Melbourne Cup tour kicks off

The race that stops the nation might be five months away but Victorians are being encouraged to get a glimpse of the Melbourne Cup as it goes on tour.

Racing Minister Martin Pakula told Victorians on Tuesday the tour was a great chance to "get up close" with the cup before the 155th running of the race on November 3.

Mr Pakula said he hoped racing fans would "flock to see the Cup that is so prized by horse trainers and owners across the globe" on its trip around Australia and New Zealand.