FAQs

GENERAL

What do I wear?

Entry to general admission areas of the race course requires guests to be neatly dressed.  Footwear and a shirt must be worn at all times. Members’ dress standards apply to the Ted Bailey Grandstand and Sid Parker Verandah/Members Club House. Dress standards can be viewed here

What time do gates open?

• On standard race days, gates open one hour prior to the first race unless otherwise specified
• On feature race days, gates open at 10.00am unless otherwise specified
• On Bridge Toyota Ladies Day, gates open at 9.00am unless otherwise specified
• On Carlton Mid Darwin Cup Day, gates open at 8.00am unless otherwise specified

How much is general admission to the racecourse?

Prices for standard race days year round are:

• Adults:  $7
• Senior Card Holders:  $5
• Children Under 18: Free

Feature race day admission prices vary and can be viewed here

What time is the first race?

First race time varies. Confirmed race times and fields can be viewed here from mid-day on Thursday prior to the race day. Generally local races are approximately 40 minutes apart.

Can I bring food and/or drinks in to the racecourse?

As the Darwin Turf Club is fully licensed, alcohol is not permitted to be brought into the venue. There are ample facilities provided to purchase alcoholic drinks and the Club practices the responsible service of alcohol.

We welcome patrons to bring their own chairs, picnic lunch and sealed soft drinks/water. For health and safety reasons, please be aware that you are not permitted to bring open beverages, BBQ's, picnic tables and beach/market umbrellas. The Darwin Turf Club provides outdoor tables, chairs and umbrellas in general admission areas, on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Can I reserve outdoor tables and chairs?

The outdoor tables and chairs are freely available to all general admission guests on a first-come, first-served basis. They are not able to be reserved. During the Darwin Cup Carnival, additional shaded areas with tables and chairs are available on the same basis.

Do I need to pre-book my general admission tickets?

General racecourse admission tickets for each race meeting are available at the racecourse entrance points – there is no need to pre-purchase these tickets. During the Darwin Cup Carnival and other feature race days throughout the year, tickets can be purchased online via the Darwin Turf Club website. On Darwin Cup Day, general admission tickets pre-purchased online are at a discounted price. Look for the link on the home page in relation to the feature race day you want to attend.

Can I bring my children to the races and what are the restrictions?

Children under 18 years are welcome at all standard race meetings and receive complimentary admission. Charges may apply for children attending feature race meetings. Please note that the Darwin Turf Club is a licensed venue. All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult (parent or guardian) at all times whilst in the venue. Children over 12 must dress to the members’ standard within the members’ area and will be required to pay adult prices if partaking in any advertised luncheons during feature race days and the Darwin Cup Carnival. Children under the age of 18 are not permitted to approach any beverage or gambling outlets.

ATM and EFTPOS Facilities

The ATM on course is located in the Ted D’Ambrosio Lounge. EFTPOS facilities are also available in our Grandstand. During the Darwin Cup Carnival, several other ATM locations will be made available.

Smoking

The Darwin Turf Club is a licensed venue and is subject to Territory smoking laws. Laws introduced effective 2 Jan 2011 require all licensed venues to designate outdoor areas for smoking. At the Darwin Turf Club, smoking is not permitted within 2 metres of any entrance to an indoor area, any bar or the racetrack fence. The consumption of food is not permitted in any smoking area.
Five smoking areas have been designated:
1. Outside Ted D’Ambrosio Bar
2. Silks & Saddles
3. The lawns (2 metres from racetrack fence)
4. The Schweppes Pavilion balcony
5. For Members, the second level between the Sid Parker Members Club House and Ted Bailey Grandstand
Smoking outside of the above areas is not permitted. Any non-compliance with these laws can result not only in a substantial financial penalty for the Turf Club, but an on-the-spot fine for the individual.

Where is lost property?

Lost property is kept for 3 months at Reception in the Administration Office of the Darwin Turf Club. All enquiries regarding lost property should be directed to (08) 8923 4222 or email dtc@darwinturfclub.org.au

I have lost my tickets – what should I do?

Tickets collected prior to the race day are the responsibility of the purchaser and cannot be replaced. Premium Dining Package card holders will be charged $25 per card replacement.

How do I get to the Darwin Turf Club?

The racecourse is located in the suburb of Fannie Bay, just off Dick Ward Drive. It’s approximately 10 minutes drive from the Darwin Airport and 7 minutes drive from the Darwin CBD. Enter off Dick Ward Drive. Please note that during the Darwin Cup Carnival, parking for the general public will be in the centre of the track, with access from Douglas and/or Playford Streets. More information on the racecourse can be viewed here and further information on parking can be viewed here

Mobile Phones

No person shall transmit from the grounds of the racecourse any betting odds being offered by bookmakers on any horse that is competing at a racecourse in Australia or elsewhere. While betting is taking place on the grounds of the racecourse, mobile phones are not permitted to be turned on;

• In the mounting yard
• In the scales area
• In any other area designated by Stewards

No person shall have in his possession or use a mobile phone in the area of the jockey’s room

Racehorse Owners Passes

All owners of racehorses are granted free entry to the racecourse on the day their horse is racing. Free passes can be collected from the gate for all standard race days. During the Darwin Cup Carnival, owners are able to collect their passes from the Administration Office after mid-day Thursday before the race. On feature race days, owners will be granted access to the Ted Bailey Grandstand for a reasonable time before, during and after their horse race. The time permitted does not allow for viewing of any other local races from the Ted Bailey Grandstand.

MEMBERS

Can I purchase “members” tickets if I am not a member?

Non-members can purchase access passes to the members’ areas on all standard and feature race days excluding Darwin Cup Weekend. Members’ Club House Passes are an additional $35 (plus gate admission charges) and Ted Bailey Grandstand Passes are an additional $25 (plus gate admission charges). Members from interstate racing clubs with reciprocal privileges may have access to member areas. Please contact the Darwin Turf Club Administration Office to make arrangements prior to race day. Maximum of 2 access passes per interstate full member permitted. Information on reciprocal entitlements can be viewed here. Alternatively, please call (08) 8923 4222 or email membership@darwinturfclub.org.au for enquiries.

What are the dress standards for members’ areas?

Smart attire is required. Gentlemen are expected to wear a collared shirt, trousers and enclosed footwear. Due to the climate, a jacket is optional. Ladies are expected to dress respectably in keeping with the standards of the members’ area. Denim and denim-look clothing is not permitted. Members’ dress standards can be viewed here.

Can children enter the members’ areas?

Children may enter a members’ area when accompanied by a responsible adult (parent or guardian) who is in possession of a members’ area pass. Children must be in the immediate presence of a responsible adult at all times when in any members’ area. Children over the age of 12 must be dressed to members’ area standards.

I am a member of an interstate Club, what benefits does this entitle me to at the Darwin Turf Club?

Details of reciprocal privileges can be viewed here

I have lost my membership badge – what should I do?

As membership badges are numbered and have a unique barcode, the original badge will be invalid once the new badge is printed. A replacement fee of $20 per card applies. Please note that membership cards can be replaced during the Darwin Cup Carnival for a $100 replacement fee per card. Alternatively, members can organise a replacement card after the Darwin Cup Carnival for the standard $20 per card replacement fee. Stolen membership cards can be replaced free of charge if the request is accompanied by a police report number. Direct all enquiries regarding replacement membership badges (08) 8923 4222 or email membership@darwinturfclub.org.au. 

How do I become a member of the Darwin Turf Club?

The general public can complete a membership application form and will require a current Darwin Turf Club member to propose their membership. Full information on how to become a member, membership options and benefits can be viewed here

RESTAURANTS & PRIVATE VENUES

Is there anywhere for the general public to have lunch at the races?

Yes, lunch is served in the Ted D’Ambrosio Lounge and Bar Wednesday - Saturday. More information can be viewed here. Kiosk facilities and a tapas menu in Ted Bailey Grandstand are also available on standard race days. Luncheon packages will be advertised for feature and premium race days, please contact the Administration Office for more information or to book your table on 08 8923 4222.

I want to hold my function at the race course, what facilities are available?

Groups of any size can be accommodated in public or private areas available at the Darwin Turf Club. Packages can be tailored to individual requirements. Please contact the Sales Department on (08) 8923 4222 or email dtc@darwinturfclub.org.au. Further information can also be viewed here.