The Ten Best Things to Do This Anzac Day in Sydney

Brewskies, two-up and commemorating our brave veterans, our fallen and their descendants; it's a day of tradition of celebration, reflection and copious amounts of Tooheys Old. Anzac Day is likely to leave you with a fair hangover and empty pockets, so to make things easier on the wallet and the social planners, let Concrete Playground help you plan it out. Here's 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. WAKE UP FOR THE ANZAC DAY DAWN SERVICE

An Anzac Day tradition, Australians have been rising early since 1916 to commemorate military servicemen in the Dawn Service. Set your alarm and 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 4:15am ceremony commencement; there's nothing like paying your respects as the bugle brings up the sun.

2. HEAD TO THE ANZAC DAY MARCH(ES)

Medals are shined up and proudly donned as veterans, their descendants and serving personnel march through Sydney’s CDB for the annual Anzac Day Parade. Commencing at 9am sharp, the march will begin in Martin Place at Pitt Street, then head down George Street, turn at Bathurst Street toward Elizabeth Street before reaching the War Memorial (here's the map). The Last Post will ring out over Hyde Park at the commemorative services kicking off at 12:30pm beside the Pool of Remembrance.

Right after the main Sydney march, Sydney’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community leaders are holding the eighth annual Anzac Day March and Commemorative Service in Redfern. With Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people having served in the military since the Boer War, the Redfern Anzac Day March honours Australia’s unsung war heroes, beginning right after the Sydney march at 1:45pm. Commencing from Redfern Park, the march will head down Redfern, Lawson and Eveleigh streets to the Redfern Community Centre.

3. PLAY A NATIONAL SPORT: TWO-UP

Take advantage of one of only two days a year where this national sport is legal and squeeze into one of many Sydney pubs hosting this beloved Anzac Day tradition. Make sure you convert those notes into gold coins, place your bets and watch those sacred two-up coins fall. We recommend hitting up one of Sydney's best pubs in The Rocks, Surry Hills or the Inner West for a spirited crowd and local craft beers on tap.

Here's our picks for two-up hubs:

The Rocks: The Morrison, The Glenmore or The Argyle.

Surry Hills: The Forresters, The Norfolk or The Beresford.

Eastern Suburbs: Watson's Bay Boutique Hotel.

Balmain: Dick's, The Exchange or The Balmain.

Newtown: Newtown Hotel or The Courthouse.

Or save it all up for Sydney's biggest two-up game, further down our list...

4. WATCH A NATIONAL SPORT: NRL

After a few Paddington brewskies, head to Allianz Stadium, Moore Park to watch the NRL's traditional Anzac Day clash between St George Illawarra Dragons and the Sydney Roosters. Cheering on these sporting warriors as they crash into each other for 80 minutes, channelling the Anzac spirit is a straight-up riveting way to spend the public holiday afternoon.

5. BUSH OLYMPICS AT FREDA'S

Australia Day Bush Olympics at Freda’s (107-109 Regent St, Chippendale) proved to be such a hit that it’s happening all over again, in honour of the diggers. From 4pm, there’ll be true blue “Barnsey to Farnsey” ozploitation from live band Bad Jeep (pictured), original tunes from Newcastle underdogs These New South Whales, DJ sets from Smokey La Beef and Wild Sunset, $5 VB tinnies and two-up in the laneway. Turn up with a mullet and you’ll score a beer on the house. Really. Entry is free.

6. HEAD TO THE SUNSET SERVICE

If you're not an early riser and want to pay your respects (or you want to add some symmetry to your day by ending it as it began), there's a sunset Anzac service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place. Make your way there for the 5pm start and the going down of the sun.

Image credit: Greg O'Beirne

7. EAST SIDE MEETS WEST SIDE PARTY AT EASY TIGER

If you’re looking for an alternative to the ubiquitous Tooheys and two-up, head along to Easy Tiger (106 Oxford St, Paddington) for an East Side meets West Side party, kicking off at 5pm. Young Henry’s Real Ale on tap will quench all thirsts while a locally-sourced live music programme is sure to instil a touch of national pride in punters. There’ll be sets from The Owls (pictured), Spirit Valley, Civilians and Steve Smyth, as well as vinyl DJ sets. All for free.

8. FOLLOW THE AUSTRALIAN DREAM AT STRICTLY BALLROOM

I want to dance with you. I want to dance with you your way at the Pan Pacifics. Is there an Australian alive in the '90s who doesn't know the meaning of those immortal words? That paragon of multiculturalism, suburban sparkle and following your dream, Strictly Ballroom, not only launched the career of writer-director Baz Luhrmann but also implanted itself in our national consciousness as few films have. Now the team behind the movie have brought it to the stage as Strictly Ballroom: The Musical, and the big surprise? It's actually pretty damn good. Celebrate solid Australian talent at Lyric Theatre this Anzac Day.

9. KICK BACK AT THE MOVIES

If you woke up early enough to make the Dawn Service, you might well be ready to kick back and spoil yourself at the movies by the afternoon. For those who find themselves thinking about international relations on Anzac Day, there’s Chinese Puzzle. On the other hand, for the more (sort of) patriotically inclined, there’s Captain America.

10. THE INNER WEST'S BIGGEST TWO-UP GAME – THE VIC

To be part of the biggest two-up game in the inner west, hit The Vic (2 Addison Rd, Marrickville). Furnace and The Fundamentals, Handsome Young Strangers and Jay Katz will soundtrack your wins and your losses. Plus, if all that tossing works up an appetite, you’ll be more than provided for with a spit roast and Anzac biccies. Entry is free and diggers receive a complimentary drink.

ONE MORE THING, TAKE A MINUTE'S SILENCE

While you can hold your own moment of reflection to pay respects to the diggers, you could also help the RSL out. In a moment of performance art meets respectful fundraising, the RSL's Anzac Appeal this year are selling minutes of silence. An actual recording of soundless contemplation time, the Minute of Silence is raising funds to help returned service men and women. You can buy the recording by telephone, and even the cost of the call will help toward the RSL.

To buy the Minute of Silence, phone 1902 250 414 for Victoria, 1902 250 415 (NSW & Qld), 1902 250 416 (Queensland), 1902 250 417 (South Australia & NT), 1902 250 418 Western Australia or 1902 250 419 (Tasmania). Or alternatively, text the word SILENCE and your home state to 1999 1234.

Either way, make sure you take a quiet moment to remember amidst the brewskies and coin tossing.

Words by Matthew Watson, Jasmine Crittenden, Rima Sabina Aouf and Shannon Connellan.