Start the day with a moment of reflection. Whilst Anzac Day is a day of celebration, it is also a day of remembrance, marking the 1915 landing in Gallipoli by the Australian and New Zealand forces (ANZACs) during World War 1. To commemorate this, Dawn services are held across the country. The ceremony includes a Minute of Silence for the fallen, The Ode and ends with the Last Post; the bugle call symbolising the end of life, and awakening.
Please see our guide below to the dawn services running in the East.
Goldstein Reserve, Coogee
Dawn service from 5.30am
One of the largest and most well-attended dawn services in the eastern suburbs, set against the backdrop of the coast. The ceremony draws a big local crowd and has a strong community feel while still maintaining the full traditional elements. Expect a moving service with the Last Post, minute’s silence and wreath laying as the sun rises over the ocean.
ANZAC Obelisk, Moore Park (Paddington)
Dawn service from 5.15am
A smaller, more intimate ceremony held at the historic obelisk near Moore Park. This service is typically quieter than Coogee and suits those looking for a reflective, less crowded experience.
The setting and early morning atmosphere make it a calm and peaceful way to mark the occasion.
North Bondi (near RSL Club)
Dawn service from 6.00am
A slightly later-starting service that attracts a strong local turnout from the Bondi and North Bondi community. The relaxed timing makes it a popular option for those who prefer not to attend the earlier services. The ceremony retains all traditional elements in a more neighbourhood-focused setting.
Lyne Park, Rose Bay
Dawn service from 5.30am
A peaceful harbourside service with a strong local turnout, set right on the water. The calm surroundings and open space make it feel less crowded while still drawing a respectful community gathering. The ceremony follows traditional elements, with the harbour backdrop adding to the reflective atmosphere at sunrise.
As the day unfolds, ANZAC Day shifts into a uniquely Australian blend of remembrance and tradition. A few rituals instantly come to mind: the Dawn Service, freshly baked ANZAC biscuits, the iconic Roosters vs Dragons clash… and, just as synonymous, the question of where to try your luck at two-up.
Two-up is a traditional Australian gambling game involving the tossing of two coins, historically played by soldiers during World War I. It remains illegal to play on any other day of the year in most of the country, making ANZAC Day the only time it is officially permitted in licensed venues. As a result, pubs and clubs across the East go all out, hosting two-up alongside live sport, food offerings and entertainment, creating a spectrum of experiences from respectful daytime gatherings to high-energy evening celebrations.
All venues operate on a walk-in basis and tend to fill quickly, so arriving early is strongly recommended. Here are our picks for an exceptional ANZAC Day across the Eastern Suburbs.
Watson’s EQ, Moore Park
Open: 10am
Two-up: 10am – late
NRL: ANZAC Day footy live on big screen
Food: Pub classics
High-energy courtyard two-up from early morning with a large, open crowd atmosphere.
Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
Open: 10am
Two-up: 12pm
Entertainment: DJs from 11am, Late Nite Tuff Guy afterparty
NRL: ANZAC Day footy live on big screen
Food & Drink: Pub classics
Bondi energy with DJs, live sport and a strong afternoon-into-night party crowd.
Paddo Inn, Paddington
Open: 10am
Two-up: 12pm – late
Food & Drink: All-day food specials, pub classics
Community: Karma Keg in support of Legacy
A busy Paddington local with a contained, high-demand two-up session that fills quickly.
Royal Hotel Paddington, Paddington
Open: 9am
Two-up: 10am – late
Entertainment: DJs from 5pm, Last Post at 6pm
Food: Breakfast rolls, courtyard BBQ
One of the largest and most traditional two-up venues in the East with indoor and outdoor rings.
Grab a Fast Pass for $50. Only 100 available, with priority entry, unlimited access, and multiple re-entries throughout the day.
The Golden Sheaf, Double Bay
Open: 8am
Two-up: 12pm – late
Entertainment: DJs from 6pm
Food & Drink: Fast service bars, tinnie station, pub classics
Charity: $1 from every Balter XPA donated to Legacy
Large-scale two-up arena that transitions into a high-energy evening crowd.
The Woollahra Hotel, Woollahra
Open: 10am
Two-up: 12pm – late
NRL: Live from 4pm
Entertainment: DJs from 6pm
Food: All-day menu
A steady build from relaxed local atmosphere into a busy evening session.
Woolly Bay Hotel & Arturo’s Rooftop, Woolloomooloo
Woolly Bay Hotel
Open: 10am | Two-up: 12pm
Entertainment: Live music from 5:30pm, AFL on screens
Food & Drink: $5 VB schooners (10am–2pm), pub classics
Arturo’s Rooftop
Open: 12pm
Entertainment: DJs from 4pm
Sunset drink specials: 4:30pm–5:30pm
Multi-level experience with traditional two-up downstairs and DJs upstairs.
Coogee Bay Hotel, Coogee
Open: 6am (post-Dawn Service)
Two-up & events: All day
Entertainment: Live sport and DJs across multiple spaces
Food: Full venue offering all day
Large beachfront venue with multiple zones from relaxed daytime to late-night energy.
Club Rose Bay, Rose Bay
Open: 10am
Two-up: 12pm
Entertainment: DJs from 5pm
Food: Full service from 11am, BBQ specials
Community: Legacy donation points
Local-focused venue with courtyard two-up on the pickleball court.
The Dog, Randwick
Open: 10am
Two-up: 12pm
Food & Drink: Pub classics
A relaxed, community-style venue with a steady build through the afternoon.
The Royal Bondi, Bondi
Open: 10am
Two-up: 12pm
Atmosphere: High-turnover coastal pub crowd
Food & Drink: Pub classics
Busy Bondi venue with consistent energy throughout the day.
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