Just to answer a few of your questions...even though you have decided not to go....

We are members of the VRC and I have still decided to bypass spring racing carnival.

You can sit and bring a picnic etc...that is if you get there at 5am! It is sooooo crowded, many drunken fools and for some reason it always rains on Cup Day!

Picnic races in country towns is a much better idea for bring Kiddies along to, heaps of space to run around and they often have children's activities.Just google 'country races Victoria" for locations.