ANZAC Day: Where to play Two-up, watch footy or grab a beer

ANZAC Day this year will see a limited return to the traditional services and marches that have taken place since the 1920s, after last year’s first-ever cancellation of all memorial events due to the pandemic.

While some states will not run parades this year, others will, with COVID-precautions in place. After the morning services to remember our fallen servicemen and servicewomen, you can relax with a number of fun events at venues that will maintain COVID-safe practices.

Have a go at Two-up, the gambling game that’s illegal around the nation except on ANZAC Day, watch the footy, or, in some cities, get to a bit of horse racing. Note, not all states will have a public holiday on the Monday 26th – only ACT, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.

SYDNEY

The Newport

A Northern Beaches' icon, The Newport will have nonstop fun with Two-Up from 1pm to sundown, drink specials, and live music all Sunday long. Open from 1pm - late with bookings available here.

Harbord Hotel

Harbord Hotel will open right after the dawn service from 7am for coffee and breakfast on the terrace. Renowned for being the best place to meet up with mates on ANZAC Day, the car park will then come alive from 10am till dusk.

The Argyle, The Rocks

From 1pm you can grab a bite from the barbie and have a go at Two-up, as well as live music from Mike Champion & Band, Martini Club and Crazy Caz.

Bungalow 8, King St Wharf

Get into the Anzac Day spirit with Bungalow 8's Harbourside Two-Up Arena, DJs, live entertainment, drink specials and free bacon and egg rolls for Service men and women. Open from 10am until Sundown. Bookings available here.

The Beresford, Surry Hills

Try a bit of Two-up sparkled-up, with Drag sensation Maxi Shields hosting the Beresford’s rounds of the game from 1pm.

MELBOURNE

Duke of Wellington, CBD

Open for walk ins for breakfast from 7am, with bookings and a full a la carte menu available from 11.30am. Then, watch as Collingwood takes on Essendon from 3.20pm, or Hawthorn v Adelaide from 12.30pm, and Port Adelaide v St Kilda from 6.40pm.

Young & Jackson, CBD

Bars open from 6.45am at this city institution, where you can grab a hot breakfast from 7am (bookings recommended), and join in Two-up upstairs at Chloe’s Bar from 10am.

The Empress, North Fitzroy

You can grab beer, wine and a delicious range of food here from 12 till late this ANZAC day, and also watch a screening of the footy, but be sure to book to get a view.

Race Day at the VRC, Flemington

Join Victorian Racing Club for its annual ANZAC Day ceremony, celebrating not only the men and women who have served to keep Australia safe but also the important role that Australian horses have contributed in wartime. Gates open at 12pm. As well as an 8-race program, the day hosts a range of activities including Two-up games, heritage displays, and plenty of family-friendly yesteryear games and activities, plus bounteous food and drink options, the ANZAC Day AFL games broadcast on course, and live music throughout the day.

CANBERRA

Labor Club, Belconnen

The club will be open from 5.00 am with Cafe on Chandler serving tea and coffee. Breakfast will be available from 6.30am with blackboard specials for lunch and dinner. Watch the NRL and AFL games on the day on the big screens.

Vikings clubs, various venues

A range of events on at the four clubs, including the UFC 261 live on the big screens from 12pm at Chisholm Vikings, with a free meal and beer for returned serviceman and servicewomen.

BRISBANE

The Brunswick Hotel, New Farm

Grab a bite in the restaurant or beer garden from 11:30am. Alcohol may be purchased with a main meal. Two-up from 2pm to 4pm. Screening West Tigers Vs Sea Eagles from 1.45pm; Roosters Vs Dragons from 4.05pm; Storm Vs Warriors from 6.15pm; Hawthorne Vs Adelaide from 12.30pm; Collingwood Vs Essendon from 3.20pm; Port Adelaide Vs St Kilda from 6.40pm

The Charming Squire, South Brisbane

Open from 11am, with live music, bar eats and James Squire brews available.

PERTH

The Inglewood Hotel, Inglewood

Open all Anzac Day long weekend. Live music Friday and Saturday from 8.30pm. Doors open midday Sunday. Traditional Anzac Day clash, Magpies v Bombers, showing at 1.20pm, with a $25 Sunday Roast, until sold out.

The Aviary, CBD

Open Anzac Day, 12pm to 12am, with Collingwood v Essendon screening live, and DJ Ben Renna from 4pm.

ADELAIDE

Waymouth Street Event, Legacy and Union Hotel

Starting at 10am and ending at 10pm is the Legacy Foundation and Union Hotel Anzac Day street event on Waymouth Street, which will come alive with boutique beer and wine tents, food stalls and the annual Legacy Foundation fundraising BBQ. There will be live music throughout the day, including Cornsey’s Allstars (with Graham Cornes), the Salt & Pepper Swing Band, SA Pipes & Drums and the Mt Barker Pipes and Drums.

DARWIN

Races at the Darwin Turf Club

Enjoy local racing with gates opening from 12pm, local racing from 2pm, and hospitality options to suit all, from a three-course luncheon in the Ted Bailey Grandstand at $70 for members and non-members $85. General admission, with both the betting ring and ground floor of the New Public Stand open to the public. Adults are $15, and concession $10.

The Precinct, Darwin City

Open from 9am, you can enjoy craft beer from 10am, plus food including a $2 a snag barbie that goes to Legacy charity.

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