Key facts
- Queensland start time: 2:00pm AEST, Tuesday 3 November 2026.
- Melbourne start time: 3:00pm AEDT.
- Queensland is one hour behind Victoria in November because it has no daylight saving.
- Melbourne Cup Day is not a public holiday in Queensland.
What time is the Melbourne Cup in QLD in 2026?
The Melbourne Cup starts at 2:00pm AEST in Queensland on Tuesday 3 November 2026. In Melbourne it is 3:00pm AEDT. Queensland stays on standard time all year, so from October to April it is one hour behind Victoria and New South Wales. Start times for every other state are on our Melbourne Cup start time page.
| Place | Local start time |
|---|---|
| Brisbane | 2:00pm |
| Gold Coast | 2:00pm |
| Sunshine Coast | 2:00pm |
| Townsville and Cairns | 2:00pm |
| Toowoomba | 2:00pm |
| Tweed Heads (NSW, across the border) | 3:00pm |
What is the Cup Day timetable in Queensland time?
The whole Cup Day timetable shifts back an hour in Queensland:
- 9:45am: first race at Flemington.
- 1:15pm: Melbourne Cup Trophy Ceremony begins.
- 2:00pm: the Melbourne Cup starts.
- 4:15pm: last race at Flemington.
Why is there a time difference?
There is a time difference because Queensland does not use daylight saving. Victoria moved its clocks forward on the first Sunday in October, so from then until early April, Melbourne is on AEDT (UTC+11) while Brisbane stays on AEST (UTC+10).
Is Melbourne Cup Day a holiday in Queensland?
Melbourne Cup Day is not a public holiday in Queensland. It is a public holiday only in Victoria, apart from councils that set a substitute local holiday. Our Melbourne Cup public holiday page explains the rules in every state.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Melbourne Cup in Brisbane?
The Melbourne Cup starts at 2:00pm in Brisbane on Tuesday 3 November 2026.
What time is the Melbourne Cup on the Gold Coast?
The Melbourne Cup starts at 2:00pm on the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast is in Queensland and also stays on AEST.
Why is the Melbourne Cup at 2pm in Queensland?
Queensland does not use daylight saving, so in November it is one hour behind Victoria. The race starts at 3:00pm AEDT in Melbourne, which is 2:00pm AEST in Queensland.
Is Melbourne Cup Day a public holiday in Queensland?
No. Melbourne Cup Day is a public holiday in Victoria only, although many Queensland workplaces and pubs stop for the race.
What time does Melbourne Cup coverage start in Queensland?
Racing on Cup Day starts at 10:45am AEDT, which is 9:45am in Queensland. Channel 9 coverage runs through the afternoon up to and after the 2:00pm race.
What time is the Melbourne Cup in northern New South Wales?
Northern New South Wales towns near the Queensland border, such as Tweed Heads, use NSW time, so the race starts at 3:00pm there, an hour later than across the border in Coolangatta.
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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.