Celebrate spring racing in Camberwell Junction

Right before the starting gate opens is when anticipation and excitement are at their peak. The horses are groomed and looking their finest; all that preparation is finally paying off and they are ready to win!

The Spring Racing Carnival is an exciting and heady time in Melbourne. Whether you’re sipping champagne in the Bird Cage, picnicking in the car park, or throwing your own race day celebration at home, preparation is the key to fun and fabulousness.

Camberwell Junction has everything you need to make sure you’re race-ready for the 2024 spring racing season.

Embrace spring racing style

The Spring Racing Carnival may centre on competition between horses and their riders, but fashionistas know the parades of champions is rivalled only by the parade of chic outfits, stunning millinery, and carefully curated ensembles that turn the racecourse into a runway.

This year, you can secure your place in the winners’ circle by knowing the hottest trends for the season.

Bold crochet and cut-outs are set to be a big spring racing favourite, as are sheer, barely there fabrics, and in Camberwell Junction, you’ll find some fabulous pieces at Blue Illusion, Country Road, Carolina, and Seed.

Don’t forget shoes, bags and accessories – and the good news for anyone who has ever left a day at the races with their heels in their hands, is that ballet flats are the shoes of the season. Check out the range at Midas, Mountfords and Frankie4 Footwear.

For the men, Camberwell Junction has you sorted too, with all the winning looks at Gazman, Sportscraft, and Cavalier Menswear.

In Camberwell Junction, the place to find the headwear to suit your look is at Hats Off Handmade Headwear, which offers bespoke fascinators and hats that range from statement pieces to the quietly subtle.

To complement your headwear, add the prettiest of jewels to your outfit from Stephens & Miller Jewellers, who specialise in custom-made jewellery, gem stones and antique pieces.

View a full list of our fashion stores in our directory.

Beautify for race day

Preparing for the Spring Racing Carnival requires more than just finding the perfect outfit – it’s about feeling and looking your absolute best from head to toe.

From expert hairstylists to luxurious spa treatments and nail perfection, Camberwell Junction is the go-to destinations for turning your beauty vision into reality.

Put on your best Spring Racing Carnival face by booking in a facial or skin treatment at Derma Cosmetika, and prepare your body with a wax, exfoliation and moisturising treatment at Endota Spa. Don’t forget to book in for a tan at Beauty and Bronze.

Heads of Camberwell will create the best hairstyle for your outfits, and don’t forget the finishing touches – book in a manicure, pedicure and eyebrow shape.

Men can complete their stylish look with a shave and haircut from Barbers On Burke or Mayhem Barbers.

View a full list of our hairdressers and beauty salons in our directory.

Observe race day at home

You don’t need to be trackside to embrace the glamour of the Spring Racing Carnival – in fact, some of the most memorable spring racing days happen at home, surrounded by friends and family, dressed up and enjoying a barbecue, with only brief pauses to gather around the TV to cheer on a winner.

Camberwell Junction has everything you need for a spring racing barbecue or get-together. Whip up gourmet salads, charcuterie boards, and stunning grazing plates with fresh produce from the Camberwell Fresh Food Market and top up with extras from Aldi and Coles Local.

Camberwell Place also has all your fish and meat needs covered – just pop into Fish Pier and Rainbow Meats.

Horses aren’t the only ones who enjoy grazing, so make sure you have a selection of nibbles and deli foods on hand. Grab a selection from Nick and Sue’s Gourmet Deli, The Source Bulk Foods, and Coltivare, or pick up a selection of pies and sandwiches from Anne’s Pantry.

Champagne is the queen of drinks during Spring Racing Carnival, so stock up on the bubbly, as well as a selection of beer and wine from CV Wine Merchants, BWS, or Dan Murphy’s.

Celebrate race day in Camberwell Junction

Long after the horses have done their winning laps, the Spring Racing Carnival continues in Camberwell Junction.

Every night during the Spring Racing Carnival, Camberwell Junction comes alive with punters celebrating their wins or lamenting their near misses.

Great racing stories are made, and fashion dissected in Camberwell Junction’s wine bars. Check out East End Wine Bar or Young’s Wine Rooms, where the most fabulous race-goers gather. For a relaxing and casual atmosphere head to La Cabra or Bar None, or stop in at Cafe Paradiso where you can enjoy the atmosphere of their outdoor beer garden.

No matter what your Spring Racing Carnival plans are, you’ll always be a winner in Camberwell Junction.