Easter is ready to hop into our calendars. And synonymous with this time of year for anyone who’s been around over the past casual 150 years or so, is the Oakbank Easter Racing Carnival!
It’s a tradition for many an Adelaide local… from the early years of hanging with the fam in the picnic area — sizzling up bacon and eggs while the parents pop bubbles as the sun’s just rising. Through to the right of passage in your late teens, heading with school friends on a bus to the members area for a day of shenanigans.
TBH, those high school days were the last time I ventured to this great carnival so my eyes were popping out of my head when I heard how much things have changed.
It’s action-packed fun over two big days — Saturday and Monday. With an endless list of amazing activities and special experiences on offer, it’s definitely the place to be this Easter for those wanting a family day or two out.
There’s options for all tastes and budgets, but for a starter, here’s what I uncovered…
For the fashionistas
For anyone with a penchant for gorgeous style, Saturday’s your day to shine! The stunning Fashion at the Races ambassador, Lauren Dilena, will be hosting the iconic competition and the stakes are even higher with a top gong of $2,000 cash for the Best Dressed Womenswear winner… that’s a whole lotta new outfits at your fingertips! Other hot categories include Runner-up Best Dressed, Best Millinery, Best Footwear Women’s and Best Dressed Menswear.
Plus, Media Makeup will be on hand to ensure you feel your finest with their beauty bar marquee on Saturday. They’re stocked with all the hottest MAKE UP FOR EVER, Cloud Nine and evo hair products and gadgets.
For the foodies
If you enjoy the finer things in life, why not soak up the atmosphere in style with the Mollydooker Long Lunch? For $199 per person, their premium package on Easter Saturday includes a five hour drinks package, delectable lunch, racecourse admission, access to members areas and more.
Or you can treat your guests to the best seats on course, either Saturday or Monday, with the Fallen Log Terrace package. You won’t miss a minute of the action from this vantage point, all while sinking into a five hour drinks package, premium food hamper, racecourse admission and more from a private undercover area.
And if you’re after tasty eats on the go, there’s an impressive line up of vendors in the new Food Truck Village, which is accessible to all. Get your tastebuds lined up for Squid Inc, Atomic Food, Beyond India and plenty of other delicious options!
For the thirsty
It’s a no-goon-bag situation with the Back Paddock area full of an incredible range of bars to help you on your merry way. Keep your eyes peeled for Pimms, Left Barrel Brewing, O’Leary Walker and Mollydooker Wines… or really kick things up a notch with the Espresso Martini Van.
For those with little tackers
There’s so much on offer — both Saturday and Monday — for those with kiddos in Melba’s Kidszone which is bigger than ever this year! Little ones can embrace the eggcitement with The Melba’s Giant Easter egg hunt throughout the day. Or jump on board the Stable Stars Kids Club and fill in the activity book to win some awesome prizes. Plus Kelly Sports will be on hand with a whole heap of ways to burn off energy, plus Specky events bring inflatable fun for footy fans. And if that’s not enough, there are free pony rides, bungee trampoline and even a rock climbing wall!
For those wanting to make a day of it
It’s easy to really let your hair down and get to and from the carnival with transport options galore. The ‘Pony Express’ has multiple pick up and drop off points on both Saturday and Monday, and at just $10 each way it’s a no brainer to hitch a ride.
With all the incredible things on the menu and MORE, I know where I’ll be heading this Easter. To get the full run down on all there is on offer, explore the website and get planning.
Em xx
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Image credits :: Meaghan Coles
