Overview
Each year the same thing happens: you return to work after Anzac Day, not really able to explain to your friends and colleagues how you managed to pass the time. You're pretty sure there was gambling, you think you remembered to remember, and you're definitely hungover.
This time around, do all of that and a little more with Concrete Playground's round up of the ten best things to do in Sydney this April 25. You might just surprise yourself.
1. ANZAC Day Dawn Service
Australians have been rising early since 1916 to commemorate military servicemen in the Navy's Day Dawn Service. Arrive at the Cenotaph in Martin Place before the ceremony's start at 4.15am to greet the ANZAC Day sun.
2. ANZAC Day Parade
Veterans, serving personnel and descendants of veterans will march in the ANZAC Day Parade, commencing at 9am in Sydney's CBD. The parade will proceed along Pitt Street and Martin Place and then through George, Bathurst, Elizabeth and Liverpool Streets, finishing at the ANZAC War Memorial in Hyde Park ahead of the Commemorative Service at 12.30pm.
3. Treat yourself to a biscuit or two
Many cafes will be closed on Anzac Day, but fear not, at least three of our favourites will be open. We’re hoping for a creative take on the famous biscuit of the day from Adriano Zumbo (open from 11am at The Star; 8am to 1pm at the Balmain patisserie), for the rain to hold off for the line outside Bourke Street Bakery (8am to 5pm in Surry Hills and Potts Point), and for space in our bellies to carb-load at Iggy's Bread (8am to 4pm, Bronte).
4. Play a national sport: Two-up
Legal only on Anzac Day and Armistice Day (November 11), two-up is synonymous with the national holiday. Played in a number of pubs and bars across the city, our recommendation is to hit one of Sydney's best pubs in the Rocks, Paddington or the inner-west for a lively crowd, tradition and good beers. Go to The Australian or The Hero of Waterloo in the Rocks; Bellevue Hotel or the Royal in Paddington; Dick's and The Exchange in Balmain or Newtown's Bank Hotel.
5. Play an underground sport: Ghetto Handball
BYO booze, coins to flip, and a damn strong wrist for a game of ghetto handball at 12 noon on a street corner in Chippendale.
6. Sunset Service
If you missed the early start, or want to mark the end of the day the way you watch it begin, there's a sunset service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place. Get there in time for the 5pm start.
7. Chopper's Big F**ken Anzac Day Show
Back to help us all remember what it truly means to be Australian... or something like that, Chopper brings his annual show of Aussie-bred humour to the Enmore Theatre in Newtown. Last year's show was a sell out, so get tickets today for the 8pm 0ne-off show.
8. Take your pick of the Sydney Comedy Festival
If Chopper doesn't tickle your funny bone, check out the many international and homegrown talents performing on April 25, as part of the Sydney Comedy Festival. Saturday Night Live veteran Jim Breuer is making his Australian debut at The Metro, the UK’s Mark Watson and Ireland’s David O’Doherty will be at the Seymour Centre, and Canadians DeAnne Smith (The Factory Theatre, Marrickville) and Jon Dore (Enmore Theatre, Newtown), plus many others ready to make you cry with laughter.
9. Watch a free movie at the AGNSW
Sneak away from the hustle and bustle of the big two-up gatherings to catch a free screening at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, as part of their Postcards from LA series. Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy star in the satirical comedy Bowfinger (1999), showing at 2pm and 7.15pm. Tickets are free and available an hour beforehand at the Domain Theatre.
10. Catch Van She at the Beach Road
Summer may be over, but that doesn't mean you should leave your smile and good vibes in the sand.
Words by Anya Krenicki and Emma Joyce