The frocks and fascinators will be out in force across the Douglas Shire today, with keen punters hoping to back a winner in today's Melbourne Cup.

The richest two-mile handicap event in the world, the Melbourne Cup is arguably Australia's most popular and analysed horse race. Though Flemington Racecourse hosts 'the race that stops the nation' every year, there's plenty of places around Douglas to catch the action!

QT Port Douglas, Port Douglas Road

Join the resort's quirky, cool and glamorous team for an afternoon of fun, frivolity and fundraising for the Children’s Hospital Foundations Australia.

Sponsored by Domaine Chandon champagne and Belvedere Vodka, QT's Melbourne Cup Charity Luncheon in Bazaar Restaurant starts at 12pm and finishes at 2pm, just in time for the race. All of Bazaar’s trademark dishes will be served, with a complimentary glass of Chandon on arrival for each guest.

Tickets: $75pp, with $10 of each ticket sale going directly towards the Children’s Hospital Foundations Australia. Bookings are essential.

Plus, QT's Estilo will play host to a cocktail lawn party from noon, with no bookings or tickets required. Chandon specials and jugs of Belvedere Vodka cocktails will ensure a very sophisticated affair, with prizes for best dressed male and female, a fundraising raffle and post-race entertainment courtesy of the ever charming DJ Brenton Catt.

The party will continue in Estilo all evening, including a very special Melbourne Cup edition of Taco Tuesday between 5pm and 8pm.

Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, Port Douglas Road

The Port Douglas Road resort's Glade Pavilion plays host to a Melbourne Cup Garden Party, in aid of National Breast Cancer Foundation today.

From 11.30am to 3.30pm, enjoy a great day with delicious food, fashion parade, calcutta, raffles and of course the big race.

TICKETS: $99pp, including food and beverages (SPG Members receive 15% off
or purchase your ticket for 7,125 Starpoints per person). Book online at http://www.sheratonportdouglas.com/forms/melbournecup?channel=Social.

Sassi Cucina e Bar, cnr Macrossan and Wharf Streets

Complementary glass of Chandon Brut NV Rose or Peroni Beer on arrival followed by a delicious 3 course menu (view online here). Cup Calcutta & Sweepstakes @ $2 and $5, and prizes including Best Hat, Most Stylish Lady, Best Dressed Man, and Best Tropical Outfit.

TICKETS: $79pp, with $5 every ticket donated to Douglas Shire Historical Society.

Watergate, Macrossan Street

TICKETS: $98pp, with a glass of french sparkling & canapes on arrival.

Menu: Campari Cured Atlantic Salmo, Salt Rubbed Eye Fillet, Chocolate Mud Cake.

Salsa Bar and Grill, Wharf Street

From 11am to 4pm, Salsa hosts a 4-course degustation lunch, with guests encouraged to wear their best pink attire in aid of Pink In The Tropics Breast Cancer Support Group.

TICKETS: $75pp

The Tin Shed (Port Douglas Combined Clubs), Ashford Ave off Wharf Street

Yellowglen Melbourne Cup Luncheon from 11am, with sweeps, raffles and lucky door prizes. Buffet lunch from 12pm.

Prizes include Dress Parade Prize (Male and Female), Best Fascinator Prize.  

TICKETS: $35pp (Members), $40pp (non-members)