From two-up to dawn services and sausage sizzles, here are Eat Drink Play’s favourite ANZAC Day picks.
ANZAC Day offers people living in Australia the chance to commemorate, honour and celebrate everyone who served and died in the war. A day of reverence and remembrance, the date marks the day that the Australian and New Zealand army corps landed at Gallipoli in Turkey during WW1.
As a day of historical significance, there are several dawn services for quiet contemplation, and you’ll also find a whole host of venues where revellers can enjoy the time-honoured tradition of two-up, a game whose roots were born during the first world war when soldiers played it extensively.
And so, from reflective dawn services to lively sausage sizzles and animated games of two-up and more, here are the very best ways Sydney-siders can revel and rejoice on one of the most important days in Australia’s storied history.
North Bondi Fish
If you’re based in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and are planning on an early alarm call to make it down for the dawn service, jump into the ocean for a quick morning swim, then head up to North Bondi Fish from 11:30am to enjoy their special a la carte menu (available for lunch and dinner). Plus, listen to live music and DJ tracks all day long! For further info and to book, head over here.
Watson’s EQ, Moore Park
Nestled in the heart of Moore Park, Watson’s EQ’s inaugural ANZAC Day celebrations are sure to go down a storm. Join the team for classic B&E rolls, a sausage sizzle and their signature burgers! They’ll be playing Aussie bangers all afternoon long, plus enjoy the NRL Anzac Day match on the mega screen with a beer and two-up. Head over here for further info.
Manly Wharf Bar
For anyone living on Sydney’s beautiful Northern Beaches, Manly Wharf Bar is a must-visit over the long weekend. With one of Sydney’s most scenic views, party-goers can play two-up from the jetty and enjoy a free bacon and egg from 9am-10am. DJs will be spinning the decks from midday, leaving you plenty of time to unwind and sip on a refreshing glass of beer. Find out more here.
The Golden Sheaf, Double Bay
Love 2-up? The Golden Sheaf are bringing the you the biggest 2-up ring in the East this ANZAC Day, with hilarious hosts and high energy all afternoon long! Doors open from 10am, with 2-Up kicking off from 12pm. Enjoy a beer from their pop-up tinnie bar, plus enjoy classic Aussie delights like sausage sizzles, prawn cocktail rolls and lamb pies. Entry is free, and the team will also be taking donations for Legacy throughout the day. Find out more here.
BrewDog, South Eveleigh
Get to BrewDog for an awesome feed on ANZAC Day with classic burgers, world-famous wings, and loads of pizza to keep you full throughout the day. Vegetarians and Vegans are also well taken care of with up to 50% of BrewDog’s menu being plant-based. Plus, join the team for 2-up in their beer garden from 12pm-5pm. Spectate or get competitive! Find out more info here.
Cargo Bar, Darling Harbour
Currently a serviceman or woman, or used to be one? Cargo Bar are cooking up a delicious complimentary brekkie for all those who served, past and present! Join them in the morning, then stay to enjoy their 2-up arena, hosted by STAN Sports & CH9 Rugby Commentator Morgan Turinui. They’ll also have live music playing all the way until 6pm, followed by DJs till late, entertainment and loads of drink specials to keep you entertained. Find out more here.
Forrester’s, Surry Hills
Fun at Forrester’s will kick off from 10am, so you have plenty of time to chow down their signature burgers before trying your luck at 2-up, hosted by Joe Worthington. Enjoy a live pipe band as they make their appearance throughout the day, and gulp down ice cold Young Henry’s ‘Newtowner’ schooner, with $1 from every purchase going towards Legacy Australia. Find out more here.
Sackville Hotel, Rozelle
2-up is making a return to one of Rozelle’s beloved pubs! Doors to the Sackville Hotel will open from 12pm, with their giant carpark 2-up ring running until sun-down. With stadium stands, an outdoor Balter bar and hot food all day long, there’s no place you’d rather be! They’ll also be collecting donations for Legacy with donation stations setup around the hotel. Walk-ins available all day, find out more info here.
The Albion Hotel, Parramatta
There’s no better way to spend ANZAC Day in Parramatta than at the biggest outdoor 2-up venue in the suburb! For the first time ever, head outside for 2-up in the carpark, hosted by Albion Hotel local, Timmy. There will also be loads of live entertainment and food specials happening all day. The Albion Hotel are also supporting Veterans, with $1 from every 4-pines sold to be donated to Legacy. Find out more here.
The Regent, Kingsford
Join The Regent for an afternoon filled with good vibes and delicious food. They’ll be kicking off the day with 2-up in the main bar from midday until sundown, followed by spit roasted pork, cooked to crispy perfection. For just $17 each, enjoy spit roasted pork rolls with slaw and your choice of sauce. Plus, $1 from every VB purchased will be donated to Legacy. Find out more info and book a table here.
The Dolphin Hotel, Surry Hills
The Dolphin Hotel are hosting their annual ANZAC Day bonanza with the largest 2UP that Surry Hills has to offer! They’ve transformed their entire Dining Room into the biggest 2UP ring for the occasion, hosted by Sam Sirianni. Doors open at 10am, with great Aussie beers all afternoon long alongside their hero dish, Head Chef Aldo Lara’s take on the RSL (Rissole) sandwich. Available all day until sold out. Find out more info here.
Botswana Butchery, Sydney
Heading out to the city with a small group? Feast on Botswana Butchery’s special ANZAC day menu, created especially for the public holiday. Enjoy a 1.4kg Slow Roasted Whole Lamb Shoulder as well as New Zealand’s 100% natural, free range Lumina Lamb. The tender lamb is served with Duck Fat Potatoes and salad at $110 per person. Plus, pair it with a wine tasting of Lark Hill Dark Horse Shiraz Viognier and Valli Waitaki Pinot Noir. Find out more info here.
Feeling lucky? Here are Eat Drink Play’s favourite spots in Sydney to play two-up.
The Bank, Newtown: Ten years of Tora Two-Up – Info here.
Public House Petersham – Info here.
Opera Bar Sydney – Info here.
Paddo Inn, Paddington – Info here.
Kings Cross Hotel – Info here.
The Erko, Erskenville – Info here.
Courthouse Hotel, Newtown – Info here.
The Marly, Newtown – Info here.
The Clock Hotel, Surry Hills – Info here.
The Bridgeview, Willoughby – Info here.
Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Sydney – Info here.
Carousel Inn, Rooty Hill – Info here.