How to watch the 2026 Melbourne Cup
It's the race that stops a nation.
If you want to watch the Melbourne Cup live and free, the entire carnival, including the great race itself, it will be broadcast exclusively across Channel 9 and 9Now.
Jamie Melham on Half Yours wins the 2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup. Racing Photos via Getty Images
Here’s your guide on how to watch the 2026 Melbourne Cup.
What channel is the Melbourne Cup on?
The Melbourne Cup broadcast is live and free-to-air on Channel 9, with full coverage starting from 10:00 AM (AEDT).
Simply switch your TV to Channel 9 to catch all the action.
Viewers can expect comprehensive race coverage throughout the day, featuring expert commentary, in-depth analysis from top racing talent, exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and real-time updates directly from Flemington Racecourse.
How to live stream the Melbourne Cup?
If you want to watch the Melbourne Cup live stream on your phone, computer, or smart TV, the entire broadcast will be streamed live and free on 9Now.
You can get the free live stream on all your favourite devices:
- Smart TVs and streaming devices - check which TVs are supported
- Mobile phones and tablets
- Apple iPhones and iPads (iOS 12+)
- Android phones and tablets (Android 5.0+)
- Chromecast to your TV
- Desktop or laptop via the website - check which web browsers are supported
You will need to sign up for a free account to get started, or download the app.
To check if the 9Now app can be accessed on your device, please visit 9Now's ways to watch.
An emotional Jamie Melham after winning the 2025 Melbourne Cup on Half Yours. Getty
How to watch the Melbourne Cup overseas?
While broadcast channels will be unavailable overseas, you can stay up-to-date with the latest action through the Wide World of Sports YouTube channel for exclusive content, highlights and behind the scenes footage of the Melbourne Cup carnival.
How to watch the Melbourne Cup replay and highlights?
If you miss the race, full race replays and highlights will be available shortly after the event on 9Now and at Nine.com.au/sport.
The Nine.com.au/sport Horse Racing Video page provides detailed highlights and analysis, making it an excellent resource for catching up on all the moments of the Melbourne Cup.
When is the Melbourne Cup 2026?
The Melbourne Cup runs on the first Tuesday of November annually:
- Date: Tuesday, 3 November 2026
- Location: Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
What time does the Melbourne Cup 2026 start?
The main event, the Melbourne Cup, is set to jump at 3pm AEDT.
For those watching around Australia, here is the official Melbourne Cup start time in your local time zone:
- NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, ACT: 3pm AEDT
- Queensland: 2pm AEST
- South Australia: 2.30pm ACDT
- Northern Territory: 1.30pm ACST
- Western Australia: 12pm AWST
The all-day broadcast starts much earlier. Tune in to Channel 9 from 10am AEDT for all the expert analysis, fashion and preliminary races from Flemington Racecourse.
