Here’s a few pointers and preparation tips for everyone thinking of getting involved in all the excitement and glamour of the Tooheys New Royal Randwick carnival - to ensure everyone has the best day out possible at Royal Randwick this coming week.

Firstly, pre-purchase your carnival course entry and /or reserved seating ticket from Ticketek. All tickets are still available for this weekend’s excitement. Not only will you save money doing this, but you’ll also minimise any possible waiting time at the course by collecting your pre-paid tickets at the marked Ticketek ‘Ezy-Tcket’ Booth(s) if needed and taking your ticket straight to the designated course entry points - where you simply scan your ticket to enter the course.

Secondly, have some cash with you – there is always likely to be a queue at the ATM machines at the start of major carnival race days, and you can avoid this by being ‘cashed up’ sufficiently before you entry the track to last you through the day.

If you do need to visit an ATM during the afternoon, look out for ATM location signs which will be displayed near course entry, and you should find a machine around the track that should not have a queue.  If in doubt, ask one of the carnival information staff who will be on hand throughout the racecourse.

Thirdly, take public transport to Royal Randwick. Its the best way to get to the carnival without the hassle of parking or running the risk of being caught over the limit after the races. There will be free buses scheduled to ferry racegoers to and from Central, plus plenty of city and Bondi Junction buses departing to Royal Randwick - ring the Transport Infoline 131500 or check the website:  www.131500.com.au for details. 

A dedicated high-capacity taxi entry and drop off rank and assembly point will be established at the Randwick busway opposite the main entrance for those travelling to the carnival by taxi –and there will be plenty of cabs available at this rank for departing racegoers after the races. 

Fourthly, if you going to the Lawn Party, remember this is a strictly over 18 event, and you will need to carry some acceptable ID on you to verify your age.  You’ll also need to be aware of dress regulations for Lawn Party entry – again check the website for these details.  Dress codes also apply for all racegoers wishing to enter AJC Members enclosures – and you’ll need to be well aware of these before you head off for your carnival raceday.

Speaking of racewear, finally it’s always a good idea to check the latest weather forecast carefully on the morning of your big carnival raceday. The forecast for the start of the Royal Randwick Tooheys New Carnival is fine – but it has been wet this week, and the autumn weather in late April in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs can be unpredictable.  You can always carry an extra jacket or additional clothing item and store these at one of the many cloakrooms situated throughout the course if you don’t need them during the day.

If you have any questions or concerns about your day at the races, ask someone for help or advice. Either before the races by phoning or emailing the Australian Jockey Club, or at the day itself by speaking to one of the many AJC Customer Service staff who’ll be on hand to help you enjoy your day. 

Prepare for your day like a princess - and be sure to have a royal experience at Randwick this carnival!