The charming Grampians Region is also home to several renowned events, including the Great Western Cup.
As one of the nation’s most admired racing events, the Great Western Cup welcomes many international and local visitors to its quaint and picturesque township next to the majestic Grampian Ranges.
Seppelt Great Western Cup 2025 Dates, Grampians VIC
The Seppelt Great Western Cup is a genuine, grassroots thoroughbred race day experience and a must-do on anyone’s racing bucket list.
They pride themselves on delivering a unique race day. The committee, staff, and volunteers are welcoming and happy to be part of an exceptional community thoroughbred racing club. They love to deliver a race day experience that meets and exceeds expectations. The welcoming nature and enthusiasm that visitors receive at Great Western from staff and committee members ensure that all visitors always feel comfortable and welcome.
At the Seppelt Great Western Cup you can enjoy the up-close racing action that you’ll only get in the country while also enjoying all the wonderful race day entertainment and activities on offer. The Ararat RSL Fashions on the Field is a race day feature and this year we welcome X Genz, a Melbourne based 5-piece cover band to the main stage. X Genz will keep you entertained and get you dancing the day away after the races are run and won.
The racecourse offers an array of excellent facilities for participants and visitors. Nestled in a beautiful landscape, the Great Western Racecourse provides a relaxing venue where spectators can view this world-class race. So make sure you browse through the list of horses and place a bet on one of your favourites!
General Admission
General Admission is your pass to a full day of racing action in the country, where you’re sure to have a day that’s got it all. Pre-purchasing your ticket is a great way to avoid the queue on race day and walk straight into the action.
Bird Cage Corporate Dining
The Bird Cage Dining Package is our most popular race day package. Racegoers can experience genuine country hospitality at the Great Western Cup race meeting, delivered with a friendly smile and a personal touch. This package is high-standard, with wonderful gourmet catering and local wine options, and it is popular amongst racegoers, averaging around 120 guests per year.
Features of the Bird Cage Enclosure include:
- Racecourse Admission
- Racebook
- Gourmet Catering Package
- Private Bar & Beverage Package including Beer, Local Great Western Wines & Soft Drink/Water. Spirits available at Guests’ Expense
- All Day Access to the Birdcage – a Fully Furnished Enclosure in the centre of the Race Day Action
- Private Lawn Courtyard with large Market Umbrellas, Cafe Furniture, Tables & Chairs
- TV broadcast in Bird Cage
- Guest Speaker & Punter’s Club
Please Note: The beverage package commences at 12:30pm and concludes 15 minutes after the last Seppelt Great Western Cup Day race.
Marquee Package
Enjoy the Seppelt Great Western Cup from the comfort of your own Marquee.
All Marquees have track views and are close to the bar, betting facilities, and race day entertainment. Mini Marquees are ideal for smaller groups (approximately ten people), and Entertainer Marquees are ideal for medium groups (approximately 20 people) attending the Seppelt Great Western Cup.
Pack a picnic or choose catering from the club—either way, you will enjoy this package option as a great base for race day.
Mini Marquee Includes:
- 3m x 3m Marquee Structure (front of Marquee is Open)
- 1 Garden Table
- 10 Garden Chairs
- Access to Lawn Bar, Entertainment & Betting Facilities
Entertainer Marquee Includes:
- 3m x 6m Marquee Structure (front of Marquee is Open)
- 2 Garden Tables
- 20 Garden Chairs
- Access to Lawn Bar, Entertainment & Betting Facilities
Please note: Marquee Packages do not include Racecourse Admission. General Admission Tickets must be purchased separately.
Market Umbrella
A Market Umbrella is situated amongst the race day action. Basked in country sunshine but with enough shade to keep your group comfortable, it keeps you close to the action and live entertainment at an affordable price!
It’s a cost-effective way to have a comfortable, enjoyable day at the Seppelt Great Western Cup. With the option of bringing in your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, our Market Umbrella is a winner for families and groups alike.
A Market Umbrella Includes:
- 4m Market Umbrella
- 1 Garden Table
- 10 Garden Chairs
- 10 Admission Tickets
Return Bus
Courtesy of the Great Western Racing Club, Free Buses will run from Ararat, Stawell and Halls Gap.
Bookings Essential
- Free Bus from Ararat departs Town Hall at 12pm and leaves Races after Band finishes at 6:30pm
- Free Bus from Stawell departs Town Hall at 12pm and leaves Races after Band finishes at 6:30pm
- Free Bus from Halls Gap departs Service station 11:30am and leaves races after the band finishes at 6:30pm
Ticketing will not be issued for the bus – names will be provided to the driver.
Racecourse Camping
Unpowered sites are $0 per night but must be booked – please order multiple quantities if wanting to book for more than one night.
After having a great time at the Great Western Cup, why don’t you check out some cellar doors or take a winery tour? This way, you will explore the best-kept secrets of the Grampians Region. Also, check out some of the delicious restaurant meals throughout the town, which serve many local wines.
As the Great Western Cup falls close to the Australia Day weekend, why not plan a week-long vacation in the beautiful Grampians? For children, the Great Western Cup offers many amusement options, including live music, delicious food and numerous activities. Also, take your little ones to the nearby Grapevine Mini Marquee Village for the ultimate country experience.
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