Whether you’ll be waking up at the crack of dawn, baking Anzac cookies, or having a few cold ones, Anzac Day is a day to celebrate being Australian (or Kiwi for all our NZ friends). And what better way to do that than a game of true blue two-up.
To make the most of your precious day off (and the one day a year two-up is legal), we have done the research for you and narrowed down the best spots for a little gambling this ANZAC day. If you’re reading this, and you don’t know what two-up is a) are you even Australian? And b) consider this lesson one in how to commemorate Anzac day the Aussiest way ever.
So here it is, our top spots to try your luck at a game (or ten) of two-up.
The Argyle
The Rocks
The Argyle always knows how to celebrate in style. So it’s no surprise they are hosting a truly Aussie Anzac Day with celebrations kicking off in their courtyard at 8am with a classic Aussie barbie. The entertainment will get going at 11am, complete with beer and of course two-up from 1pm, which will be both available and encouraged.
Royal Hotel Paddington
Paddington
The Royal Hotel Paddington is going all out when it comes to bringing Sydneysiders a truly #RoyalANZACDay. With two-up games along Broughton Street, the Royal is delivering the biggest two-up event in the East! But the fun doesn’t stop there; live tunes, an outdoor bar and live AFL and NRL games will all be on offer, with the fun officially kicking off from 9:30am.
The Australian Heritage Hotel
The Rocks
Anzac Day, 130 beers, and two-up, you can’t get any more Australian than that. The Australian Heritage Hotel is living up to its name with 130 beers, food stalls and a BBQ, so you’ll be well hydrated and fed as you claim total two-up victory.
The Glenmore Hotel
The Rocks
The Glenmore Hotel is here to make an already big Anzac celebration even bigger, opening their doors at 8am. Following a hearty BBQ breaky, Cumberland Street will host a performance by the Scots Marching Band before Gloucester Street transforms into one of Sydney’s largest two-up arenas from midday. To top it all off, the Glenmore’s rooftop is the perfect spot to end the day with a few cold ones and a final game of (you guessed it) two-up.
The Observer
The Rocks
If you like your cocktails on tap (for only $12 a pop!) then head to The Observer in The Rocks for what's sure to be a sweet, sweet day of two-up and a whole lot of fun. Festivities kick off at midday, but doors open at 10am if you want to get there early (AKA if you've been up since dawn).
Manly Wharf Hotel
Manly
Manly Wharf Hotel (fondly known by it’s many locals as Wharf Bar) is delivering the goods this Anzac Day. With $16 jugs of One Fifty Lashes, DJs from 5pm and jetty two-up sessions throughout the day, Wharf Bar is guaranteed to deliver a good time. Make room locals, we think Sydneysiders from far and wide will be getting amongst the festivities and we don’t blame them.
The Royal Leichhardt
Leichhardt
Gather your squad and head on down to the inner west’s favourite local, the Royal Leichhardt, and celebrate this Anzac Day. With two-up games kicking off in the main bar from 1pm, and live music from 6:30pm, get ready to party from sunrise to sunset.
The Tudor
Redfern
The Tudor is helping us celebrate ANZAC Day and cheers our brave servicemen and women with a cold one and a cheeky game or two. Open from 9am right through until 12am (who said anything about work tomorrow?), The Tudor is perfect for an all-dayer. With some delicious lamb burgers and beer offers going around, you’re #sorted this Anzac Day.
Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
Watsons Bay
Head on down to Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel for some beach side two-up (talk about the perfect combo), bag pipers, live entertainment and DJs. With food and drink specials also on offer, Watsons Bay is guaranteed to be a good time.
Castle Hill RSL
Castle Hill
Kick off the rest of your Anzac Day where the dawn parade ends at Castle Hill RSL. Two-up begins at midday and continues right throughout the afternoon, which gives us plenty of time to start tossing our pennies and remember our diggers.
Crows Nest Hotel
Crows Nest
At Crows Nest Hotel there’ll be a lamb spit roast on the terrace and two up from midday happening as well as live music and DJs until late. Need we say more?
If you're all about that two-for-one deal, here are the best pub spots to score more food for less money.
Image credit: The Glenmore