The Melbourne Cup is going to be ferried into town via Searoad Ferries.
The charming coastal town of Queenscliff is gearing up for a day of grandeur as the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup is set to make a splash in town, quite literally. On Tuesday, 24 October, the coveted 18-carat-gold Cup will be ferried into Queenscliff via Searoad Ferries, and the entire community is invited to join in the festivities.
The Melbourne Cup, valued at a cool $600,000, will embark on a unique journey from the middle of Port Phillip Bay, where it will be gently transferred from a pilot boat onto the 10 am Searoad Ferry bound for Queenscliff. It’s a delicate operation, and everyone is crossing their fingers that the Cup doesn’t take an unexpected dive into the bay! As the Cup makes its journey, a flotilla of couta boats, steeped in regional history, will accompany the transfer.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
View this post on Instagram
The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour has a special connection with the local community, as the nominated recipient of the tour in Queenscliff is the local charity, Cottage by the Sea. With over 130 years of history, this charity has provided countless children with opportunities to experience the beauty of the idyllic coastal village.
Queenscliff is just one of 41 destinations on the 2023 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, which will traverse seven countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Hong Kong, and Japan.
To celebrate, the people of Queenscliff and visitors alike are invited to a free community event at the Queenscliff Ferry Terminal on 24 October, commencing at 10.30 am. The parade and formalities will kick off when the Cup arrives at the port, allowing everyone a chance to admire the prestigious trophy. The Cup will be on parade and available for photos with the community until 1 pm.
This exciting event will include a parade featuring local school children and former Melbourne Cup-winning horses Efficient and Twilight Payment. Live entertainment and a big screen showcasing the story of the Melbourne Cup will keep the crowd engaged. Tour Ambassador Greg Miles, the legendary voice of the Melbourne Cup, will be present, while Cottage by the Sea Ambassador and Coodabeens star Ian Cover OAM will host the event.
For more information on this remarkable event, visit Cottage by the Sea’s official website.
