Your Guide to a Day at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse

Known as the Crown Jewel of Western Sydney horse racing, Rosehill Gardens is a lavish grass track with world-class facilities! Here, major horse racing events, like the Longines Golden Slipper, the richest race for two-year-old thoroughbreds in the world, are held. By spending a day at Rosehill, you won’t only see some of the most impressive horse racing, but you’ll also be exposed to some of the best entertainment, food and fashion you’ve ever known.  

How do you get to Rosehill Gardens?

Rosehill Gardens is relatively easy to find. However, if you’re heading there a few minutes before the race starts, you’ll likely get stuck in traffic. The track is located around 20 minutes west of the Sydney CBD. 

Taking public transport is probably the easiest way to get there on big race days. Buses and trains often run to the Rosehill station, especially for some events. If you do plan on taking your own car, we advise getting there early and making a day of it. There's limited parking so you might get stuck behind the steering wheel for a while. 

What do you wear to Rosehill Gardens?

Dressing up is part of the fun of going to the races. Horse racing has always been a formal event, with people wearing traditional suits or dresses in the old days. Now, the rules have become slightly more relaxed, but there’s still the expectation to adhere to a dress code. 

Members are held to high dress code standards. Men are expected to dress smart, with a collared top, tailored pants or chinos, and in some cases even a tie and blazer. 

The dress code is much more relaxed for general attendees. A simple pair of chinos (longs or shorts) and a buttoned-up shirt will do just fine. Aim for a smart casual dress code. Ladies, your best bet is a sundress or jumpsuit. 

Where can you see the horses?

The races would be boring if you just watched the race and hightailed out of there. The best part of the races isn’t the race itself but the buildup to it. Before the horses even get onto the track, you can go ahead and size them up, which helps if you’re punting. Here are some areas where you can find the horses: 

• Day Stalls: Located at the southern end of the course, these stalls are where horses are stabled on race day. They usually arrive at least two hours before their race, giving spectators plenty of time to view them up close
• Parade Ring: The horses meet their jockeys before heading into the Mounting Yard. It is your last chance to inspect their condition and temperament. Many punters use this moment to get a final read on their selections
• Trackside Fence: For the thrill of being as close as possible to the action, nothing beats standing by the fence as the horses thunder past. The energy and commotion are unforgettable
• JR Fleming Stand: This stand offers a broader view of the race, ideal for following the tactical moves as the field unfolds. Both general admission and members-only areas are available

Where can you eat?

What would a good day be at the track without food, right? Well, you have a few options here. You could bring along a picnic basket filled with a bunch of your own goodies, which allows you to cut costs if you have to and gives you more freedom to eat exactly what you want. 

However, there are some other dining options for you, too, if you prefer a more sophisticated menu:

• Ascot Restaurant: Open to the public, this bistro-style venue offers panoramic views of the track along with hearty meals
• Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar: Exclusive to members, this spot provides a three-course lunch with premium beverages and a sophisticated atmosphere overlooking the home straight
• Winning Post Restaurant: The signature dining experience at Rosehill, offering à la carte menus and spectacular views of both the Parade Ring and the track
• Vendors: There will likely also be some food vendors around the track that you can buy from, too

Will there be entertainment at Rosehill?

Absolutely! Aside from the actual races, Rosehill offers up tons of entertainment, especially on big race days. Between races, there’ll be live music from local and not-so-local bands, fashion shows, and entertainers roaming around the grounds keeping the atmosphere alive. Even if you don’t go for the horse racing itself, the whole vibe of Rosehill is worth experiencing. 

What happens after the races?

The fun doesn’t just end when the races are over. When the horses are back in their stalls, that’s when the party starts! You’ll find tons of people hanging around the Rosehill bowling club, Nick & Nora’s rooftop bar, or heading out for a meal at the Parramatta station. So don’t head straight home once the races are over, or else you’ll be missing out.

Tips for first-time visitors

When attending races at the Rosehill track for the first time, there are some things you need to know. Here are some tips for first-time visitors:

• As a newbie, the course might seem overwhelming at first. It’s enormous and there’s so much to see. Arriving early will give you a chance to find your bearings, and at least locate the food and bathrooms with more ease
• Always have cash on hand. While most of the vendors accept cards, it always helps to be prepared
• It’s common for the sun to be scorching on race days, so make sure that you have sunscreen and a decent cap to give you cover
• If you plan on betting, don’t get caught up in all the excitement. Set a budget, stick to it, and do a bit of research before placing any bets. 

Where to get more information about races at Rosehill

One of the best sites you can go to to get more information about the actual Rosehill races is Ladbrokes. This helpful site will give you everything from betting strategies, the odds, race schedules, and more. All the details you need to know about the races at Rosehill, you can be found on Ladbrokes.

Final thoughts

Rosehill Gardens is one of Australia’s premier racing venues, combining world-class horse racing with top-notch entertainment, dining, and fashion. From the glamour of the Golden Slipper to a casual day at the track with friends, the experience is what you make it. With the right planning, you can enjoy a day that blends sport, style, and celebration in the heart of Western Sydney.