What a great time to be a Docklander!

Spring is here (just in case the pollen in the air hadn’t notified you already) and with it comes the Spring Racing Carnival.

It’s that time of year when anyone can be a winner. It doesn’t matter whether you’re brushing shoulders with celebs in The Birdcage or roughing it on the lawn with the masses, you might be just a race away from a big win.

And if you’re a Docklands local then you’re in luck, with Southern Cross Station just a stone’s throw away, transport to all of the race meets is as simple as can be.

The Spring Racing Carnival officially kicks off on October 3 (with a launch event at Central Pier in Docklands, no less).

Throughout October there are country race meets from Benalla, to Bairnsdale, Manangatang and Kilmore. So if you fancy a day away from the big smoke, V/Line services leaving from Southern Cross Station will come in handy.

A little closer to home, the Caulfield Guineas on October 12 and the Caulfield Cup on October 19 are also easy to get to. Just hop on a Frankston or Dandenong train and you’ll be alighting at Caulfield station within half an hour.

And don’t forget the Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on October 26. Jump on the 59 tram from the city or, better yet, catch the Craigieburn line to Moonee Ponds station (it’s just a 12 minute journey from Southern Cross station).

But of course the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington is what the whole racing carnival leads up to.

Kicking off with Derby Day on November 2, then the “race that stops the nation” on November 5, the week continues with Oaks Day on November 7 and, for those who haven’t had enough yet, Stakes Day on November 9.

Express trains will be running from Flinders St to Flemington (stopping at Southern Cross and North Melbourne) throughout the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

There’s definitely no better place to be than Docklands during the Spring Racing.

Read on for all the details on how to ensure you’re race ready. Hair, shoes, perfume, dry-cleaning and alterations – Docklands has got you covered.