Applications to host 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour officially open

Towns and communities across Australia and the world are encouraged to submit their tender for the chance to host the $850,000, 18-carat-gold trophy as part of its 23rd annual tour.

Since its inception in 2003, the tour has travelled more than one million kilometres, visiting more than 670 destinations far and wide including Longreach in central Queensland, New York in the United States, Katherine in the Northern Territory, Deauville in France, Wyalkatchem in Western Australia, Rowella in Tasmania and Streaky Bay in South Australia.

The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep is also an important part of the tour and sees 24 rural and regional Cup Tour destinations across Australia allocated a barrier for the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup. Representatives from each of the 24 destinations are flown to Melbourne to watch the Lexus Melbourne Cup live on track at Flemington and the town which draws the barrier of the Cup winning horse will be presented with a cash prize of $50,000 to put towards a charity of their choice.

Harden-Murrumburrah, twin towns in the Hilltops region of New South Wales took home the $50,000 donation last year after Knight’s Choice stormed home to win the 164th edition of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

The regional town nominated Murrumburrah Harden Show Society as their charity, with the money put towards the installation of a covered, multi-purpose arena for the whole community to utilise.

VRC Chief Executive Officer Kylie Rogers said the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour is one of the most important community initiatives for the club and gives the VRC the chance to share the joy of the three handled trophy with people everywhere.

“Everyone has a story connected to the Lexus Melbourne Cup, it holds a special place in the hearts of many and the tour was established to give people the chance to come together and share in the magic of the Cup,” Ms Rogers said.

“We never dreamed the tour would evolve into such a significant community event, which 22 years on, continues to grow in popularity.

“We are humbled by the joy and excitement that the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour brings, and we encourage every community, no matter where they are located or how many residents call it home, to apply to host this year’s edition.”

Once selected as a Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour destination, communities will be supported by the VRC to plan and host a range of memorable community events during the Cup’s visit.

A stable of racing legends will accompany the Cup as tour ambassadors and share their unforgettable Lexus Melbourne Cup moments.

Applications can be made online at Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour until Thursday 17 April.

Successful 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour submissions will be announced in June, with the tour officially commencing its journey soon after.

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