For the first time as part of the tour, the iconic $200,000 trophy will travel to the United Kingdom and Ireland while it will also make its first visit to Seoul.

The locations were announced in Melbourne on Monday, in front of a star-studded audience which included Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win the iconic trophy.

Victoria Racing Club spokesperson Joe McGrath said Camperdown and Portland had delivered strong community-based submissions.

“It’s fitting Camperdown hosts the trophy as the area was devastated fires on March 17,” McGrath said.

“There are various fundraisers being organised to support people who were hit by fires in the area.

“We also a strong historical link to Camperdown as the late Sir Chester Manifold was a former chairman of the VRC.

“Portland received great support from its council and they like Camperdown will make sure the trophy visits some of  the aged care facilities and schools in the area.”

The tour will be in Camperdown on October 13 and Portland on October 15.

Since its inaugural year in 2003, the Tour has travelled more than 500,000 km and visited more than 400 regional, rural and metropolitan destinations, providing communities with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the magic of the  Melbourne Cup.

The VRC announced last week this year’s Melbourne Cup offers a record $7.3 million in prizemoney.