By Amy Wisemantel.
This Monday, April 25 is Anzac Day. It’s the day to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. As it is also a public holiday, you’ve got the day free to pay your respects to our diggers, have a few beers with them after the dawn service and play a spot of two-up. From start to finish, here’s our guide to Anzac Day in Bondi.
Dawn Service
Australia takes the dawn service very seriously and Bondi is no exception. Thousands of people wake up at the crack of dawn to pay their respects out the front of North Bondi RSL… so don’t expect to get a parking spot nearby. The service starts at 6am sharp overlooking the beach at the North Bondi RSL and goes for about 45mins. It’s a beautiful event to be a part of, it’s attended by all walks of life and both young and old, and you’ll leave feeling very proud of everyone involved.
After the dawn service…
North Bondi RSL
Naturally many stick around the RSL after the service. Tobruk House, also known as The Rathouse, will be pumping; however you do need to be a member to join. It’s $25 for a year and then your schooners are only a few dollars, which is a pretty sweet deal plus you’ll get to shout the diggers a couple and enjoy the relaxed vibe.
Beach Road Hotel
Upstairs at the Beach Road Hotel, The Valley is hosting an epic two-up battle that one and all are welcome to participate in, as long as you’re 18. With a custom built grandstand located upstairs, you know they take it seriously! They’ll be open from 8am and closing at midnight with live DJs from 12pm (don’t people have work on Tuesday?!), so make sure this spot is on your route.
The Coogee Bay Hotel
If you’ve got the energy to keep going or want to avoid the chaos of Bondi altogether, head to the Coogee Bay Hotel where the good times are on from midday. A lamb spit roast and VB Tinnies Bar will be on in the garden as well as two-up. Everyone will be fed, watered and entertained, however the festivities do wrap up at 6pm.
What is two-up?
Two-up is a traditional Australian gambling game – in a nutshell, it’s betting with coins on heads or tails. It was played by Australian soldiers during the war and is a unique Anzac Day tradition played by all, marking a shared experience with diggers and Australians through the ages. Check the rules here.
Anzac Day is April 25.