If this is your first year here in Sydney, or it’s your 20th, you’ll be sure to have heard about the ANZAC celebrations. The day is to remember and pay respects to fallen and serving Australian soldiers. It’s a day t celebrate the freedom that we owe to them all.
Here at Sydney Social 101 we’ve pulled together a top ANZAC 101 guide to help you decide where to pay your respects, toast to the people we owe our lives to and of course, play two-up!
This Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April, falls on a Saturday, so expect revels to go are or go home as they’ve got the luxury of a day to sleep off the inevitable hangover.
Before we get into the boozing venues to partake in 2-up, to pay your respects there is the infamous Dawn Service – a must-see to fully understand the reason for ANZAC Day and what people have given for our country’s future.
Following the Dawn Service, it is usually time to head to your local and celebrate with a few drinks and some games and light hearted gambling. Here’s our top picks just for you:
Balmain
Head to Dicks and The Exchange in Balmain for a street party like no other. The street is closed down and is filled with people celebrating ANZAC Day. If you want to indulge in a game of 2-up, there’s plenty opportunity, otherwise you can take advantage of the live music and food provided by the local establishments.
Bondi
Beach Road Hotel is the place to be in Bondi on ANZAC Day. It’s spacious venue offers two levels of 2-up, drinking and live music. Be sure to get there early to ensure you get a good spot – it fills up fast and punters are there for the duration of the day.
The Rocks
The Australian Heritage Hotel will play host to the city’s largest and most exciting outdoor 2-Up arena, as well as food stalls and an all day BBQ taking over Cumberland and Gloucester Streets. The venue will open up early from 8am to welcome veterans and their families from the dawn service for a well-earned beer and diggers’ breakfast.
There will be over 130 Aussie beers on offer, as well as the pub’s famous pizzas including the true blue Coat of Arms (half emu, half kangaroo!) and live entertainment from the Scots Old Boys Pipe Band, who have wowed the crowds at The Aussie since 2001.
Up the road at The Glenmore, the beers will also be flowing from the earlier-than-usual opening time of 8am for those taking part in the service and parade. There will be a 2-Up arena and BBQ on Cumberland Street from midday, and the rest of the venue will be open as usual including the rooftop overlooking Sydney’s magnificent harbour.
Inner West
In the Inner West, The Royal in Leichhardt will also be hosting 2-Up in the main bar from 1pm with an outdoor beer garden and live entertainment from 10pm.
Clovelly
Sydney Social’s top pick for the Eastern Suburbs is The Clovelly Hotel in Clovelly! A great atmosphere, perfect spacious venue and it’s always packed to the rafters in its customised 2-up arena. Be sure to grab a spot early doors to avoid disappointment!
Paddington
The Royal Hotel at Five Ways in Paddington is a great spot for drinks, 2-up, roof top views and electric atmosphere.
Other top picks include:
- The Beresford
- Coogee Pavilion
- The Robin Hood, Bronte
- Sweethearts Rooftop, Kings Cross
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