For a truly epic two-up experience with a side of sea breeze, head to Harbord Diggers, where the day starts with a moving Anzac ceremony on the terrace before thousands flood in for one of the Northern Beaches’ biggest two-up sessions. The crowd is lively, the views are stunning and the energy is electric. With a veteran ringmaster keeping things spirited, and tunes pumping all afternoon, it’s an unbeatable combo of reverence and revelry. Tickets are essential and usually sell out, so book early – this is a hot ticket on Sydney’s Anzac Day calendar, and for good reason. 88 Evans St, Freshwater | harborddiggers.com.au/

There’s something undeniably fitting about tossing old coins at one of Sydney’s oldest pubs, right in the heart of the historic Rocks. The Australian Heritage Hotel oozes old-school charm, and come Anzac Day, it plays host to a rollicking two-up game with rooftop views that offer glimpses of the harbour. Things kick off around midday, with music, beer and a good-natured crowd packing the surrounding laneways. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and celebration, with a side of classic Aussie pub grub and craft brews. If you like your two-up with a view and a whole lot of character, this is the spot. 100 Cumberland St, The Rocks | australianheritagehotel.com/

Affectionately known as ‘The Courty’, this Newtown favourite’s leafy courtyard is transformed into a two-up arena every Anzac Day. From midday, crowds pour in to flip coins, knock back local brews and catch the annual AFL Anzac Day clash on the big screen. The atmosphere is laid-back but buzzing, with punters shouting odds from beneath jacaranda trees and plates of loaded nachos getting picked clean. Bring your coins, your crew and your loudest call of “heads!” 202 Australia St, Newtown | thecourty.com.au/

Marrickville institution The Henson is known for its family-friendly community vibes and its excellent food year-round, but come Anzac Day, it’s also one of the Inner West’s most enjoyable two-up venues. From midday until 6pm, the beer garden becomes a spirited ring where locals gather to honour tradition the way the diggers did: cheering, betting and raising a glass. There’s always a crowd, but never a crush, and the food – think fancy share plates, heaving burgers and plenty of pub classics – makes it easy to stay put all afternoon. The Henson nails the balance of respect and revelry, treating the day seriously without taking itself too seriously. 91 Illawarra Rd, Marrickville | thehenson.com.au/

If you start your Anzac Day with the moving dawn service on Coogee Beach, you’re already in the perfect spot. Just steps away, the Coogee Bay Hotel is waiting with a stacked breakfast spread featuring sweet toast doused with Bundy rum syrup, perfectly setting the tone for the two-up session that kicks off at midday to a heaving crowd. Grab a beer, find your lucky coin and join the masses in one of the most spirited tributes on the coast. 253 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee | coogeebayhotel.com.au/

Ask any North Shore local and they’ll tell you the Crows Nest Hotel throws one of the best rooftop Anzac Day parties in the city. Live DJs bring the beats, the barbecue brings the eats, and two-up brings the tradition, coins tossed high against a backdrop of city views and cheers. It’s a festive but respectful celebration, with proceeds from selected beers supporting veteran charities and the whole event glowing with north-of-the-bridge community spirit. 1 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest | crowsnesthotel.com.au/

Slick and stylish, but no less reverential, every Anzac Day, The Dolphin’s sleek dining room is transformed into a booming two-up ring. Local beers and Aussie tunes are both on tap from 10am, with the coin-tossing kicking off at midday. The vibe here is loud, a bit cheeky and deferential, and if you’re lucky enough to grab a table, don’t skip the delicious, nostalgic and Anzac Day-exclusive ‘RSL’ rissole burger. This is two-up with a Surry Hills edge: polished, packed and unapologetically Aussie. 412 Crown St, Surry Hills | dolphinhotel.com.au/

The Bank’s annual Anzac Day session, hosted by irrepressible drag queen Tora Hymen, is Newtown through and through: irreverent, inclusive and just about the most fun you can have while remembering the solemnity of the day. Held in the pub’s lush beer garden, this raucous take on tradition draws a massive crowd every year. It’s also for a good cause – $1 from every Carlton Draught goes to Legacy, supporting returned service members and their families. Expect glitter, laughter and a surprisingly disciplined coin ring policed by one of the city’s wildest entertainers. 324 King St, Newtown | bankhotel.com.au/

Out west, Parramatta’s Albion Hotel delivers a full-throttle Anzac Day celebration with all the pageantry. Think live music, an all-day two-up comp and a special menu built for the big day. Even your best mate can join in: this is the biggest dog-friendly two-up ring around. From midday, the outdoor courtyard and repurposed car park fill fast with a local crowd that knows how to balance respect for the day with a good time. Add in the fact that $1 from every VB sold goes to Legacy, and you’ve got a day that does good while delivering big on fun. 135 George St, Parramatta | albionhotel.com.au/

It’s hard to top a sunny Anzac Day by the water, and everyone who flocks to the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel for this special day every year knows it. With postcard-perfect harbour views, this luxe pub hosts one of the most scenic two-up games in the city, offering pints at schmiddy prices for veterans and joyous but respectful vibes throughout. The courtyard turns into a packed arena from midday, while DJs spin tunes and the kitchen serves up unmissable Aussie specials like a stacked steak sanga and a patriotic Anzac bikkie-crusted salted caramel cheesecake. 10 Marine Parade, Watsons Bay | watsonsbayhotel.com.au/