Where to play two-up on ANZAC Day in Sydney
Heads or tails 'em up at one of these pubs this ANZAC Day
We're not sure how people in other countries honour their service people and the sacrifices they make as members of our armed forces, but here in Australia we do it by betting on the flipping of two coins, drinking beers and eating something barbecued – all of this preferably happening after attending a dawn service or a march earlier that day.
This year Sydney's major dawn service at the Cenotaph in Martin Place is booked out, but you can join the waiting list here. The ANZAC Day march through the Sydney CBD is back on from 9am and it's open to marchers and spectators, but if you're staying home, you can watch the live broadcast on the ABC. Find out more here. Want other options for dawn services and marches from local RSLs? From them here.
After you've paid your respects in a more formal way, it's time to toss some coins. We've rounded up the best spots for a rowdy game of two-up in the city on ANZAC Day.
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Where to play two-up on ANZAC Day in Sydney
1. The Australian Heritage Hotel
Kicks off: Super keen beans and Dawn Service attendees can hit up the diggers breakfast from 7am at this Rocks mainstay.
Two-up: The venue turns into one of the largest outdoor two-up arenas in Sydney from noon.
Plus: There's also live music all day long, the roaming Hot Potato Band from 2.30pm, and a special performance by the Scots Marching Band on the doorstep.
2. The Dolphin
Kicks off: 10am.
Two-up: They are claiming to have the largest two-up ring in Surry Hills.
Plus: They'll be serving up what they call the 'RSL' (rissole) sandwich all day until sold out.
3. Courthouse Hotel
Kicks off: 11am.
Two-up: From midday in our top pick of Sydney's beer gardens, as is tradition it will be hosted by Tom and Denny, who've been at it for 25 years.
Plus: $2 from every VB jug sold will be donated to legacy.
4. Glenmore Hotel
Kicks off: 10am.
Two-up: Head back down to the streets for rowdy two-up shenanigans from midday.
Plus: The Rocks is an ANZAC day favourite – this rooftop is a great spot to soak up the action and enjoy the views. There'll be live music, a marching band and a rooftop DJ.
5. The Vic
Kicks off: 11am.
Two-up: From midday to sundown hosted by the Dollar Bin Darlings.
Plus: They'll have live music after sundown from Andy Golledge and Salarymen, and Papa Disquo Records spinning vinyls. Raffles are on with all proceeds going to Legacy.
6. Paddo Inn
Kicks off: 11am.
Two-up: From midday.
Plus: $1 from each Balter sold goes to Legacy.
7. Dick's Hotel
Kicks off: Doors open at 10am.
Two-up: It's a big one in the beer garden from midday.
Plus: This is one of Balmain's most popular spots, so there's a lot of atmosphere on the day. Make sure you get in early if you want a good spot. Cool Hand Luke, Adverse and Mathamatics are on the decks upstairs from midday.
8. Royal Hotel - Paddington
Kicks off: Open from 11am.
Two-up: They say they've got the biggest two-up arena in the Eastern Suburbs, taking place in the adjoining laneway.
Plus: There will be a DJ playing on a dance floor from 2pm and live music late in the afternoon. There's a $5 entry charge on the door, all proceeds go to Lecacy, past or present veterans will not be charged.
9. Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Kicks off: 11am
Two-up: They are staking the claim of having the largest two-up ring in the Eastern Suburbs and will be flipping from noon.
Plus: Dance to DJs and live music playing either side of a performance by the Police Pipe Band at 3pm.
10. The Newport
Kicks off: 10am.
Two-up: Get flipping on the deck from 1pm til sundown.
Plus: There's live entertainment from 2pm with Sergiio, Ellis Hall and Alex Mac.
11. The Bank Hotel
Kicks off: Midday.
Two-up: Larger than life drag queen Tora Hymen is getting things flipping from midday to to sundown in the beer garden.
Plus: DJs from 6pm to late, and a charity keg of VB with all donations to Legacy.
12. Public House Petersham
Kicks off: Midday.
Two-up: Start your heckling in the car park from noon to sundown.
Plus: This day calls for a huge car park party at the Public House. There'll be live sets from Rosa Maria and Megafauna as well as DJ sets from Deepa and Flywaves. $2 from every jug of Reschs goes to Legacy.
13. The Argyle
Kicks off: Midday.
Two-up: The cobble stone lined courtyard will transform to what they claim to be Sydney's biggest two-up arena.
Plus: There's live entertainment all day and a barbecue firing up in the courtyard.
14. The Woollahra Hotel
Kicks off: 10am.
Two-up: There's a focused circle out on terrace from noon.
Plus: There's live DJs from 3-10pm and the NRL will be screening from 4pm.
15. The Sackville Hotel
Kicks off: 10am.
Two-up: From midday to sundown in the huge car park party with grandstand seating.
Plus: Tinnie bars and a spit roast available, DJ sets from Shantan Wantan Ichiban and others keep the party pumping from 5pm.
16. Manly Wharf Bar
Kicks off: 11am.
Two-up: Ever played two-up on a wharf jetty? Here you can do just that. Kicks off midday.
Plus: Celebrate two-up wins or commiserate over losses on the dancefloor with DJs from 3pm. They're also pouring something they're calling 'mega jugs' of One fifty Lashes beers for $30.
17. The Marlborough Hotel
Kicks off: 10am.
Two-up: From 1pm, hosted by trivia king Breko.
Plus: DJs spinning from 2pm, and funds raised for the Redfern Foundation, which assists local community organisations that are operated primarily by and for Aboriginal people.
18. The Oxford Tavern
Kicks off: 10am.
Two-up: Flip those coins from midday to sundown.
Plus: Grab a feed with Black Betty barbecue smoking from 10am and the Tav's smokehouse Sunday roasts from midday, and get on the dancefloor with DJs from 6pm.
19. The Beresford Hotel
Kicks off: 11am.
Two-up: Forget a salty sailor and come for two-up hosted by drag queen and RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under contestant Maxi Shield from 1pm.
Plus: DJs are on deck from noon to keep the party boiling along at this big gay pub.
20. Bondi Beach Public Bar
Kicks off: It kicks off early here with a livestream of the dawn service from North Bondi RSL from 6am (RSVP essential), and breakfast from 6.45am.
Two-up: From midday to sundown
Plus: DJs are on deck from sundown with Charlie Cripps and Mondo Music on board for Public Sundays.
21. Clock Hotel
Kicks off: Midday.
Two-up: The coins get tossing in the courtyard from midday.
Plus: DJs all afternoon, NRL from 4pm, and $1 from every Carlton Draught sold goes to Legacy.
22. Keg and Brew
Kicks off: 11am.
Two-up: They start calling 'em from noon to sundown on the rooftop.
Plus: Grab Aussie food specials all day, the UFC at midday and the NRL at 4pm.
23. Erskineville Hotel
Kicks off: Midday.
Two-up: You'll find the coins flipping in the main bar from midday.
Plus: $2 from every jug of VB will be donated to Legacy.
24. The Golden Sheaf
Kicks off: 10am.
Two-up: From midday with stadium seating, hilarious hosts and what they claim to be the biggest two-up arena in the Eastern Suburbs.
Plus: DJs all day, grab-and-go Aussie snacks, and $1 from every VB or Carlton long neck and tinnies go to support Legacy.
25. The Royal - Leichhardt
Kicks off: From 6am there's bugle on the balcony and reading of the Ode. There'll also be a coffee cart on Norton street from 5.30am offering free coffee for veterans, and donating proceeds to Legacy.
Two-up: Unleash your competitive side in the main bar from midday.
Plus: Cap off the evening with live music from 6pm.
26. Kings Cross Hotel
Kicks off: Midday.
Two-up: Drag queen Miss Danni Issues will be calling the shots from 2pm.
Plus: They'll have a bagpiper and an old fashioned Aussie sausage sizzle. You can donate to Legacy at tap and pay donation points.
27. Albion Hotel
Kicks off: 10am.
Two-up: There’ll be two-up in the lounge from midday until sundown at this Western Sydney institution.
Plus: There’ll be a sausage sizzle, ‘pub pong’ comps with prizes, a FIFA Lounge, giant JENGA, and shisha pavilion.
28. Cargo
Kicks off: There's free bacon and egg rolls for all service men and women before the fun kicks off at 10am.
Two-up: Enjoy harbour views while you filp from 10am to sundown in what they claim is Sydney's biggest two-up arena.
Plus: An assortment of DJs, live entertainment and drink specials.
29. Harpoon Harry
Kicks off: 10am.
Two-up: It's happening, times TBC
Plus: This place is a stone's throw from the ANZAC Memorial. Expect DJs later on in the set and a special ANZAC burger.
30. The Royal Oak
Kicks off: 10am.
Two-up: Make your calls on the deck from midday to 5pm.
Plus: DJs on the rooftop from 5pm.
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