Wagga pubs welcome back regional travel with Melbourne Cup kicking off end-of-year celebrations

Pubs in town are transforming into the grandstands of Flemington, with locals expected to flock for a cold beverage and a wager during this year's 161st running of the historic Melbourne Cup.

This year's race comes just in time as regional New South Wales opens up to Sydney-siders, with many eager for an excuse to spend time with long-missed loved ones.

Romano's in Fitzmaurice street will host race number 7 on their new big screen, with owner Matt Oates saying there has been no greater year to go out and enjoy a local event.

"I think there is a portion of people from Wagga that do make the pilgrimage down to Melbourne during the spring racing carnival, but a lot of them can't go," he said.

"So I think everyone's trying to do their own version of it."

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Cup day is not the only celebration the team at Romanos' are gearing up for, with the lift on regional travel now granting businesses the ability to plan ahead.

"We're all looking forward to having more freedoms and we're all looking forward to having borders open and being able to have regional travel," Mr Oates said.

"I'm quite sure what most of the other accommodation businesses here in town we are looking forward to being able to welcome people from all over New South Wales, and hopefully Victoria and Queensland soon."

Romano's will be hosting a seven-course lunch on Tuesday with a large crowd ready booked in to attend, while other watering holes throughout Wagga have planned their own events to feed hungry punters.

Across town and William Farrer owner Michael Carroll is hosting a lunch in with the pub's Calcutta launching Monday night prior to the race.

"Australians do like to have a little bit of a flutter, and everyone's keen for getting out of work and going to the pub for a few beers and a quick bid," he said.

Hosting events also are the Victoria Hotel, the Riverina Hotel and the Wagga RSL club to name a few.

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