Is this event suitable for children?

No, the event is strictly for guests aged 18 and over; no one under 18 will be admitted.

Can I purchase additional drinks at the event?

Yes, a full bar is available on-site where you can buy extra drinks including bubbles and cocktails.

Are the cocktail masterclasses included in the ticket price?

Cocktail masterclasses are optional and require pre-booking in addition to your event admission.

What kind of food is served?

Guests can enjoy a grazing charcuterie board and gourmet canapés throughout the event.

Where exactly is the event held?

The celebration takes place at the Field of Dreams Parkland, Railway Square, Sarina, Queensland.

Is there a dress code?

Guests are encouraged to dress fashionably for the Melbourne Cup theme, including hats and fascinators.

Celebrate Melbourne Cup Day with Cocktails and Canapés at Sarina Sugar Shed | Events

Experience Melbourne Cup Day in a way that pulses with style and southern Queensland spirit at the Sarina Sugar Shed, situated in the heart of Sarina, Queensland. This lively event transforms the sugar country landscape into a chic field celebration, starting at 11:30 a.m. with a welcome cocktail designed to set the mood for an unforgettable afternoon. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of the race or the social buzz around it, this unique gathering blends the excitement of Melbourne Cup with gourmet tastes and hands-on fun.

The Sugar Shed isn’t just a backdrop—it's a cornerstone of Sarina’s local culture, known for honoring regional heritage through authentic events. The venue brings a charming rural edge to the day with its wide-open Field of Dreams Parkland, offering spacious and vibrant settings for guests keen to mingle, sip, and savor. Throughout the afternoon, guests enjoy gourmet canapés served alongside a grazing charcuterie board, curated to complement the festive mood with fresh, local flavors that pay homage to the surrounding landscape’s rich agricultural roots.

Beyond the refreshment, the event raises the stakes with interactive highlights: attendees can join cocktail masterclasses at noon and 1 p.m., where expert mixologists walk you through crafting your own signature race-day drink—a must for anyone wanting to sharpen their bartending skills or simply relish a freshly shaken classic. Meanwhile, bustle and gaiety fill the air with a fashion parade showcasing colorful outfits and fancy fascinators, cash sweeps for the competitive spirits, and a playful hobby horse crafting activity culminating in a friendly race.

Set in Sarina, a gateway town known for its sugar-producing history, the event captures the region’s unique blend of casual country charm and festive sophistication. It’s a standout occasion not only because it centers on Australia's premier horse race but because it creatively celebrates community, food, and fun.

Ideal for adults 18 and over, this lively celebration provides exclusive access to the Sugar Shed’s full bar and retail space, perfect for toasting the Cup with bubbles or grabbing a keepsake. Whether you come for the cocktails, camaraderie, or chance to dress up, "Cocktails on the Field" offers a refreshing, spirited way to experience the iconic Melbourne Cup in tropical Queensland’s countryside. Mark your calendar for November 4th and prepare to celebrate vibrant country style with a twist of mixology magic.

About Sarina Sugar Shed

Sarina Sugar Shed is a multi-award winning tourist attraction in Sarina, Queensland, dedicated to interpreting the region’s sugar cane heritage and producing small-batch rum and gourmet products.

The site operates a working miniature sugar mill and a boutique micro distillery, offering guided one-hour tours that explain the cane-to-mill process and the steps used to craft rum and liqueurs from local ingredients. Visitors can watch cane crushing demonstrations, taste fresh cane juice, sample onsite sauces and barrel-aged rums, and join shorter tasting sessions for a quick introduction.

Tours include a standard Sarina Sugar Shed Tour, a combined Rum Distillery Tour + Sarina Sugar Shed Tour, dedicated Rum Distillery Tours with exclusive tastings, 15-minute tasting sessions, and family-focused Kids Tours during school holidays. Group bookings are available for educational visits and special interest groups, while seasonal events such as Melbourne Cup Day feature cocktails, canapés and entertainment.

The attraction emphasizes hands-on interpretation and specialist tastings led by guides and distilling experts. Its public schedule includes a daily rum tour at 12pm, and many experiences are designed to suit time‑conscious visitors as well as families. Sarina Sugar Shed’s use of local ingredients, on-site production, and curated tasting programs supports its reputation for authentic regional experiences and award-recognised spirits. The centre provides clear booking options for groups, individuals and families seeking an accessible, educational and flavour-driven outing in Sarina, Queensland.

Short tasting sessions showcase ginger beer, liqueurs and handcrafted spirits, while kids' activities include critter hunts, quizzes and fairy floss treats for all ages.