The roses are blooming, the food trucks are cranking up the burners and it's just days until Melbourne's biggest annual party – the Melbourne Cup carnival – begins.
This year, the Victoria Racing Club has made changes to lure younger punters to the track – even those with no interest in the actual horses – and spruce up some other areas.
Chief among them is the launch of the Park precinct, a public area featuring live music, a range of famous food outlets and the largest Fashions on the Field stage in the event's 54-year history.
At the launch of the Park on Monday, VRC executive general manager Caroline Ralphsmith said the changes are designed to give people lots of reasons to choose a day at Flemington over a long weekend away, or an off-site event.
She said the Park is aimed at the 18-to-35 age group, with more family-friendly entertainment on Emirates Stakes Day, the final day of the carnival.
"On the whole, racegoers tend to be an older demographic," she said, adding that first-timers needn't be intimidated by formality – there's something for everyone.
"We don't mind if you don't even want to come for the racing," she said.
OK, horses aside, here are five of the must-sees and do's at Flemington this carnival.
Hitch a ride on the ferris wheel
Arguably the best legal high at the races this year, a ferris wheel in the Park has a view of the track. Time your ride right, say about 2.55pm, and you may just score a view of the $6.2 million Cup.
Rock out to a live band
Whether it's Triple J Hottest 100 winners the Rubens on Derby Day or indie trio SAFIA on Oaks Day, the live stage in the Park will be an ideal place to kick off your heels and have a dance on the grass. On Stakes Day, the stage will feature the best of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Spot a celebrity in the new Birdcage marquee
With Swisse making way for Sensis, there's a feeling of freshness in the Birdcage this year, for those fortunate enough to have access to the VIP enclosure. While big-name international guests are so far few and far between, there are still a few days left for the corporate types to surprise groupies with some big names. Stars already confirmed include Usain Bolt (Crown, Oaks Day) and Grant Show (Mumm, Cup Day).
Get a better view of the track
The newly refurbished Undercroft, now known as Saintly Place after the late Bart Cummings, is a free area for racegoers wanting to get a view of the rack, ie actually see a horse. The Hill Stand foyer has also been refurbished.
Stay dry if the heavens misbehave
While the Park has some shelter from trees, the make-up touch-up area and in the 500-person Pony Bar, the VRC has available $20 raincoats in pastel pink and green that even have a larger hood to fit your hat.
The Melbourne Cup carnival begins this Saturday, Derby Day, and winds up with Stakes Day on November 5.