Lisa Glasby came all the way from Tweed Heads in far northern NSW to watch the Melbourne Cup.

She was one of the thousands who lined the city streets for Monday’s Melbourne Cup parade, the city stroll before Tuesday’s famous Flemington dash.

For Mrs Glasby, and the jockeys and trainers who earned a place in the illustrious race, it’s part of the exciting lead-up to the real thing.

“We’ve been a racing family from way back. My son’s a show jumper,” Mrs Glasby said.

“But it will be my first time at the Cup.”

Trainers and jockeys will make their way from Bourke Street to Federation Square, giving race lovers a chance to see the stars of the race that stops the nation, and catch a glimpse of the famous trophy.

Ms Glasby said her dress, hat and heels have been ready since August, so she will look the part when she heads to Flemington on Tuesday to cheer on Fiorente, her pick for the big race.

Her father paid for her and her sisters to travel from Queensland to be part of the Melbourne Cup.

Tom Blair made the trip from Cowra, NSW.

He has been at every Melbourne Cup for the past 33 years.

“We come up every year and live like lords in Melbourne for a week, then we head back home and eat carrots for a couple of months until we get square again.”

Mr Blair said his money will be on Hawkspur this year after he tipped 2012 winner Green Moon last year.

“I’m very interested in it,” he said.