Overview
No matter which day of the week it falls on, Anzac Day is a day of significance. It's also a day of thinking about the past, tossing coins into the air and throwing back cold ones — remembering Australia and New Zealand's military war efforts both then and now, and savouring the things worth fighting for.
Whether you're inhaling Anzac biscuits or opening the bowling in a game of backyard cricket, it's important to be mindful of the historic significance and commemorative nature of the day while celebrating mateship with those closest to you.
This year, the city is back in full swing for Anzac Day, with dawn services and two-up in abundance across Sydney. Here's our round-up of the best things to do in Sydney this Saturday, April 25.
Dee Why Dawn Service
Wake Up for the Anzac Day Dawn Service
There's nothing like paying your respects as the bugle brings up the sun. Australians have been rising early since 1916 to commemorate both fallen and still-serving military personnel at the Dawn Service. As is tradition, the service will run at the Cenotaph in Martin Place from 4.20am. There are public viewing points throughout Martin Place, which have limited capacity and are first-come, first-served, so it's best to get down early if this is your plan.
Many local RSLs run their own dawn services. Head to the website of your local for details — or if you're not sure where to look, RSL NSW has a great guide to all the Anzac Day commemorations and reunions happening across the state this year.
If you can't make it to a service IRL, you can tune into the Dawn Service live stream, which will be available on ABC TV and iView.
Head to an Anzac Day March
Medals are shone and proudly donned as veterans, their descendants and serving personnel march through Sydney's CBD for the annual Anzac Day Parade. Commencing at 9am sharp, the parade will begin at the intersection of Martin Place and Elizabeth Street, before travelling down Elizabeth Street and finishing at the Liverpool Street end of Hyde Park.
Alternatively, you can head to Redfern for the Coloured Diggers March. This annual gathering features a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony commemorating First Nations service people who were often not recognised for their wartime contributions, with a 2026 theme of "Defending Country across Ancient Oceans paying special tribute to First Nations people who have fought in battles throughout the Pacific Ocean.
Play a Round of Two-Up
Anzac Day usually marks one of only three days a year that the coin-toss game two-up is legal, so squeezing into one of the many Sydney pubs hosting this beloved Anzac Day tradition is, well, a tradition. Prime your bank notes, place your bets and watch those sacred coins fall. We recommend hitting up one of Sydney's best pubs or RSLs for a spirited crowd and discounted brews.
There are a few bars that are taking their two-up very seriously. If you're looking to get started strong after the Dawn Service, The Woollhara Hotel is serving bacon and egg rolls out front from 8.30am, before two-up kicks off from the typical 12pm start.
Over in Surry Hills, The Clock Hotel is once again commandeering Crown Street with its legendary playing circle, alongside food and music until late, with a dollar for every pint or schooner sold once again going to support Legacy. And Newtown favourite The Bank is welcoming host Tora Hymen back for her 15th year running two-up, before an afterparty takes over Waywards Ballroom until late.
Here are a few more of our favourite pubs for a game of two-up:
Eastern suburbs: Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Coogee Bay Hotel, The Golden Sheaf Hotel.
The Rocks: The Glenmore, The Australian Heritage Hotel.
Surry Hills: The Dolphin Hotel, Harry's, Forrester's, The Beresford.
Inner east: Paddo Inn, Taphouse
Inner west: The Erko, The Sackville Hotel, The Courthouse, Vic on the Park, Petersham Public House, The Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre.
Northern beaches: The Newport, Harbord Hotel, The Mona.
Western Sydney: Albion Hotel, Hillside Hotel, Carousel Inn.
Others: BrewDog, The Alex, Kings Cross Hotel, The Old Fitzroy Hotel
Catch Some Live Music
The Vic on the Park is once again throwing all the Anzac Day traditions together for one big party come Saturday, April 25. There will be two-up hosted by the likes of local favourite Aunty Jonny. The annual NRL match will be on the pub's huge courtyard screen. And you can catch live music from sundown. Entry is free — just get down early to nab a spot.
Down in Darling Harbour meanwhile, Cargo Bar is following on from its two-up with live music from A-Shuffle and Johnnie S until the small hours — 3am specifically. Good thing it's a long weekend.
Eat a Nostalgic Snack at One of Sydney's Pubs
The rissole sanga is an Aussie culinary classic, but the Dolphin Hotel always takes it to a new level on Anzac Day. Its creation, dubbed the RSL Rissole Sandwich, comes packed with a beef rissole, cheese, onion and sauce between sliced white bread. Almost as precious as two-up, this is your best chance to munch it while participating in – or watching over – the coin flips. All donations on the day will be going to Legacy. Out east at the Watson's Bay Hotel, you can tuck in to a menu of steak sandwiches and salted caramel Anzac cheesecakes. But no matter where you decide to spend the day, you won't be far from a cracking feed.
Top image: The Clock Hotel