Melbourne Cup typically starts at 3:00 pm local time (AEDT) on the first Tuesday of November, with the race acting as the feature event on the day. The exact start time can vary slightly due to scratchings and the day’s racing program, but 3:00 pm AEDT is the standard kickoff for the Melbourne Cup itself. If you’re planning a viewing or bets, verify the official race-day timetable for the current year closer to the event to confirm the precise start time across your local time zone.