup Olims Meat Smoker Menu
- Shared Punters Platter
- Full Bistro menu also available
Drink Specials
- Bucket of Brews for $25
- $8 glasses of bubbles
- Happy hour from 4pm – 6pm
Make A Day Of It
Don’t head back to the office after the Cup.
Stay on after the big race and enjoy:
- Food & drink specials continue after the race
- Extended race day atmosphere
- Afternoon drinks with friends and colleagues’
- Happy hour starting from 4pm
- Indoor and outdoor seating options
Group bookings are welcome, making Olims an ideal destination for workplace Melbourne Cup celebrations, social gatherings and casual race day catch-ups.
Whether you’re joining us for a quick lunch, an afternoon punt or a full day of celebrations, we’ll have plenty of options to keep you fuelled for the festivities. Join us for the race that stops the nation, Melbourne Cup at Olims Bar and Bistro.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday 3 November 2026
Time: From 11:00am – 10:00pm
Location: Olims Bar & Bistro, Mercure Canberra
Address: 39 Limestone Avenue, Braddon ACT
Entry is free, but bookings are highly recommended.
Phone: (02) 6243 0041
Email: [email protected]
Book your table today and join us for an unforgettable Melbourne Cup celebration at Olims Bar & Bistro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry free for Melbourne Cup at Olims Bar & Bistro?
Yes. Entry is completely free for Melbourne Cup at Olims Bar & Bistro, making it one of Canberra’s easiest and most accessible Melbourne Cup celebrations. Bookings are recommended to secure your preferred seating.
When is the Melbourne Cup event at Olims Bar & Bistro?
The event takes place on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, with the venue open from 11:00am and racing action continuing throughout the day.
Will the Melbourne Cup race be shown live?
Yes. The Melbourne Cup and all races from Flemington will be broadcast live across multiple screens, including the large Beer Garden Big Screen.
Is there TAB betting available?
Yes. TAB facilities will be available on-site, allowing guests to follow the racing and place bets throughout the day.
What food and drinks are available?
Guests can enjoy pub classics, the popular $25 Lunch & Drink Menu, the Olims Meat Smoker Menu, Melbourne Cup special The Punters Platter, drink specials and the full Bistro Menu throughout the event.
Can I book a table for Melbourne Cup?
Yes. Group and individual bookings are available, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Advance bookings are strongly recommended due to the popularity of the event.
Is Melbourne Cup at Olims suitable for corporate groups?
Absolutely. Melbourne Cup at Olims is ideal for work teams, client entertaining, social clubs and large group celebrations, with flexible seating areas and all-day food and beverage options.
What makes Melbourne Cup at Olims different from other Canberra venues?
Olims offers free entry, TAB access, multiple big screens including a Beer Garden Big Screen, food and drink specials, indoor and outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere in a historic Canberra venue.
How do I make a booking?
Bookings can be made by calling (02) 6243 0041, contacting the team via [email protected] or by visiting Book your table today. Early reservations are recommended.
Is there parking available?
Yes. Free street parking is available on Batman Street and Ainslie Avenue making it easy for guests attending the Melbourne Cup festivities at Olims Bar & Bistro.
What should I wear to Melbourne Cup at Olims?
Guests are encouraged to embrace the spirit of Melbourne Cup Day with racewear, fascinators and smart attire, although there is no strict dress code.
