Ultimate Guide to Two-Up Celebrations in Sydney for ANZAC Day

Sydney offers a multitude of vibrant places to experience the traditional game of two-up on ANZAC Day. The Australian Heritage Hotel is renowned for its lively atmosphere and one of the city's largest outdoor arenas for the game. Forrester's, known for its festive gatherings on public holidays, presents a lively two-up pitch accompanied by live music. The Glenmore, located near the Australian Heritage Hotel, provides an energetic ambiance with tunes from live bands and the opportunity to donate to Legacy with every Carlton schooner purchased. Greenwood Hotel, part of the Stanley House Studios group, hosts a significant two-up game with proceeds benefiting Legacy and features entertainment such as DJs and a live NRL broadcast. Harbord Hotel, a popular choice on the Northern Beaches, boasts an expansive two-up competition with live music, food stalls, and a marching band.

The Ultimate Guide to ANZAC Day Two-Up in Sydney

Honoring Veterans and Celebrating Tradition

Paying tribute to our veterans at the dawn service is the cornerstone of ANZAC Day commemorations, but the day also holds a special tradition: two-up. This beloved game, involving the flipping of two coins, has been a part of Australian culture for generations, and on ANZAC Day, it takes center stage in Sydney's pubs and hotels.

Best Places to Play Two-Up

If you're looking for the most authentic and exciting two-up experience, here are our top picks:

1. The Australian Heritage Hotel (100 Cumberland St, The Rocks): Renowned for its expansive outdoor arena, The Australian Heritage Hotel is a must-visit for two-up enthusiasts. Opening from midday, it offers a festive atmosphere, bacon and egg rolls, and live music.

2. Forrester's (336 Riley St, Surry Hills): Known for its lively ambiance, Forrester's kicks off two-up around midday. With a live pipe band, delicious food, and energetic vibes, it's a great spot to immerse yourself in the tradition.

3. The Glenmore (96 Cumberland St, The Rocks): Just steps from The Australian Heritage Hotel, The Glenmore offers another fantastic two-up destination. Enjoy live tunes from The Scots Marching Band and Hot Potato Band, as well as refreshing drinks and delectable pub grub.

4. Greenwood Hotel (The Greenwood Plaza Rooftop, 36 Blue St, North Sydney): Greenwood Hotel hosts one of the largest two-up games on Sydney's Lower North Shore. Starting at midday, it features DJs, a live NRL screening, and a special fundraising initiative where $1 from every Carlton Schooner sold goes to Legacy.

5. Harbord Hotel (29 Moore Rd, Freshwater): Sydney's Northern Beaches boasts one of the biggest two-up events at the Harbord Hotel. With live music, a loaded hot dog barbecue, cold beers, and a marching band, it promises an unforgettable celebration.

6. Watson's EQ (Entertainment Quarter, The, 1 Bent St, Moore Park): Combine footy and two-up at Watson's EQ. Play from 10 am while enjoying a live NRL game on the big screen. Indulge in breakfast rolls, sausages, or their signature burgers.

7. Verandah Precinct (55/65 Elizabeth St, Sydney): Verandah Precinct opens at 6 am for early risers who want to start their day with breakfast. Two-up commences at midday, and you can enjoy a sausage sizzle while $1 from every bacon and egg roll and VB schooner goes to Legacy.

8. The Buena (76 Middle Head Rd, Mosman): While the yabby racing is a major draw at The Buena, it's the two-up that adds to the excitement. Starting at midday, the venue donates $1 from every Carlton schooner to Legacy and plays The Last Post at sundown.

9. The Richmond Inn (90 March St, Richmond): Sydney's west is well-represented at The Richmond Inn, which offers a $5 sausage sizzle, NRL Live and Loud on the Stadium Screen, and The Last Post at dusk. Additionally, $1 from every Carlton draught schooner goes to Legacy.

10. The Log Cabin (20 Memorial Ave, Penrith): Sydney's west boasts the largest 2UP arena at The Log Cabin. Celebrate from 12 pm with beers in the beer garden, live music, DJs, pop-up bars, a sausage sizzle BBQ, and DJs live streaming sets.

11. Northies Cronulla Hotel (Kingsway &, Elouera Rd, Cronulla): The games begin at midday at Northies in Cronulla, but the pub opens from 10 am for early pints. Stay for a commemorative bagpipe performance at 2 pm before catching the NRL action on the venue's big screens.

12. BrewDog South Eveleigh (Bay 1 Locomotive Workshops South, Eveleigh): For a more relaxed two-up experience, head to BrewDog South Eveleigh. Try your luck in the expansive beer garden while enjoying over 30 brews on tap.

13. Paddo Inn (338 Oxford St, Paddington): Gather at Paddo Inn for a day of food specials, live music, and two-up from midday. The venue is smaller, so arrive early or check out neighboring pubs for additional space.

14. Clock Hotel (470 Crown St, Surry Hills): Clock Hotel has been a two-up hotspot since the game's inception. Secure a spot in the courtyard or join the action from the balcony with fishing rods.

15. Harbord Diggers (88 Evans St, Freshwater): Freshie locals and visitors flock to Harbord Diggers for one of the largest two-up events on the Northern Beaches. The commemorative ceremony begins at 8 am, with two-up kicking off at 11 am.

16. Kings Cross Hotel (244-248 William St, Potts Point): Experience the all-Australian two-up atmosphere at Kings Cross Hotel. Savor sausage sizzles, bacon and egg rolls, and enjoy entertainment from local drag queens.

17. Royal Hotel Paddington (237 Glenmore Rd, Paddington): Featuring two arenas, an indoor and an outdoor one, Royal Hotel Paddington is a prominent two-up destination. Live music and DJs entertain after the games, with donations collected for Legacy.

18. The Sackville Hotel (599 Darling St, Rozelle): Rozelle's two-up festivities are renowned, with The Sackville Hotel hosting the event in their spacious car park. Experience classic, unpretentious fun, with grandstand seating and a Balter beer bar.

19. The Golden Sheaf (429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay): Boasting the largest two-up arena in the Eastern suburbs, The Golden Sheaf offers stadium seating, grab-and-go Aussie snacks, a tinnie bar, and DJs all night long.

20. The Woollahra Hotel (116 Queen St, Woollahra): The Woollahra Hotel transforms its terrace into the ultimate two-up circle. Delight in tasty food, live music, and DJs, ensuring a day filled with memorable moments.

21. Erskineville Hotel (102 Erskineville Rd, Erskineville): Erskineville Hotel boasts a hidden beer garden, perfect for two-up on ANZAC Day. Enjoy a drink, play some coins, and express your appreciation for Australia's heroes.

22. The Dolphin (412 Crown St, Surry Hills): For one of the best two-up spots in Surry Hills, head to The Dolphin, featuring the largest two-up ring in the suburb. The dining room transforms to accommodate all your needs, accompanied by an all-Australian classics soundtrack. Don't miss the coveted 'RSL' (rissole) sandwich.

23. Manly Wharf Bar (E Esplanade, Manly): Pair the iconic two-up game with unbeatable views at Manly Wharf Bar, where you'll play on the wharf jetty. DJs from noon keep the party going throughout the day.

Additional Venues

While the venues listed above are our top picks, here are additional options worth considering:

• Darling Pavillion in Darling Square (two up from 12 pm)
• The Argyle in The Rocks (two up from 12 pm)
• Harts Pub in The Rocks (two up from 12 pm)
• Mercantile Hotel in The Rocks (two up from 12 pm)
• The Republic Hotel in The Rocks (two up from 12 pm)
• Coogee Pavilion in Coogee (two up from 2 pm)
• The Newport in Newport (two up from 1 pm)
• The Vic On The Park (from 12 pm until late)
• Park House Mona Vale (two up from 12 pm)

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does two-up start?

Two-up typically starts at midday in Sydney.

What time is The Last Post played on ANZAC day?

Traditionally, The Last Post is played at 4.45 pm. However, some venues wait until sundown, which is around 5:15 pm.