The Event
From the Darwin Turf Club’s humble beginnings in the 1950s to 60 years on today, the Turf Club has always been and remains a social hub for the people of the Top End. Over recent years The Darwin Cup Carnival has built a national profile with attendance now reaching over 40,000 for the event. The social events throughout the carnival provide sensational off track festivities with the Gala Ball reaching legendary status and is an absolute night not to be missed.
The Gala Ball
Enjoy the dry season at its finest, with a delicious buffet dinner, premium beverage package, including spirits and live entertainment.
The prestigious black-tie Gala Ball will once again grace the stunning lawns of Mindil Beach Casino Resort. Guests will be treated to an extraordinary night under the stars, combining world-class entertainment, exquisite dining, and the unique charm of Darwin.
You’ll be seated on reserved tables of 10.
Cost: $415 pp
Ticket & Hospitality Upgrades
Add any of these to any of our 2027 travel packages:
Ted Bailey Grandstand Access Pass
With exceptional views overlooking the finish line, mounting yard and podium, the Ted Bailey Grandstand (TGB) is a popular option for those looking for an outstanding day trackside.
Your ticket includes gate entry and access to Ted Bailey Grandstand Terrance and bar. This ticket does not include reserved seating.
Palmerston Sprint Race Day Only (Sat. 31 July.) $120 pp
The Club Lawns
The Club Lawns is the newest addition to Day 8 festivities, set in a prime viewing area!
Your ticket includes gate entry, access to The Club Lawns, reserved seating (tables of 6), a stubby cooler, and one drink voucher*.
*Selected beer and wine redeemable at the bar.
Darwin Cup (Mon. 2nd Aug.): Included
Ted Bailey Grandstand Luncheon
With exceptional views overlooking the finish line, mounting yard and podium, the Ted Bailey Grandstand (TGB) is a popular option for those looking for an outstanding day trackside.
Your ticket includes gate entry and Ted Bailey Grandstand access, reserved seating tables of six, a three-course set menu served from 1pm, race book, betting facilities, and a cash bar.
Palmerston Sprint Race Day (Sat. 31st July): $299 pp
2027 Darwin Cup (Mon. 2nd Aug.): $283pp
The Atrium
Highly sort after for its premium position overlooking the track, the Atrium Marquee provides a wonderful vantage point to watch the racing.
Gate Entry, Members’ Lawn access & Executive Marquee access, Reserved seating – Tables of 6, 3 hour continuous canapés, beverage package from 12:30pm to 5:00pm (includes premium beers, wines, soft drink and basic spirits),race book, betting facilities. Venue opens from 12.00pm.
Palmerston Sprint Race Day Only (Sat. 31st July): $358 pp
The Leger Marquee
Gate Entry, Leger Marquee access (Located on old Paddock Site – Next to Silks grassed hill area) , reserved seating shared tables of 10, deluxe buffet luncheon (includes a fresh selection of seafood), beverage package from 11.30am- 5.30pm. (includes selected beers, premium wines, soft drink and basic spirits), entertainment, race book and betting facilities. Venue opens at 10am.
Darwin Cup (Mon. 3rd Aug. Only): $273 pp
The Grandstand Luncheon
Wine and dine in style on Level 1 of the Darwin Turf Club’s Public Stand. With floor to ceiling windows, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the track and access to your own veranda to watch your horse come thundering home.
Your ticket includes a 3 Course alternate drop, 6 hour premium beverage package. Venue opens 11.00am, Food & Beverage from 11.30am -5.30pm reserved seating, shared tables of (10), race book.
Palmerston Sprint Race Day (Sat. 31st July): $409 pp
Darwin Cup (Mon. 2nd Aug.): $498 pp
Hotels
Adina Waterfront Apartments – 4*
he Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront provides the perfect base for an unforgettable adventure. Positioned amongst waterside restaurants and the family friendly wave pool with a lagoon on Darwin’s seafront promenade. It is only a stone’s throw away from the Darwin Convention Centre and within walking distance of Darwin’s CBD.
The Adina Apartment Darwin Waterfront features stylish and spacious apartments or studio rooms, fully-equipped with all the comforts of home. Cook up fresh produce from the local markets in your kitchen, freshen up your clothes in your in-room laundry and spread out in your separate living area.
Oaks Elan – 4 *
Oaks Elan Darwin stands amongst the finest Darwin hotels offering uninterrupted views over the tropical city, Darwin Harbour and Frances Bay. Our hotel rooms and one and two bedroom apartments are contemporary in design with modern décor and quality finishes. For guests wanting to relax and unwind, our premium leisure facilities include an outdoor lap pool, well-equipped gymnasium and onsite restaurant open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Located on Woods Street in Darwin’s CBD, our hotel is just minutes from the Darwin Waterfront Precinct and the city’s dining, entertainment and shopping hub, including Smith Street Mall. Discover the exquisite apartments available at our Darwin hotels below.
H on Mitchell – 4*
H on Mitchell Apartment Hotel is located in the heart of Darwin’s business and entertainment precinct. The property features Hotel Suites, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments. Perfectly located within close proximity to the main tourist attractions such as Mindil Beach, Darwin Waterfront Precinct, Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin Entertainment Centre, shops, supermarkets and many of the city’s popular cafés and restaurants.
Want to experience more than just the fantastic horse racing of Darwin Cup Carnival? We sourced the best ideas that you can add to any of our travel packages
Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise
As the sun goes down enjoy a great local buffet meal prepared with fresh produce, the perfect accompaniment to the spectacular sunset view! The Friendly crew are ready and able to assist your every need and want.
Relax and enjoy the unique experience the Spirit of Darwin has to offer!
Cost- $149 pp
Litchfield National Park Day Tour
Established in 1986, Litchfield National Park is a stunning location. You can take in the splendour of thundering waterfalls, rainforest pockets and historic sacred sites. It is a haven for hundreds of native bird species and the plateau supports a rich range of woodland flora. The traditional custodians of the Park are the Wagait people, many of whom still call the area home.
Includes:
Florence Falls – View the double falls from a high vantage point before making your way down to take a swim in the plunge pool.
Interpretive Guided walk -There’s time for a walk through the scenic bush and monsoon vine forest.
Tolmer Falls – This is a spectacular photo opportunity; it’s home to colonies of rare ghost and orange horseshoe bats.
Lunch – Take a break at the Litchfield Cafe.
Wangi Falls – Swim in the large plunge pool, the most accessible of all in the region and the perfect place for a final dip today.
Howard Springs Nature Park – Feed the barramundi and turtles.
Magnetic Termite Mounds – The work of local termites, standing upright like magnetic compasses, they make for a fun photo.
Included Meals: Lunch
Cost: $290 pp
Darwin Fishing Charter
Whether you are booking as an individual or with a group of up to 30 people (2 vessels), we can cater for everyone. The aim is to give you an unforgettable day’s fishing – whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler. Your local experienced fishing experts will show you how legendary fishing in the NT is and will have you chasing all top ends’ best fish species including Golden Snapper, Rock Cod, Tricky Snapper, Jewfish, Threadfin Salmon to name just a few.
Charters travel between 20 to 40 kms from Darwin. Choose from either 1/2 Day or Full Day charter options. All fishing equipment is provided, expert advice, ice, morning tea and refreshments.
Cost: $350 pp
Heli Pub Crawl
Arrive at iconic outback watering holes with a rock star landing in your very own helicopter. Take in all the natural beauty of the Top End from above, covering Darwin City and surrounds, the amazing harbour and coastline, open eucalypt woodland, termite mounds, billabongs and mangrove creeks.
You will be sure to hear your fair share of tall tales and meet interesting critters, laid back locals and the charismatic publicans that define each of the establishments, all whilst on your quest for the Top End’s coldest beer. Pubs include The Lodge of Dundee, Crab Claw Island Resort, Darwin River Tavern, Goat Island Lodge and the Humpty Doo Hotel or Noonamah Tavern.
Cost: POA
FAQs
Q: What are the opening times for the key race days for the Darwin Cup Carnival?
A: Opening times for the main gate is 10am. In relation to the additional sections of Fannie Bay Racecourse, the access times differ. Times are as follows:
Members Lawn – 10am
Grandstand – 11am
Legers Marquee and The Atrium – 12.30 pm
Q: What are the Dress Code requirements?
A: The Darwin Turf Club requires a minimum dress code for all General Admission entry. Ladies and gents are expected to be neatly dressed and groomed with shoes and shirt to be worn at all times. For reserved seating, Members Lawn and Marquees:
Gentlemen: Collared Shirt, Pants or Dress Shorts, including Chinos, Closed Shoes. Tie, Suit Jacket and Hat are optional.
Ladies: Dress, Skirts or Trousers. Clean enclosed shoes or open dress sandals. Millinery is optional.
Q: Is parking available for the Darwin Cup Carnival for non-members?
A: Yes, ample parking is available at the Darwin Turf Club on each race day. First in best dressed rules apply.