Revamped for Racing at Sunshine Coast Turf Club
Things have changed at Sunshine Coast Turf Club and there are now many more glamorous reasons to attend a race day or book your next winning event at this iconic establishment. Carlie Wacker tours the fresh new club that is set to have your heart racing more than ever.
If you haven’t been to the Sunshine Coast Turf Club recently then do yourself a favour. At every turn, this place has been revamped and revitalised to offer a perfectly coastal, contemporary twist to the traditional venue we once knew. Yes, they offer the same exemplary race club model but now they bring a chic vibe to our globally-recognised Turf Club which boasts more race days than any other in the world!
Marketing and Events Manager Taryn Delaney brings previous experience in the same role at Victoria Racing Club and when I tour the refurbished Turf Club with her, she beams with pride and bursts with excitement as we explore how the Club has transformed this sprawling space into a modern hub of luxe venues to deliver racing and events.
Led by Chief Executive John Miller and architects BSPN Architecture, the Sunshine Coast Turf Club has morphed into a most majestic environment fit for events that set the heart racing in more ways than one.
“When I ask people if they have visited the Sunshine Coast Turf Club recently many say not for years,” Taryn says. “That’s when I speak about the venue refurbishments and how much things have changed and elevated.
“We’ve now got The Establishment, The Glasshouse, the TAB Greenhouse, Parade Ring Terrace and our members facilities which have all been renovated as well as the Members Bar and Bistro, the Atrium bar and dining – and even the Terrace. There’s hardly one area which hasn’t been retouched in the last five years. It’s a modern take on traditional horse racing with a luxe coastal feel.”
That’s exactly why I was set on shooting our colourful spring fashion editorial on the grounds of the Sunshine Turf Club (see page 78-91). There are so many Instagrammable moments and every venue conjures up a unique mood.
My first experience of the revamped Sunshine Coast Turf Club was at a recent race day where I was whisked away into the stunning new venue called, The Establishment. The magic of any occasion is turned up a few decibels in this place with the prettiest floral entrance via a manicured and fenced lawn. The indoor-outdoor marquee delivered exceptional food and drinks – and the fashion was akin to what you’d see at some of the world’s most famous racing events. A fairytale experience.
For something more intimate, The Glasshouse is the winning spot to take in the best views of the track, Finishing Post and super screen. It’s styled to perfection with air conditioned comfort – and a private alfresco balcony for guests to step outside and soak up the race day excitement and sounds. With its own bar and catering options, it’s the most delightful space for celebrations, small weddings, conferences and more.
The Champagne Garden is the closest you’ll get to the track with its own tote, screens and courtyard. There is also The Pavilion marquee that is a super special non-race day venue for weddings or celebrations.
Atrium Dining is your sophisticated indoor event space. On race days it offers panoramic views of the track, a luxuriously styled interior and temperature-controlled comfort. An amazing space to hire for non-race day events also; and located in the members enclosure is the Chairman’s Club where I feel I should be sipping a martini and dripping in diamonds.
This chocolate brown leather, gold-plated palace looks like a sleek cigar lounge from the Old Hollywood era. I think I’ll move in there.
Parade Ring Terrace is the pumping heart of any race day where you will soak up every bit of the race day excitement. Views of the track, mounting yard, winning post and superscreen make it the best allrounder; and the TAB Greenhouse is a two-level private cocktail style space with epic elevated views of the action on and off the field and privacy behind your picture perfect white picket fence.
I’ve been planning my outfits and venue preferences for the upcoming race days. Giddy up to experience the fresh new feel of the now-luxe, Sunshine Coast Turf Club – it’ll set your heart racing!
UPCOMING EVENTS
17 Sept – Sunshine Coast Pink Ribbon Race Day
29 Sept – Friday Night Racing Season Launch
15 Oct – Noosa Cup Day
7 Nov – Melbourne Cup Day
18 Nov – TAB Mooloolaba Cup Day
Bookings: www.sctc.com.au
