Royal Randwick Comes Alive: Sydney Surf to Turf Day Reinvents Raceday

20 September, 2025

The 2025 Sydney Everest Carnival officially kicked off in spectacular fashion, drawing record crowds and proving more popular than ever.

Key Highlights:

• Sydney’s spring social season launched with a bang as thousands flocked to Royal Randwick for the highly anticipated Sydney Surf to Turf Day. Against the backdrop of nine weeks of world-class racing, the opening day delivered on every promise – from thrilling trackside action to premium dining, live music, and immersive experiences that set the tone for the Carnival.
• Excitement was palpable throughout the day with Surf to Turf confirmed as the city’s ultimate social raceday. The younger crowd turned out in force, helping drive a +14% increase in General Admission ticket sales for the Australian Turf Club.

“Sydney Surf to Turf has kicked off the opening for the 2025 Sydney Everest Carnival, showcasing the strength of our partnerships and the innovative experiences we can create for our racegoers. It’s been fantastic to see our brand partners come to life on course in such engaging ways, setting a powerful tone for the rest of the carnival.” – Australian Turf Club Head of Commercial, Donna Forbes

Entertainment & Atmosphere:

• The Peacock Lounge presented by Balter was a standout, transforming into a festival-style playground with DJs, live music, and flowing beers and bubbles. Celebrity chef George Mirosevich’s Balter Beer-Battered Lobster Roll became the must-try dish, with long queues and rave reviews—not just for the food but also for the life-size cutout of George himself.
• Racegoers also lined up for the 9-dart challenge, where surprise sharpshooters added to the high-energy atmosphere. The After the Last concert had thousands dancing into the evening, with Hot Dub Time Machine delivering a show-stopping set in the Theatre of the Horse.

“Sydney Surf to Turf Day has set a new benchmark for how we connect with the next generation of racegoers. With the support of our partners, we’ve been able to deliver fresh, dynamic experiences that resonate with younger audiences and bring new energy to the track. It’s been exciting to see this engagement first-hand, and it sets a strong foundation for the rest of the 2025 Sydney Everest Carnival.” – Australian Turf Club Head of Commercial, Donna Forbes

Style & Indulgence:

• Fashion reigned supreme on the day. The Pamper Pavilion buzzed with guests enjoying complimentary beauty touch-ups, express hairstyling and live sketches – glass of Chandon in hand.

• The return of the Fashion Stakes competition saw bold interpretations of the “touch of red” theme trackside with participation numbers hitting the highest seen in years.
• Exclusive destinations added an extra layer of indulgence – from the Whispering Angel Garden’s refined rosé escape for Members to the Chandon Spritz Garden for all racegoers. Members also savoured Spanish-inspired share plates and fine wines at Peppercorn with Penfolds, a Carnival favourite that added to the sophisticated atmosphere.

On-Course Activations & Experiences:

• From the brand-new Hard Rated Terrace to the buzzing TAB Stayers Lounge and Asahi Super Dry Bar, every corner of Royal Randwick was alive with colour, music and celebration – enticing younger audiences to return in even larger groups for upcoming race days.

Notable Guests:
The day welcomed a mix of racing icons, fashion leaders and media personalities, including:

• Lucy Jackson & Nikki Westcott – Podcasters & Founders Of “Jagger & Stone”
• Costeen Hatzi – Media Personality & Friend Of The Sydney Everest Carnival
• Carina Mirabile – MAFS Contestant & Friend Of The Sydney Everest Carnival
• Grace Hayden – Cricket Presenter & Friend Of The Carnival
• George Mirosevich – Acclaimed Celebrity Chef
• Emma Freedman – Tv/Radio Personality & Friend Of The Carnival
• Paul Versace – Celebrity Stylist & Founder Of Style By Bloom
• Finn Callaghan – AFL player for the GWS Giants

Looking Ahead:
With Surf to Turf Day complete, the excitement continues as the Sydney Everest Carnival moves into its next key race days, promising more thrilling action, entertainment and style.

• Sat 27 Sept – Yulong Golden Rose Day, Rosehill Gardens
• Sat 4 Oct – TAB Epsom Day, Royal Randwick
• Sat 11 Oct – Hill Stakes Day, Rosehill Gardens
• Sat 18 Oct – TAB Everest Day, Royal Randwick
• Sat 25 Oct – Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, Royal Randwick
• Sat 1 Nov – Golden Eagle Day, Royal Randwick
• Tues 4 Nov – The Big Dance on Cup Day, Royal Randwick
• Sat 8 Nov – Five Diamonds Ladies Day, Rosehill Gardens

The 2025 Sydney Everest Racing Carnival Highlights

• The Peacock Lounge, presented by Balter – the ultimate raceday party in the WINX Stand with DJs, live music, playful fashion themes, flowing beer and bubbles.
• ‘After The Last’ Concert Series – headliners include Hot Dub Time Machine, Bag Raiders and Bjorn Again, with more to come.
• Fashion Stakes – bigger and bolder in 2025, with on-course registration and a grand finale on Moët & Chandon Spring Champion Stakes Day, 25 October.
• Bespoke Experiences – from Carnivale presented by Brookvale Union to the Whispering Angel Garden, Chandon Spritz Garden, Asahi Super Dry Bar, Pamper Pavilion and curated dining precincts.
• Base Camp – Sydney’s newest entertainment precinct, unveiled on TAB Everest Day, redefining the raceday experience.
• Exclusive Dish by George Mirosevich – the Balter Beer-Battered Lobster Roll served in a toasted milk bun with cucumber, iceberg lettuce and sesame dressing, available only at the Peacock Lounge, Royal Randwick.

 Rivalry. Excitement. Style. It was all on show at the 2025 Sydney Everest Carnival.

Discover the full schedule at https://www.australianturfclub.com.au/carnival/sydney-spring-racing/ and relive the action @AustralianTurfClub #SydneyEverestCarnival.