Pro-Palestine activists have staged a rally outside Flemington Racecourse just hours ahead of the race that stops the nation on Tuesday afternoon.
In vision circulating on social media, protesters can be seen blocking the road leading to the venue’s entrance, with dozens of police officers attempting to break up demonstrations by dragging people away.
Footage shows one person standing atop a van with a flare in hand while several others circle the area with Palestinian flags in hand and chanting the slogan “free Palestine”.
The protest has also led to heavy traffic chaos in the vicinity, with reports of particular disruptions at the roundabout of Epsom Road, Ascot Vale Road and Racecourse Road near Flemington.
“Cops trying desperately to clear the road, people continue to walk on. The group have taken the road preceding scuffles with cops on the scene,” a user wrote to X just before midday.
“Activists blocking a main intersection at the Melbourne Cup today to demand a complete seize (cease) fire, end the siege, end to the occupation. From Naarm to Gaza, Palestine and this content will be free,” another said.
A caller told local radio station 3AW there were about 50 protesters “all in the middle of the road” and no motor traffic was being able to get through as a result.
Police will be coming down hard to clear the scene within the next few hours as crowds of thousands flock to the venue for what is the biggest racing event in the country.
Celebrations commenced earlier on Tuesday ahead of the main race at 3pm, with swarms of punters seen arriving at the racecourse lawn.
Up to 80,000 are expected to be in attendance at the event, which marks the 163rd edition of the Melbourne Cup.
