Melbourne Cup at Parliament House 2024

Saddle up, and mark your calendars for the event of the year! Join us for a thrilling day of excitement at the 2024 Melbourne Cup luncheon in Strangers' Restaurant.

Each year, this event is a sell-out, promising a gastronomic journey with a delightful three-course lunch surrounded by the charm of our heritage setting. As you revel in the heart-pounding race that captivates the entire nation, our large screen will ensure you don't miss a moment of the action.

Prepare your taste buds for a symphony of flavours, starting with the pleasures of our seafood entree, followed by the delights of a hearty main course. Finally, complete your culinary journey on a sweet note with our delectable chocolatey dessert, a fitting finale to an unforgettable meal.

For our vegetarian guests, a bespoke menu awaits, thoughtfully crafted with the finest ingredients, ensuring a truly gratifying dining experience. You can explore the sample menus below to get a glimpse of the culinary delights that await you.

A cash bar will be operational for those who wish to purchase beverages with a wide range of options including Queensland wines and craft beers.

Don't miss out on the fun and excitement. Secure your spot today and get ready for a memorable Melbourne Cup celebration at Strangers' Restaurant! 🏆🍽️ Tickets are selling fast, so gallop over and reserve yours now for a day filled with gourmet delights and thrilling moments!

When: 11.00am arrival for 12pm start

Where: Strangers' Restaurant, Parliament House

About Strangers’ Restaurant

Strangers’ Restaurant was originally known as the ‘Members Dining Room’ and the space was exclusive to Members of Parliament. In more recent years, the restaurant has been opened to the wider community and offers lunch, dinner and high tea sittings.

The beautiful heritage room is also available for private hire and events. You can find out more information or book a table here

📷 PHOTOGRAPHY DISCLAIMER Please note you may be photographed or filmed during this event. If you wish to be excluded from content, please inform the photographer at the event.

Amuse on arrival (on table)

• Lamb back strap, toasted focaccia, crushed peas, radish
• Pakora rouge, pickled lilly pilly, cumin yoghurt GF V

Entrée

Seafood assiette

• Citrus cured Tasmanian salmon, ruby grapefruit, kewpie mayo, wasabi dressing GF DF
• Poached Mooloolaba prawn cocktail, baby gem, pickled cucumber, sesame seed cracker GF DF
• Hervey Bay scallops, broccoli stem salad, cauliflower puree, crispy pancetta DF GF

Vegetarian Option

• Grilled stone fruit, Persian fetta, gremolata GF V
• Stuffed zucchini flower, sundried tomato, almond hummus, pomegranate GF VG
• Roast cauliflower, chermoula, caper raisin purée GF VG

Main

Darling downs beef short rib, potato fondant, carrot scratching, red onion gel, black garlic jus GF DF

Vego option: Ricotta gnocchi, artichoke, herb salad, white balsamic, desert oak V

Side: Radicchio & rocket salad, pickled red onion, walnut dressing GF VG

Dessert

Warm chocolate fondant, coco nib tulle, espresso foam, mascarpone cream V

Assorted Petit fours + barista tea & coffee

What do I need to bring with me?

Parliament House, Queensland is a working parliament and as such has strict security rules. All attendees must provide Government issued photo ID upon entry. 

What time should I arrive?

Please arrive from 11:00am to allow time for security processing before the Melbourne Cup event commences at 12:00pm.

How do I find the Strangers’ Dining Room?

Guests must enter the Parliamentary Precinct via the Parliamentary Annexe, located on Alice St.  For security reasons, guests are not permitted to leave the Annexe foyer area without an escort.  A member of staff will collect guests from the foyer of the Parliamentary Annexe and escort them to the Strangers’ Dining Room.

What are my parking options during the event?

Guests arriving by car must make their own parking arrangements, as there is no visitor parking available at Queensland Parliament House. The closest paid parking facilities are located next door at QUT.

What is the refund policy?

We are more than happy to refund purchased tickets until 7 days prior to the event. Guests who wish to cancel their ticket after this time can transfer their paid seat to another event No refunds or transfers are available within 48 hours.

What is the dress code?

The dress code is smart casual, don't forget your fascinators!

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, your ticket is not needed as guest names and contact details must be submitted during the ticket purchase process. These names will be included on our attendee list and checked against your photo ID when you arrive.

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please feel free to email [email protected] with any questions you may have.

Host or Publisher Queensland Parliament