Melburnians have flocked to pubs, restaurants and parks for a crowd-free Cup day, the hottest in over half a century.
The COVID-19 pandemic ensured no spectators were on course at Flemington on Tuesday, as $26 outsider Twilight Payment was first past the post in the $8 million race.
Flemington was bathed in sunshine, with the mercury topping 30.4C in the city - its warmest day since March 19.
The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed the mark made Tuesday's Cup day the hottest since 1969 when Rain Lover secured back-to-back wins.
Unable to revel in the conditions on course, Melburnians turned to other alternatives to watch the 3pm main race.
Pubs, restaurants and bars filled up quickly across the city in a much-needed post-lockdown boost, while one group in a park hooked up a TV to their vehicle.
St Kilda beach was also swarming with people making the most of the hot weather.
Those who stayed home were allowed to have two adults from the same household as visitors, with the carnival's rebadged Fashion on The Front Lawn encouraging punters to dress up in their finest fascinators, frocks and suits.
A small number of owners were permitted on course at an Echuca race meeting under regional Victoria rules, while some Sydneysiders attended a low-key Cup day meeting at Randwick.
Twilight Payment's victory is the seventh Cup win for owner Lloyd Williams and the second for young Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien.
His father Aidan O'Brien finished second with Tiger Moth, while Charlie Fellowes-trained Prince Of Arran notched its third Cup placing.
One of Aidan O'Brien's other pre-race fancies, Anthony Van Dyck, was put down after suffering a fractured fetlock.
"The horse received immediate veterinary care, however he was unable to be saved due to the nature of the injury sustained," Racing Victoria's Jamie Steir said.
The five-year-old stallion is the seventh Melbourne Cup death in as many years.
