If any day sums up the Australian character, it’s Anzac Day, a day where people pour into pubs to raise a glass to the diggers then settle in to play the traditional game of two-up.
While Anzac Day begins with remembering the fallen soldiers of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (hence, ANZAC) and acknowledging all have served their country in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations, the larrikin spirit Aussies cherish takes hold as pubs and clubs fill – and overflow – with punters keen for a game of two-up.
This traditional game of chance was played by the diggers in the trenches during WWI, and playing it on Anzac Day is seen as a tribute, drawing huge crowds to venues across the city and beyond. Queues start forming from as early as 9am, so knowing where to head is key to making the most of this rare opportunity to play and shout: “Come in spinner!”
Where to play two-up in Sydney
What is two-up and how do I play it?
In Sydney, two-up is only legally allowed to be played on Remembrance Day (November 11) and Anzac Day as well as during commemorative functions in the week days leading up to it. So the novelty of it all certainly adds to the appeal.
Just as the diggers played it, these are the rules of two-up that the majority of Sydney pubs enforce:
Two coins are tossed into the air at the same time, and players bet on whether the result will be both heads or both tails.
One player, called the spinner, throws the coins after everyone has placed their bets. When the coins land, if they show two heads, the heads bets win; if they show two tails, the tails bets win; and if the result is one head and one tail, called “odds,” no one wins, and the coins are tossed again.
If “odds” occurs, the same spinner continues tossing, but when a winning result (heads or tails) comes up, the winners are paid, and the game carries on.
In some pubs, you can volunteer to be the spinner for a round, but if you struggle to land two heads or two tails, there can be light-hearted penalties, like having to do a “shooey,” which is all part of the fun of the game.
It’s as simple as that, and it’s the approachability that tends to pull people together on a day that’s geared towards remembrance and celebration.
Two-up also brings all of Australia’s best pubs to life and reiterates them as beacons of community spirit. So it’s always a great time to see your local reach its full potential.
Where to play Two-Up in Sydney CBD & Surrounds
1. Australian Heritage Hotel
One of the earliest Anzac Day starts, the Australian Heritage Hotel opens from 7am, offering up a sausage sizzle and BBQ bites, with two-up kicking off from 12pm until sundown. One of Sydney’s most popular Anzac Day events in the heart of the Rocks, this is a great venue to head to after paying your respects at The Cenotaph monument Dawn Service in Martin Place.
Where: 100 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000
When: Two-up kicks off at 12pm
australianheritagehotel.com.au
2. The Dolphin
The Dolphin’s dining room will have the largest two-up ring in Surry Hills on Anzac Day. Rounds of the symbolic gambling game kick off at 10am while the pub lets loose with a curated menu of the kitchen’s favourites, as well as the “RSL”, a rissole sandwich. Donations on the day go directly to Legacy Sydney, and doors are only open for walk-ins. Be prepared to queue.
Where: 412 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
When: Two-up from 12pm
3. Clock Hotel
The Crown Street institution will once again host a huge Anzac Day celebration in Surry Hills. You’ll find a street bar set-up with ice cold frothies, an outdoor BBQ going all afternoon, and two-up from midday. Every pint or schooner of VB sold out on the day means $1 going straight to Legacy.
Where: 470 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
When: Two-up from 12pm
4. Kings Cross Hotel
The Kings Cross Hotel hosts two-up on the pub’s massive balcony from 12pm on Anzac Day. You’ll also find a round of food specials lasting all day right alongside the Anzac Day Cup screenings in the sports bay. Funds will be raised for Legacy with every Karma Keg of Carlton Draught sold.
Where: 244-248 William St, Potts Point NSW 2011
When: Two-up from 12pm
5. Forrester’s
Doors open early for Forrester’s on Anzac Day. The popular Surry Hills pub will welcome guests from 10:30am on the day, right before two-up commences at 12pm until sundown. You can also opt to catch the NRL Roosters vs Dragons game live and loud in the public bar from 4pm, enjoy live sets from local artists, as well as $9 schooners of Mountain Culture Status Quo and Australian Premium Lager, with $1 from every sale donated to Legacy.
Where: 336 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
When: Two-up from 12pm
Where to play Two-Up in the Eastern Suburbs
6. Royal Hotel Paddington
The Royal Hotel Paddington will go ahead with its traditional Anzac Day Street Party, which is always one of Sydney’s biggest celebrations on the day, on April 25. Both indoor and outdoor Two-up arenas will be set up alongside a traditional Aussie BBQ while DJs spin from 3pm.
The Anzac Day party is always one of the busiest in the city, so make sure you’re planning. Either be prepared to queue early, or purchase their fast pass for $50, which will give you unlimited, no-time-restriction access, multiple entries and best of all, no queues. Expensive, but if you hate queueing and want to guarantee entry, this is the one to do. Doors open at 9am, and two-up kicks off at 10am.
Where: 237 Glenmore Rd, Paddington NSW 2021
When: Two-up from 10am
7. Bellevue Hotel
One of the most popular two-up rings in the east, the Bellevue is known for its laneway two-up, which kicks off at 12pm after doors open at 10am. They’ll be serving up sausage sizzles at their outdoor BBQ and will also be operating an outdoor bar to keep you watered all day long.
Where: 159 Hargrave St, Paddington NSW 2021.
When: Two-up kicks off at 12pm.
8. The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak will have its Rooftop Tinnie Bar firing all day long for Anzac Day, as all spinners are welcome to participate in rounds of two-up from 12pm. DJs will start shuffling through to help turn this into a party from 5pm, while the bistro stays open for all the crowd favourites. You’ll even get to pop by the Sports Bar, which will be playing the annual Roosters vs Dragon match live and loud.
Where: 28 Bay St, Double Bay NSW 2028
When: Two-up from 12pm
9. Woollahra Hotel
The Woollahra Hotel is always a popular spot for an Anzac Day party. This year, doors will open at 9am before two-up on the terrace from 12pm. DJs and live entertainment start at 6pm, turning this into a full day with a strong sense of community. Walk-ins only.
Where: 116 Queen St, Woollahra NSW 2025
When: Two-up from 12pm
10. The Golden Sheaf
Doors to the famous Golden Sheaf open bright and early from 8am, with two-up spinning from 12pm in the leafy beef garden. Get those Karma Kegs of Balter XPA in if you want to help raise funds for Legacy Australia while the party stays on from 6pm with a roster of local DJs. Entry is free and walk-in only.
Where: 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay NSW 2026
When: Two-up from 12pm
11. Coogee Bay Hotel
Head to Coogee Anzac Day Dawn Service at 5:30am and join the locals in a quiet, moving moment of remembrance as the sun rises over the beach. At midday, head to Selina’s at Coogee Bay Hotel and enjoy one of the most iconic Anzac Day rituals at this popular venue.
Where: 253 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee NSW 2034
When: Two-up from 12pm
12. Clovelly Hotel
The Cloey is notorious for drawing huge crowds on ANZAC Day, with the Eastern Suburbs flocking to the ever-popular venue, so expect queues early. Our tip? Get queuing before the doors open at 9am. Two-up kicks off from midday, but things start much earlier with an ANZAC Day BBQ firing up in the beer garden from 8am.
Where: 381 Clovelly Rd, Clovelly NSW 2031
When: Two-up from 12pm
Where to play Two-Up in the Inner West
13. The Royal Leichhardt
One of the inner-west’s most symbolic pubs is welcoming all spinners to its own Anzac Day dawn service starting from 6am. The solemn tribute to our fallen soldiers is followed by two-up from 12pm until sundown, as well as live music all day alongside outdoor bars and food stalls. The Royal Leichhardt always manages to capture that festive feel to help pull together a sense of community on this day of respect and remembrance.
Where: 156 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW 2040
When: Two-up from 12pm
14. Vic on the Park
Marrickville’s popular Vic on the Park is vibrant and full of life any day of the year, but Anzac Day always brings in a special atmosphere as the local community gets together for a full day of coin-tossing. Two-up will take place in the courtyard from 12pm with Aunty Jonny on hosting duties. Live music stretches from day to night if you want to make it a big one.
Where: 2 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
When: Two-up from 12pm
15. The Sackville Hotel
Fancy playing two-up in the car park of The Sackville all day? One of Rozelle’s most vibrant pubs is once again opening its arms for a big Anzac Day party with a special menu, tinnie bars, live music and DJs all day. Make sure you’re loading up on those Karma Kegs of Carlton Draught as well; $1 from each purchase goes towards raising funds for Legacy.
Where: 599 Darling St, Rozelle NSW 2039
When: Two-up from 12pm
16. East Village Hotel
Balmain hotspot, the East Village Hotel (affectionately known as EVH), opens from 11am this Anzac Day, with two-up kicking off at 1pm. There’ll be a live music trio band from 4pm-7pm with food and drink specials ready to keep you energised all day on.
Where: 82 Darling St, Balmain East NSW 2041
When: Two-up begins at 1pm
17. Public House Petersham
Public House Petersham will be hosting two-up in the car park from 12pm on Anzac Day. It’s always a big affair here, with grandstands, live music, tap bars, food specials and entertainment planned for the day, alongside a live and loud screening of the NRL. Every VB sold means $1 goes straight to Legacy.
Where: 292 Stanmore Rd, Petersham NSW 2049
When: Two-up from 12pm
18. Courthouse Hotel
Newtown’s best beer garden is hosting two-up from 12pm. Head along to the Courthouse Hotel on April 25 to test your luck with the tradition while also helping to raise funds for Legacy by purchasing Karma Kegs of Resch’s. The Courty is popular on any day of the year, really, so we couldn’t even imagine how packed it will be as we come together to pay tribute to the Anzacs.
Where: 202 Australia St, Newtown NSW 2042
When: Two-up from 12pm
19. The Marly
This Newtown classic is always up for a good time on April 25. The Marlborough Hotel will open its doors for two-up from 12pm. The rounds of coin-flipping will be spinning all day before DJs start riling through all night. All day, every beer sold from the Karma Keg goes to supporting Legacy Australia.
Where: 145 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
When: Two-up from 12pm
20. Botany View Hotel
The Botany View Hotel will host a huge Anzac Day Block Party, which will kick off at 12pm. They’re keeping the line-up of entertainers and exact two-up timings under wraps for now, but watch this space to find out more details on one of the Inner West’s biggest Anzac Day events.
Where: 597 King St, Newtown NSW 2042.
When: Block Party starts at 12pm.
21. BrewDog South Eveleigh
BrewDog South Eveleigh is thinking big for Anzac Day. Two-up will be spinning from 12pm to 5pm on the day, and DJs will start shuffling all day, from 1pm ’til late. Doors open from 11am, so head down early and settle in with a schooner in hand.
Where: Bay 1 Locomotive Workshops South, Eveleigh NSW 2015
When: Two-up from 12pm
Where to play Two-Up in Western Sydney
22. Albion Hotel
Find yourself out in Parramatta on April 25? Sydney’s second city rallies around the Albion Hotel for Anzac Day. The long-standing pub holds one of Western Sydney’s biggest two-up arenas in its car park, making it a bit of a festival with live entertainment and food specials all day. Every VB sold means $1 heading to Legacy, with doors opening at 10am and two-up kicking off at 12pm.
Where: 135 George St, Parramatta NSW 2150
When: Two-up from 12pm
23. The Log Cabin
This Penrith pub is set to host one of the biggest ANZAC Day celebrations in Western Sydney, teaming up with Tooheys and Red Bull for a full day of classic Aussie fun. Two-up kicks off from 12pm, before the energy ramps up into an after-party from 5pm onwards. It’s easily one of the top spots out west to settle in for a massive day-to-night celebration.
Where: 20 Memorial Ave, Penrith NSW 2750.
When: Two-up from 12pm.
24. Castle Hill RSL
Castle Hill RSL will begin Anzac Day with a Dawn Service, hosted by their Sub-Branch at Centenary of ANZAC Reserve, which is a 10-minute drive from the RSL. The club will then open for breakfast, with traditional games of two-up running from 12pm until 5pm in the Lyceum.
Where: 77 Castle St, Castle Hill NSW 2154.
When: Two-up from 12pm.
Where to play Two-Up on the Northern Beaches
25. Harbord Diggers
Anzac Day in Sydney is synonymous with the Harbord Diggers. There is virtually no other pub in Sydney that can compete with the atmosphere here, with the Freshwater favourite considered the go-to for the Northern Beaches. And it’s worth travelling for as well, with its own Anzac Day Dawn service starting at 8am followed by the two-up tradition from midday. The kicker: the outdoor games are set against views of the stunning Freshwater headland. It’s the ultimate two-up party every year.
While most pubs in Sydney have free entry for their Two-up parties, the Harbord Diggers charge a $10 entry fee. It’s necessary, too, given the popularity. Otherwise, the queues would reach all the way to Manly Beach. The smarter way to play is to buy tickets online and in advance, as this one requires a bit of pre-planning.
Where: 88 Evans Street, Freshwater.
When: Two-up from 12pm – 6pm.
26. Felons Manly
Cling close to the wharf on Anzac Day with two-up at Felons Manly. Sydney’s most contemporary brewpub will be hosting rounds of coin-tossing fun on the jetty as well as live music rolling out throughout the day. You’ll be able to sip craft beers from Felons all day, plus enjoy a sausage sizzle from 8am after you stop by the morning Anzac parades.
Where: E Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095.
When: Two-up from 11am.
27. Harbord Hotel
Beloved Freshwater pub, the Harbord Hotel, has always been one of the most popular Sydney pubs during Anzac Day. This year should be no different, with snaking queues expected to pack the venue as soon as it opens at 9am. Their rooftop bar, Bombies, will be open from 10am, with live entertainment kicking off from 2pm.
The party spills out to the carpark during the day, as two-up takes over and the legendary carpark BBQ fires up with hot dogs, brisket rolls and ice-cold beers.
Where: 29 Moore Rd, Freshwater NSW 2096.
When: Two-up from 12pm.
28. The Newport
There’s no better tradition than a post-Dawn Service breakfast at The Newport for those who live up north. The gorgeous seaside pub will once again be opening at 10am, with two-up happening from 1pm and DJs spinning from 12pm. All proceeds will go to Wounded Heroes Australia.
Where: 2 Kalinya St, Newport NSW 2106.
When: Two-up from 1pm.
