Anzac Day – traditionally a day to remember the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who lost their lives in World War 2. More commonly now however, Anzac Day is a day off work where you can go to a bar and play Two-up.
(Full disclosure – this writer has no idea what Two-up actually is, but it seems stressful.)
However you wish to spend your Anzac Day, there’s a lot of options out there. Luckily for you we’ve put together a list of places you can go. Whether you are looking for a dawn service to attend, an all out party, or just a nice place to watch the Two-up go down (see what I did there), we’ve got you.
Services
For info on all the major services/ceremonies happening in Sydney go here. Here’s our picks for where to go:
Dawn service at Martin Place
If you’re an early riser, get down to Martin Place at 4:30am. Held at The Cenotaph, thousands gather every year for the moving ceremony.
Anzac Day march
Beginning in Martin Place at 9:30am, the march makes it’s way through the city finishing in Hyde Park. The march is an opportunity for veterans and the general public to pay their respect to anyone who has been in the service of the Australian military.
Commemoration service
beginning right after the march in Hyde Park, this service has become a massive celebration of the Anzac soldiers. Including music from military bands and attendees from all branches of service, It’s the peak of the days celebrations.
Two-up
Usually illegal, Two-up has become a staple in most bars around Sydney on Anzac Day. Here’s the best places to have a game:
The Dolphin Hotel – Surry Hills
Starting from 10am, The Dolphin is claiming to have the biggest Two-up ring in Surry Hills.
Coogee Pavillion – Coogee
Opening at 5:30am, there’ll be Two-up from midday, and $2 Anzac biscuits with all proceeds going to Legacy charity.
Courthouse Hotel – Newtown
The Courty’s Anzac day shenanigans have been run by the same two men – Tom and Denny – for 25 years. Two-up starts at 11 and there’ll be beer flowing from 10.
The Vic – Marrickville
With a barbecue, Two-up from midday and live music from local favs The Andy Golledge Band, it’s set to go off.
Parties
Ivy – CBD
Ivy is hosting a hip-hip pool party this Anzac day. The weather is looking questionable, but thats unlikely to stop a good crowd showing up for a day of dancing and drinking.
Canned Fruit – Enmore
This weekly queer event is going all Aussie this week. Hosting a “Gaybours” themed night. There’s DJ’s, a live drag performance, and cheap beers from 7pm.
The Chippo Hotel – Chippendale
The Chippo is holding a Two-up and techno bash for the third year in a row. This ticketed event has been going off for the past two years and we’re sure this year won’t be any different. Get tickets here.
Whatever you get up to, make sure you have a fun and safe Anzac Day!
