The Best Things to Do This Anzac Day in Sydney
Here's where to rise for the dawn service, indulge in a spot of two-up and pay your respects.
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 running as usual and two-up aplenty across Sydney. Here's our round-up of the best things to do in Sydney this Friday, 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 during 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.
If you're in Redfern, look out 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.
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. The Bank Hotel's annual Anzac Day get-together will be hosted by drag star Tora Hymen. Plus, there will be a karma keg of Carlton Draught to raise money for the families of Australian defence force personnel, with $1 from every pint or schooner sold donated.
Jacksons on George is opening from 10am with an all-day Anzac menu of barbecue by Head Chef Steven Sinclair, starring wagyu skewers and Aussie beef hotdogs served with tomato relish and caramelised onion. Then, from 12pm, they're opening up what's described as the CBD's largest rooftop two-up ring. There's also $5 schooners for veterans and DJs from sunset.
For the 11th year running, The Chippo will host its annual instalment of Two-Up and Techno event, while beloved spots like The Vic on the Park and The Lady Hampshire will be pairing their two-up with live music (we'll get to that).
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, The Clock Hotel.
Paddington: Paddo Inn, The London Hotel
Inner west: The Erko, The Sackville Hotel, The Courthouse, Vic on the Park, Petersham Public House.
Northern suburbs: The Newport, Harbord Hotel.
Western Sydney: Albion Hotel, Hillside Hotel, Carousel Inn.
Others: Woollahra Hotel, BrewDog, The Alex, Kings Cross Hotel, The Old Fitzroy Hotel
Catch Some Live Music
The Vic on the Park is throwing all the Anzac Day traditions together for one big party come Friday, 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 6pm, with inner-west band Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys leading the lineup. Entry is free — just get down early to nab a spot.
The Australian Heritage Hotel's commemorative Anzac Day event will kick off with a round of two-up, which will then be followed by special performances throughout the day as a host of live bands and DJs mix things up until late. Swinging the doors open at 9am with free entry, expect a big day ahead.
Eat a Nostalgic Snack at One of Sydney's Pubs
The rissole sanga is an Aussie culinary classic, but the Dolphin Hotel takes it to a new level on Friday, April 25. Its creation, dubbed the RSL Rissole Sandwich, comes packed with a beef rissole, cheese, onion and sauce between sliced white bread. You'll be munching it while participating in – or watching over – one of the biggest two-up rings in Surry Hills. All donations on the day will be going to Legacy.
Joining in on the fun this year is Harry's in Surry Hills. The bustling bar is also getting around the throwback Aussie grub in 2025, with $15 rissole sandwiches. Opening from 9am, renowned MC and 2-Up enthusiast Rohan Edwards will be back once again from 12.30pm. Donations are also being collected on behalf of Legacy.
Top image: The Australian Heritage Hotel
