Key facts
- Perth start time: 12:00pm AWST, Tuesday 3 November 2026.
- Melbourne start time: 3:00pm AEDT, three hours later.
- Western Australia does not use daylight saving.
- Melbourne Cup Day is not a public holiday in Western Australia.
What time is the Melbourne Cup in Perth in 2026?
The Melbourne Cup starts at 12:00pm (midday) AWST in Perth on Tuesday 3 November 2026, which is 3:00pm AEDT in Melbourne. Western Australia does not use daylight saving, so it is three hours behind Victoria in November. For other states, see our Melbourne Cup start time page.
| Event (Melbourne time) | Perth time |
|---|---|
| Gates open (9:00am) | 6:00am |
| First race (10:45am) | 7:45am |
| Trophy ceremony (2:15pm) | 11:15am |
| Melbourne Cup (3:00pm) | 12:00pm |
| Last race (5:15pm) | 2:15pm |
How do you plan a Perth Cup lunch around the race?
A Perth Cup lunch fits neatly around the midday start:
- 11:00am: guests arrive and the sweep is drawn.
- 11:15am: trophy ceremony and pre-race coverage on Channel 9.
- 12:00pm: the Melbourne Cup starts.
- 12:05pm: sweep winners are paid, then lunch is served.
Where can you watch the Melbourne Cup in Perth?
You can watch the Melbourne Cup in Perth on Channel 9 and stream it on 9Now. Our how to watch the Melbourne Cup guide lists every TV, streaming and radio option.
Is Melbourne Cup Day a holiday in WA?
Melbourne Cup Day is not a public holiday in Western Australia, but many workplaces stop at midday to watch the race.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Melbourne Cup in Perth?
The Melbourne Cup starts at 12:00pm (midday) AWST in Perth on Tuesday 3 November 2026.
Why is the Melbourne Cup at midday in Perth?
Western Australia is on AWST (UTC+8) all year, while Melbourne is on AEDT (UTC+11) in November. The three-hour gap turns the 3:00pm Melbourne start into midday in Perth.
What time does Cup Day racing start in Perth time?
The first race at Flemington is at 10:45am AEDT, which is 7:45am in Perth.
Is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday in WA?
No. Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in Victoria only.
What time is the Melbourne Cup in regional WA?
All of Western Australia uses AWST, so the Melbourne Cup starts at 12:00pm in Broome, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury and Albany as well as Perth.
Where can I watch the Melbourne Cup in Perth?
The Melbourne Cup is live and free on Channel 9 and streamed on 9Now across Western Australia.
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Who wrote and checked this page
Alexander Korsager
Alexander Korsager is our editor-in-chief. He has spent more than ten years in online gambling and iGaming, including senior leadership roles. He writes every Melbourne Cup guide on this site from official VRC and Racing Victoria sources.
Mark D'Andrea
Mark D'Andrea is a Senior Regulatory Consultant at Gaming Associates, an independent testing and certification laboratory for the gambling industry. He fact-checks our race guides, betting rules and safer gambling information.