Curban and Tullibigeal have recently been announced as key hosts of the milestone 20th annual Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, after the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) sifted through a record-breaking number of applications.

This year, a total of 33 destinations across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, with a number of Lexus Melbourne Cup heroes are set to join the Cup on its journey.

Over its 20 year history, the iconic trophy has engaged with tens of thousands of people, travelling over 760,000 kilometres and visiting more than 560 destinations on its way to the esteemed Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November. 

The trophy will appear at the Tullibigeal Town Hall on Tuesday 19 July, and Curban Community Hall on 12 August.

The Tullibigeal Picnic Race Club have announced a number of activities on the day including performances by Tulli Central School Students, a sausage sizzle provided by the Tulli football and netball club, a race day headwear competition and a high tea provided by Tullibigeal CWA.

 Club President Craig Tyack said “we look forward to welcoming the iconic trophy to Tullibigeal when it visits on tour. Lexus Melbourne Cup Day is always celebrated in Tulli due to our strong racing connection so we are very excited to come together as a community to celebrate the Cup’s arrival.”

On Friday 12 August, the small community of Curban will welcome the prestigious cup and will also be part of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep, which will see 24 rural and regional Cup Tour destinations across Australia be allocated a barrier for the 2022 Lexus Melbourne Cup.

The town which draws the barrier of the Lexus Melbourne Cup-winning horse will be presented with a cash prize of $50,000 to put towards a nominated charity for a local initiative.

People in Curban and Tulligibeal will have a chance to get up close and personal with the Melbourne Cup.

Kaela Dent from the Curban Hall Committee said they were looking forward to welcoming the iconic trophy to town and will organise some celebratory activities for the event.

"The past few years have been very difficult for the Curban community, with years of drought, mouse plagues and flooding. A visit from the Lexus Melbourne Cup will give us the chance to come together and celebrate after a very challenging few years."

VRC Chairman Neil Wilson said the club was looking forward to sharing the magic of the Cup with people across Australia.

“The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour gives us an opportunity to share the magic of the Cup with people across the nation and the world,” Mr Wilson said.

“The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour has only continued to grow in popularity, with a record-breaking number of applications from towns and communities for its milestone 20th edition.

“We are humbled by the excitement and joy the Cup brings to people of all ages and backgrounds and are pleased to be taking the iconic trophy back on the road and sharing it with the nation again after restricted travel over the past two years.”

Tour destinations will be supported by the VRC to plan and host a range of memorable community events during the Cup’s visit.