After the parade comes the party as Aussies pack pubs in droves for traditional two-person Anzac Day games – and there will be some sore heads tomorrow
- A morning of solemn services was followed by full pubs
- Two-on-one gamblers were cheerful in the sun
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Australians across the country filled pubs and clubs to play the traditional game of two, following a morning of morning services and solemn Anzac Day ceremonies.
The uniquely Australian gambling game made famous by diggers during World War I is banned year-round, with the exception of April 25 – and other special occasions – as a way to honor the country’s fallen soldiers.
During the bank holiday on Tuesday, huge crowds poured in from the moment they opened at 9am, with gamblers in high spirits enjoying the sun.
Among the action and heading to their local were some of Australia’s most famous faces, including Today presenters Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo, who performed at the Greenwood Hotel in North Sydney.
The venues were packed to capacity by noon with Sydney pubs, such as the Royal in Randwick, which had to operate a ‘one-in-one-out’ policy, with wait times stretching into the afternoon.
A young woman enjoys a drink and the afternoon sun at the Clovelly Hotel in Sydney
Today’s show’s Sarah Abo joins in the Anzac Day festivities, with a game of two-up
Gamblers are pictured closely observing a game of two-up at the Clovelly Hotel in eastern Sydney
On Tuesday, April 25, a woman is seen taking bets on a game of two-up on Anzac Day
A large crowd plays two-up during Anzac Day at Harbord Diggers in Freshwater on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Large crowds enjoyed live music at The Rocks, Sydney
Gamblers enjoyed outdoor entertainment for two as the afternoon wore on at The Rocks
Large crowds poured into the halls, including Harbord Diggers in Sydney Freshwater.
The diggers club was one of several across the country to hold two-up games.
NSW Police said they were ‘pleased with the behavior of the crowds attending the Anzac Day march and memorial ceremonies across Sydney’.
“Every year we come together as a community to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemen and women, past and present, and that is exactly what Sydney did today,” said Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte.
He continued, “More than 7,000 attended the Dawn Service and more than 11,500 marched.
“It has been wonderful to see the Anzac spirit displayed with crowds cheering veterans, their families and community members in marches that have been both safe and successful.”
While in Brisbane people gathered at the Story Bridge Hotel on Kangaroo Point to try their luck at two-up.
Crowds play a game of two-up at the Story Bridge Hotel on Kangaroo Point on ANZAC Day in Brisbane
Multitudes of people tried their luck at the game reserved for ANZAC Day only
All eyes are on the prize as gamblers wait to see how the final toss of Sydney’s two-up coins plays out
A huge crowd gathered by the sea at the Harbord Diggers club in the Sydney suburb of Freshwater
Pictured is an MC carefully watching a game of two-up in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Tuesday