ANZAC Day 2021: 10 ways to commemorate in NSW

Each year, we gather to remember those who gave up their lives and who they were for the betterment of Australia.

And what better way to commemorate their sacrifices than racking up a few truly Australian ways to cast our minds back and have a bit of fun in the process?

Here are 10 sensational ideas to commemorate the men and women of our past, around New South Wales.

  1. Step back in time in one of Sydney’s most historic neighbourhoods – The Rocks. Indulge in a diggers breakfast at the colonial style Australian Heritage Hotel, plus enjoy the Scot’s Marching Band and live entertainment all day. Spend the night on the site of Sydney’s first hospital at Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney, built in 1887, and wake up early for an Anzac Day dawn climb with BridgeClimb Sydney.

  2. Not all of Sydney’s historic pubs are in the Rocks – Parramatta’s Woolpack Hotel was established in 1796. Book a weekend in the city staying at Rydges Parramatta or PARKROYAL Parramatta and check out some of the nearby heritage-listed sites like Australia’s oldest public building, Old Government House in Parramatta Park.

  3. Another Sydney suburb full of heritage charm Balmain is home to local institution The London, dating back to 1870. In fact, Balmain has the highest pub-to-person ratio in Australia with the historic Dry Dock Hotel, established in 1857, another spot to settle in for the day. Be sure to drive over the picturesque Anzac Bridge on your way to Balmain, named in honour of Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

  4. Telling the story of Surry Hills transformation from its agricultural roots to an inner-city suburb of Sydney, The Royal Albert Hotel has been part of the landscape since 1927. Surry Hills is now home to some city’s most loved pubs, like The Clock Hotel with two-up, DJs and the Dragons and Roosters game playing live this Anzac Day.

  5. Maintaining much of its 19th century character, The Rag and Famish Hotel is North Sydney’s oldest pub, having occupied its current site since 1860. Settle in for two-up from 12pm in the beer garden, with specials all day and live music from 6pm.

  6. The Heritage listed Royal Cricketer’s Arms pub in Blacktown was first licensed in 1880. The beer garden set among 100-year-old willows and a spectacular jacaranda adding to its country pub atmosphere. With Anzac Day falling on Sunday, enjoy the roast of the day available for lunch and dinner.

  7. The Gunnedah Shire in NSW’s New England region, boasts a rich Anzac history, and will mark the occasion with a program of special events and activities across its villages. Stop by Tambar Springs, home to the earliest World War I Memorial in Australia, erected in December 1918. Check into one of the historic town’s country hotels, The Royal Hotel built in 1908 or The Commercial Hotel, built in 1912.

  8. Two-up is a key part of the cultural history of Australia’s first heritage-listed city –  Broken Hill. Home to an illegal two-up school for much of the 20th Century, today The Palace Hotel is still the only place in Australia that the game can be played any day of the year. While you’re there, explore some of the city’s rich mining history and stay at Broken Hill Outback Resort for a true-blue outback experience.

  9. Soak up the history of the Bushranger Hotel in Collector, a beautiful country pub infamous for a local police constable being shot by bushrangers back in 1865. Located 20 minutes south of Goulburn “The Bushy” as it if fondly known offers traditional pub style accommodation, for those wanting to wake up to views of the stunning countryside this Anzac Day.

  10. The Banjo Paterson Inn in the scenic town of Jindabyne in the heart of the Snowy Mountains offers a magnificent vista over Lake Jindabyne. Named after the famous Australian poet, the Inn is also home to popular local drop Kosciuszko Pale Ale – perfect for an Anzac Day toast.