Whether you are looking for a quiet place to reflect after a dawn service or a high-energy backyard for a round of two-up, we’ve rounded up the best places to spend April 25th that offer that quintessential experience. It’s probably the only day of the year you will catch us awake, alert, and vertical before the sun even thinks about showing up.
Regatta Hotel
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The iconic Regatta Hotel, with its grand iron-lace balconies overlooking the river, is the ultimate destination for those keen on starting their day at first light. Opening its doors at 6:30 AM, it provides the perfect landing spot for a post-dawn service feed, complete with barista-made coffee and fresh breakfast muffins.
As the morning sun rises, the kitchen rolls out a menu of comfort classics tailored for the occasion, including traditional sausage rolls, generous lamb or beef rolls, and their signature parmi burgers. Seems like a perfect spot to sink a beer or two, no?
The real action begins at 1 PM when two-up kicks off, drawing a crowd to honor this wartime pastime in one of the city’s most historic settings.
Get in early to snag a balcony spot; those views and sausage rolls won’t wait for the late sleepers.
The Boundary Hotel
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For a West End institution that perfectly blends heritage with a modern outdoor vibe, The Boundary Hotel is a top contender. Opening from 10 AM, the venue is designed for those who want a relaxed long lunch with friends and family following the morning commemorations.
The heart of the action is the Backyard, where two-up begins at 1 PM. With live music scheduled throughout the day, it provides a seamless transition from a commemorative lunch to a lively afternoon.
Round up your loudest mates and head to the Boundary; someone has to keep the Two-up energy high.
Pig & Whistle Riverside
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If you want to be in the centre of the city’s energy, Pig & Whistle Riverside offers an all-day (and all-night) marathon of events. Pairing the Anzac spirit with a love of sport, this venue is a hub for the holiday weekend.
On Anzac Day, the doors are open from 10 AM until 3 AM, ensuring the commemoration lasts as long as you do. You can catch AFL and NRL clashes live on the big screens while enjoying a lineup of live music that starts at 1 PM. Two-up begins at 2 PM, offering a slightly later start for those who spent their morning at the CBD parade.
If you’re planning to stay until the 3 AM close, we suggest pacing yourself with a few pies between pints. See you there
Howard Smith Wharves
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If you want to spend the day under the Story Bridge, the Wharves are the place to be.
Felons Brewing Co. and Felons Barrel Hall will be hosting one of the city’s biggest two-up rings from 1 PM, with all proceeds from the game going to support veterans. It’s a massive setup with plenty of room for a large crew, plus you have the bonus of the river breeze while you’re tossing coins. Most of the precinct’s venues are open from 11 AM, so you can grab a brew and a burger while you wait for the games to begin.
The coins start flying at 1 PM, so get down early to claim your turf on the riverfront.
Riverbar and Kitchen
For those who prefer their Anzac Day with a prime view of the water and a slightly more relaxed CBD vibe, Riverbar and Kitchen is open from 8 AM. It’s the perfect mid-morning pivot after the city parade for a bit of breakfast or an early lunch. They’lll have two-up starting at 1 PM and live music to carry you through the sunset. It’s hard to beat the combination of cold drinks, river views, and a bit of friendly competition.
A waterfront seat and a round of two-up? Sounds like you’ve found your “sole-mate” for the afternoon. Have a round here