Fly into the Spring Racing Carnival This Year
Getting to the Melbourne Cup Carnival for Spring Racing at Flemington couldn’t be easier.
Avoid the traffic, arrive via the most scenic route, and arrive in style by helicopter.
Travel one way or return by landing at the Spring Racing Carnival helipad.
It’s only a short walk to the Main Gate near the Bird Cage.
Helicopter Flights into the Melbourne Cup
How are you getting to the Melbourne Cup Carnival this year? Additionally, avoid the traffic by arriving via the most scenic route. Travel most stylishly by helicopter this Spring Racing season.
Opt for either one-way or return helicopter travel, landing at the Spring Racing Carnival helipad at Flemington Racecourse.
Forget parking the car. No more fighting the traffic.
Your day starts with being collected and dropped off at the airport.
Enjoy a wine, soft drink, or water before taking your safety brief and walking out to the helicopter with your pilot. Grab some TikTok-worthy photos before you depart and of your flight. Don’t forget to tag us in any social posts, as we love to live vicariously through your posts.
Your helicopter lands within a short walk to the Main Gate near the Bird Cage.
Key Cup Carnival Dates
Howden Victoria Derby Day – Saturday 31st Oct 2026
Lexus Melbourne Cup – Tuesday 3rd Nov 2026
Crown (Ladies Day) Oaks Day – Thursday 5th Nov 2026
TAB Champions Stakes Day – Saturday 7th Nov 2026
Departure and arrival times will be finalised once the Victorian Racing Club releases race times.
Flights are limited as arrivals at Flemington close 20 minutes before the commencement of each race.
Melbourne Cup Carnival Inclusions
Flights are in the Airbus H125 ‘ Squirrel’ helicopter
All helicopters are fitted with Bose Noise canceling headsets with Bluetooth.
All flights are private and can accommodate up to 5 people
Complimentary car transfers from your CBD Motel to Essendon Airport and return
Pre-flight – Champagne, Wine, Soft Drink and Water.
Getting to the Races – Essendon and Melbourne Airport Flights
| Departure | One Way | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Essendon Fields | $3,100 Inc GST | $5,000 Inc GST |
| Melbourne Airport | $3,900 Inc GST | $6,000 Inc GST |
Additionally, for Melbourne Airport Departures or Arrivals, add $60 p/person for Melbourne Airport Fees.
What does the Melbourne Cup Carnival package include?
The package includes helicopter flights in Airbus H125 ‘Squirrel’ helicopters, Bose noise-canceling headsets, private flights for up to five people, and complimentary transfers from nearby airports.
What are the key dates for the Spring Racing Carnival?
The key dates include Howden Victoria Derby Day on October 31, 2026, Lexus Cup on November 3, 2026, Oaks Day on November 5, 2026, and TAB Champions Stakes Day on November 7, 2026.
Are there any additional costs for transportation to the Cup, such as airport transfers?
Yes, only entry to the Carnival. We also offer complimentary car transfers from your CBD Motel to Essendon Airport and back.
What are the options for helicopter travel to the Cup Carnival?
You can choose between one-way or return helicopter flights landing at the Flemington Racecourse helipad, which is very close to the main event area.
How can I get to the Melbourne Cup Carnival in style?
You can arrive in style by helicopter, land at the Spring Racing Carnival helipad, and enjoy a short walk to the main gate near the Bird Cage.
What does the heli transfer package offer?
The package includes helicopter flights in Airbus H125 ‘Squirrel’ helicopters, Bose noise-canceling headsets, private flights for up to five people, and complimentary transfers from nearby airports.
What are the important dates for the Races in 2026?
Howden Victoria Derby Day – Saturday 31st Oct 2026
Lexus Melbourne Cup – Tuesday 3rd Nov 2026
Crown (Ladies Day) Oaks Day – Thursday 5th Nov 2026
TAB Champions Stakes Day – Saturday 7th Nov 2026
What helicopter travel options are available for the Spring Racing Carnival?
You can opt for either one-way or return helicopter flights landing at the Flemington Racecourse helipad, which is conveniently close to the main event area.
Are airport transfers included in the transportation options for the Melbourne Cup Carnival?
Yes, subject to prior bookings, complimentary car transfers are provided from your CBD Motel to Essendon Airport and back.
Alchohol Consumption and Safe Flying
All passengers flying with Leisure Heli Tours must be able to independently operate their seatbelt and aircraft door as required by the crew. Passengers must also be fit to fly and must not be excessively under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. The pilot has the final discretion to refuse carriage if a passenger is considered unfit to fly or may present a safety concern.