Melbourne Cup Weekend Canine Carnival

The Melbourne Cup Weekend Canine Carnival is an exciting event organised by the Sunbury Canine Club Inc, a renowned Dog Sports club in Hume City. The annual show, proudly sponsored by Advance Premium Dog Food, takes place on Melbourne Cup Day, which falls on the first Tuesday in November.

Held at the picturesque Sunbury Recreation Reserve in Sunbury, a charming country town just 35 kilometres north of Melbourne, this event promises a day filled with fun and excitement. With its beautiful wineries, restaurants, and unique countryside attractions like Hanging Rock, Mt Macedon, Emu Bottom, and Rupertswood, Sunbury offers visitors a delightful experience beyond the dog show.

The Sunbury Canine Club show is no ordinary dog show – it is the largest one day dog show in Australia! The event sprawls across a massive football oval, with generously-sized marquees providing shade and shelter for our furry friends. What makes this show even more special is that winners of the Dog and Bitch Challenge are rewarded with a bottle of champagne, adding a touch of festivity to the holiday picnic day.

This event is not just about the dogs, but also about bringing together dog lovers from all over. Many groups organise barbeques or parties, creating a vibrant and social atmosphere where dog clubs and friends can enjoy a day out together. To add to the excitement, the event coincides with the running of the world-famous Melbourne Cup horse race, which is broadcasted globally. In fact, the judging of the dog show even pauses for everyone to catch the race!

But the fun doesn't stop there. The Sunbury show is held in conjunction with various speciality breed shows and group shows, such as the Gundog Club, Non Sporting Club, Working Dog Club, Hound Club, and Victorian Women's Dog Club All Breed show. This creates a thrilling four-day weekend Canine Carnival filled with various dog shows.

For those travelling from out of town, the Sunbury Canine Club ensures a memorable experience. Visitors can enjoy complimentary wine, cheese, and biscuits while watching the judging. Our major sponsor, ADVANCE, also provides a hospitality marquee where you can relax and indulge. On-site catering is available, and the show features numerous stalls offering a wide range of dog showing merchandise. During the lunch break, attendees can also enjoy the Junior Handlers and Veterans classes, as well as the Fashions On The Field Competition for both adults and juniors, embracing the spirit of the Melbourne Cup.

So come and join us at the Sunbury Recreation Reserve in Sunbury for the Melbourne Cup Weekend Canine Carnival. It's a fantastic opportunity to witness competitive dog sports, share the camaraderie with fellow dog lovers, and celebrate the bond we share with our four-legged friends. We can't wait to see you there!