Pepe's on the Beach and the Harbourfront sold out in a flash, while the Illawarra Hotel was down to its last four tickets on Tuesday, a week out from the race.

But we've found seven Illawarra establishments that are currently either taking bookings or accepting walk-ins on the big day.

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1. The Grange at Kembla Grange will welcome guests with sparkling wine, followed by canapes, a main and dessert on the sun-filled terrace. There will also be sweeps, lucky door prizes and all the race day action on a large screen. Bookings.

2. The Lagoon is offering a four-course meal, complete with a glass of French Champagne on arrival and a premium beer and wine package. Bookings.

3. Lucia's by the Sea in North Wollongong is also putting on a four-course meal with drinks, as well as live music, sweepstakes, fashion prizes - and the racing screened on TV. Bookings.

4. Headlands Hotel in Austinmer has sold out upstairs, but they've now added downstairs bookings. On offer: $12 cocktail specials, a seafood pop-up, TAB facilities, sweeps and a screen to watch the action. Phone 4200 1099 or email events@headlandshotel.com.au.

5. Central Hotel in Shellharbour will have food and cocktail specials, live music, sweeps and TAB facilities. Bookings.

You could also try Towradgi Beach Hotel. Its luncheon may have sold out but there's room in the bar and beer garden, complete with tab facilities and live DJs. Details.

And while the North Gong Hotel is not throwing anything special this year, punters can place a bet, have a drink and watch the big race on TV.

Public Health Orders apply, with all guests required to be double vaccinated to enter.

Do you know of another venue hosting a Melbourne Cup luncheon? Message us on Facebook and we'll add it to our list.

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