Fashion, food, entertainment: Sydney’s best carnival coming in March

Get ready for six weeks of fashion, premium dining experiences and entertainment at the 2024 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick are set to transform into blinding displays of glitz and glamour when the 2024 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival arrives in March.

From fabulous fashion to treats for your tastebuds and magical live music, here’s what to expect from Sydney’s best party.

Plan ahead for Sydney’s best carnival. (Image: Paul McMillan)

Premium dining experiences

Get dressed to the nines and reserve a seat at Rosehill Gardens’ staple dining establishment, Winning Post Restaurant. Diners will be treated to a smorgasbord of flavours, with a three-course a la carte menu created by top chefs recruited especially for the occasion.

For something lighter, dig into premium pastries (and top-shelf bubbly) at the Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar, or stop for a casual bite at Ascot Restaurant, where floor-to-ceiling windows allow a crystal-clear vantage point of all the action. Stay for the open terraces and rooftop garden party vibes at The Hive.

Choose from a range of dining options. (Image: Paul McMillan)

Over at Royal Randwick, The Chairman’s Club is considered one of the most exclusive restaurants at the carnival, with renowned chef Gerry Maher at the helm of the three-course menu. Alternatively, Grandview Restaurant will serve up world-class dining, along with private access to the viewing grandstand.

Private suites can be booked for groups who would prefer to enjoy the day with a touch of solitude, and each suite offers a fully stocked private bar with designated wait staff for that special touch.

Enjoy delicacies by top chefs. (Image: Paul McMillan)

All-day entertainment

You can keep the party going long into the night at Royal Randwick or Rosehill Gardens, thanks to the ‘After the Last’ concert series included in the price of entry.

Held on Golden Slipper Day, Schweppes All Aged Stakes Day and The Star Championships days, past concerts have featured the likes of Kelly Rowland, Jimmy Barnes and Ronan Keating.

Keep the party going long into the night. (Image: Paul McMillan)

A chance to glam up and see top fashion

Fashion has long been associated with a day at the races, and the sea of vivid dresses and dapper suits is truly a treat for the senses – especially with the different colour themes and daily styling guidelines to inspire revellers (think ‘A Touch of Pink’ or ‘Vintage’).

Don an eye-catching ensemble and head to the Grand Pavilion on 16 March for the annual Pink Fashion Lunch, which has historically featured performances from musicians like Paulini, along with a panel of guest speakers and – a highlight of the event – a captivating fashion show.

Get into the fashion of the day.

Keep an eye out for competitions running throughout the day that celebrate the most dazzling outfits, including the Fashion Stakes event held on Golden Slipper Day and The Star Championships Day 1. There’s a pool of cash and prizes for the winners.

For a mid-carnival touch-up, seek out the professionals doling out the glam in Royal Randwick’s Pamper Pavilion, or Rosehill Gardens’ Pamper Lounge. Stylists give million-dollar makeovers and guests feel refreshed for the remainder of the day.

Keep an eye out for fashion competitions. (Image: Paul McMillan)

The details

The 2024 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival runs 16 March – 20 April.

General admission tickets are $30 per person (or $20 for individuals attending in a group of 10 or more). Access to venues like the Grandview Restaurant or Chairman’s Club can be bought separately. Specific events, including Warwick Farm Race Day, are free to attend. There’s also a handful of events suitable for the whole family.

Early bird tickets are currently on sale.

Discover the 2024 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival.

Start planning your autumn fun (and show-stopping outfit) at australianturfclub.com.au.