Legislation introduced by the State Government last year requires all municipalities to recognise the same public holidays.

Previously towns and councils could nominate days of regional importance as public holidays, but now the race that stops the nation will stop the Valley as well.

Revellers will join in festivities at pubs, clubs, race tracks and homes, and punters are expected to place thousands of bets.

The Moe Racing Club will again hold its Melbourne Cup event, with six on-course races running throughout the day, the races from Flemington on a big screen, live music, free kids activities and Fashions on the Field.

And police have warned they will target unruly behaviour and drink driving on this evening and tomorrow.

Latrobe Traffic Management Unit Leading Senior Constable Andy Milbourne said police would focus their attentions on patrons leaving premises.

``We advise people to plan ahead, to have a good day but make sure they have a way of getting home safely,'' Ldng Sen Const Milbourne said.

``And drivers need to be aware of residual alcohol and the amount of time they need before getting in the car again on Wednesday.''

And the CFA, the Alfred Hospital burns unit and Energy Safe Victoria are reminding revellers to be careful when using gas barbecues on Cup day.

They encourage people to take some simple precautions before firing up the barbie after its winter hibernation.