North Bondi RSL says no to two-up on Anzac Day

North Bondi RSL has divided Sydneysiders as its announced there will be no two-up this year.
Two-up has strong military links and is played across Australia on Anzac Day.
North Bondi RSL want the club to be a place for “respectful remembrance” and families.
READ MORE: Where to play two-up in Sydney on Anzac Day 2025

Sydneysiders are divided over North Bondi RSL’s decision to scrap their annual game of two-up (2 Up). The club will still host its dawn service, but all bets are off later in the day.

Two-up is a game of chance which brings Australia’s pubs to life with huge crowds. In Sydney, the game is only legally allowed on Anzac Day, as well as during commemorative events in the week leading up to it. Just as the diggers did in the trenches, a player flips two coins and spectators can bet one of three ways: both sides land heads, both sides land tails or both sides are different. As gambling goes, it’s pretty accessible and brings people together on the day of remembrance.

Why will there be no two-up in North Bondi?

North Bondi RSL Club’s chief executive Blake Johnson explained that the decision is a response to veteran members who want the sub-branch to be a place where families can honour the day of remembrance. “On past Anzac Days, when the club commenced two-up mid-afternoon, the environment became significantly more rowdy and most younger families left the venue,” he said.

“Many of our members enjoy the tradition of two-up and having a punt, and there is nothing wrong with that, but on Anzac Day, our priority is remembering our veterans killed in service and supporting their families.”

Waverley Council Bondi Ward Councillor Margaret Merten backed the decision, saying “It is a valid and important point (and) I think the club has made the right call. There are plenty of other places in Bondi that are hosting two-up games and anyone who wants to go along and play will have lots of choice.”

The club’s dawn service will still go ahead, and is one of the most popular in Sydney. Overlooking the world-famous stretch of sand, it’s easy to see why. Around 10,000 people are expected to gather at the RSL sub-branch and it’s worth the early wake up to join them. The service will start at 6am and breakfast will be served from 7:30am.

Where can I play two-up on Anzac Day?

2 Up brings Australia’s pubs to life and queues start early. To get in to some venues, you have to be ready to queue at 9am to be in with a chance of getting in. But get ahead of the game and plan your strategy for the day using our Where to play Two-Up guide.

Felons Manly will host its first Anzac Day celebration since it took over Manly Wharf in spring. It’s a huge venue so there’s plenty of room for two-up crowds, if you find yourself in the Northern Beaches. Two-up takes over the terrace at the Woollahra Hotel (pictured above), where doors will open at 9am ahead of the game beginning at midday. this year In Sydney CBD, the likes of the Royal Hotel Paddington and Forrester’s will host their annual games, and we’ve also found venues in Western Sydney, the Inner West and the Eastern Suburbs too.

While we can’t help with your luck in the game itself, setting up your game plan using our venue guide is a pretty good place to start.