Fashion on the Field goes to the hills

by JAMES POYNER
13th October 2026

FASCINATORS and fashion mark the start of November.
The Melbourne Cup Carnival has been a staple on the Melbourne social scene for more than 160 years.
From October 31 to November 7, Flemington Racecourse becomes the centre of the Victorian horseracing universe.
The Carnival is steeped in status and traditions that reach far beyond having a punt, and the modern carnival is as much about the fashion and the entertainment as it is about the horse racing.
As a result, the carnival’s essence has moved beyond the turf club, and Oaks Day events at local venues give the community a chance to dress up and have fun closer to home.
Thursday, November 5, is a highlight for local fashionistas, a chance for ladies to frock up fancy.
Many local hotels and event venues host Oaks Day celebrations, offering a chance to embrace the season’s spirit among the sweeping hills of the Yarra Valley.
While many events are already sold out, there are still tickets available for Oaks Day celebrations across Manningham and Nillumbik.

Spotlight: Fondata 1872

With a building that is almost as old as the Melbourne Cup, at Fondata 1872 in Kangaroo Ground, Oaks Day in the Weller’s Room is not just about dressing up and eating out, but it also offers a chance to touch local history.
The building was originally built as a hotel by Edward Weller in 1872 and remained in the Weller family until the early 1900s.
In 1910, it became the Wellers Temperance Hotel and a Cobb & Co coach house.
Following time as a private residence, the building became the Wellers Restaurant in 1988.
Fondata, as it is now known, opened in 2017.
Oaks Day at Fondata is steeped in local history and sporting tradition.
Bridgette Tyrrell from the Fondata team explained what to expect from Oaks Day at Fondata.

“Get dressed up, gather your favourite people and leave the crowds behind — Oaks Day at Fondata is all about celebrating in style.
Expect an afternoon filled with great food, flowing drinks, live entertainment and plenty of fun.
Your experience begins with an Aperol Spritz on arrival, followed by a delicious Oaks Day lunch and a four-hour drinks package to keep the celebrations flowing.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be Oaks Day without the fashion.
Bring your best look and your most fabulous headwear for our Fashions on the Field and Best Headwear competitions, with prizes up for grabs.
With live entertainment from Joel Quinn, the beautiful Yarra Valley setting and all the excitement of race day without the city crowds, it’s the perfect excuse.”

Visit trybooking.com/au/event/1607635 to book your ticket.

Feature photo courtesy Fondata 1872 Facebook Page/ Allie Aszodi https://www.instagram.com/allie.claire.creative/

For more than 50 years, the Warrandyte Diary has been a trusted source of independent news for the residents of Warrandyte. As a cornerstone of the community, this not-for-profit community newspaper is supported wholly through advertising from local businesses.

Building on this foundation, the Manningham & Nillumbik Bulletin is fast becoming the trusted source for news, editorials, and local businesses for the communities of Warrandyte, North Warrandyte, South Warrandyte, Park Orchards, Research, Wonga Park, Eltham, Donvale, Doncaster, Templestowe, Lower Templestowe, Kangaroo Ground, Hurstbridge, Diamond Creek, Wattle Glen, Warranwood, St Andrews, North Ringwood, East Doncaster, Christmas Hills, Bulleen, Arthurs Creek, Smiths Gully, and Greensborough.

With advertising starting from under $100, your ad and our stories reach our entire audience algorithm-free.

Supporting independent, trusted, local media like Warrandyte Diary and Manningham & Nillumbik Bulletin allows us to continue to cover key issues with authentic voice and connect our thousands of readers with local businesses.

If you are interested in connecting with your community email advertising@warrandytediary.com.au.