The Ten Best Things To Do This Anzac Day in Sydney
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, you will have fun.
You know the drill: Anzac Day arrives and you know you're going to do something, and you know it is likely going to leave you with a hangover and empty pockets that were previously filled with gold coins, but you never actually seem to know exactly what.
Well let us here at Concrete Playground help you plan this second most Australian of days with our round-up of the ten best things to do in Sydney this April 25, which at both the going down of the sun and in the morning, you will remember.
1. ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE
An Anzac Day tradition. Wake up early to commemorate both fallen and serving military men and women in the Anzac Day Dawn Service. Be at the Cenotaph in Martin Place before the 4.15 commencement of the ceremony and be there as the bugle brings up the sun.
2. ANZAC DAY PARADE
The Anzac Day Parade will commence at 9am, with veterans, descendants of veterans and serving personnel marching through Sydney's CBD up George, Pitt, Bathurst, Elizabeth and Liverpool Streets before reaching its destination and concluding at the Anzac War Memorial in Hyde Park, where the Commemorative Service will commence at 12.30pm.
3. PLAY A NATIONAL SPORT: TWO-UP
Take advantage of one of only two days where this national sport is legal and flock to one of many Sydney pubs and bars that will be hosting this Anzac Day tradition. Make sure you convert those notes into gold coins, place your bets and watch those coins fall. We recommend hitting one of Sydney's best pubs in The Rocks, Surry Hills or the Inner West for a spirited crowd and brilliant beers. Head to The Glenmore or The Argyle in The Rocks, The Norfolk in Surry Hills, Dick's or The Exchange in Balmain, or The Courthouse in Newtown
4. WATCH A NATIONAL SPORT: NRL
Head out to Allianz Stadium, Moore Park to watch the NRL's traditional Anzac Day clash between St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters. Watching these sporting warriors crash into each other for 80 minutes and channel the Anzac spirit is a great way to spend the public holiday afternoon.
5. ANZAC DAY AT THE VIC
For an Anzac Day experience all in one venue, head down to The Vic in Enmore as they host their inaugural Anzac Day car park party at their new outdoor venue, The Projects. There will be plenty of drinks. There will be plenty of meat, on spit roasts. There will be plenty of Anzac biscuits. There will be plenty of Two-Up. There will be plenty of music from Spurs for Jesus, Handsome Young Strangers, Jay Katz and DJs. Plus entry is free.
6. SUNSET SERVICE
If you are not an early riser (or you want to add some symmetry to your day by ending it as it began), there is a sunset Anzac service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place. Make your way there for the 5pm start.
Image credit: Greg O'Beirne
7. RELAX AT THE MOVIES: IRON MAN 3
After spending the day on your feet, why not sit down at the cinema. With Iron Man 3 being released the day before, what better way to close out the day than with the dry wit of Robert Downey Jr and a big ol' tub of popcorn.
8. ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS - SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY
The Anzacs fought on the same side as the British, so that is a good enough justification to head down to Sydney Theatre on Anzac Day and watch One Man, Two Guvnors. This hilarious hybrid product of British humour styles is arguably the funniest play on the planet that lest you forget.
9. THE ROCKS POP UP WINDMILL: REEL FOOD NIGHT
The four-storey windmill that has popped up in The Rocks provides the perfect place to unwind after a long day honouring our Anzacs. Taking it over on Thursday, April 25 is Reel Food Night, an evening of film that will provide plenty of food for thought and eating for only $20 per person.
10. SEE THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS AT UPSTAIRS BERESFORD
Close out your Anzac day in style with a musical feast from the guys that did the Malcolm in the Middle theme. They are playing an intimate gig at the Upstairs Beresford, playing their classic album Flood all the way through, just for you and 399 others.
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