Revellers took to Sydney’s historic pubs in droves on Anzac Day to play two-up and toast the diggers. 

Thousands gathered at the Martin Place cenotaph at 4.20am to take part in the official New South Wales Anzac Day Dawn Service. 

Eight hours later, following a march and a Hyde Park commemoration service, many Aussies went in search of a drinking hole. 

When it comes to two-up, a favourite pastime of Australian soldiers during World War I, few venues rival those found in The Rocks, between Sydney Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay. 

Wild scenes were witnessed at The Australian Heritage and The Glenmore hotels, where games of two-up kicked off at midday.

Aussies tested their fortunes around a raised two-up ring outside The Australian Heritage Hotel, famed for having been built the same year the Great War began in 1914. 

Images taken by Daily Mail Australia captured the boozy happenings outside the hotel, where fortunate revellers raised wads of cash while losers dropped to their knees for obligatory push-ups. 

In the neighbouring The Glenmore Hotel, drinkers piled row upon row before a streetside barricade under balconies draped in Australian flags. 

Two-up fortunes were mixed as always with some revellers heading home richer and others leaving empty-handed

Two-up fortunes were mixed as always with some revellers heading home richer and others leaving empty-handed

Drinkers commemorated Anzac Day in the time-honoured tradition of two-up games at pubs across the country. Pictured is an unlucky punter at the Australian Heritage Hotel

Drinkers commemorated Anzac Day in the time-honoured tradition of two-up games at pubs across the country. Pictured is an unlucky punter at the Australian Heritage Hotel 

Patrons tested the barricades erected outside pubs in The Rocks as venues were warned to expect larger than usual crowds

Patrons tested the barricades erected outside pubs in The Rocks as venues were warned to expect larger than usual crowds

Patrons were pictured carrying cans of Aussie beer and mixed spirits from Great Northern and VB to Bundaberg and Fellr seltzers. 

As the afternoon unfolded, drinkers downed their paddles to listen to the bagpipes and drums of the Scots Marching Band. 

Waiters looked to be outnumbered by the many NSW Liquor and Gaming inspectors deployed across the city to ensure two-up rules were being enforced. 

Riot police vehicles, too, were seen nearby drinkers outside The Glenmore Hotel. 

Sailors smiled on, dressed in buttoned-up, double-breasted suits, polished black shoes and bell-bottomed hats, some on their heads others under their arms. 

Because it fell on a Friday this year, venues across the city were warned to prepare for unusually large Anzac Day crowds. 

Last year, Anzac Day was on a Thursday, meaning Aussies were largely expected to return to work the following day.

Even then, alcohol sales at bars and pubs across the country doubled, with a 141 per cent uplift in spirits and a 105 per cent increase in beer sales, according to NIQ’s Australia Pulse and Report. 

A waiter is pictured carrying a number of empty beer jugs while maneuvering the busy crowds

A waiter is pictured carrying a number of empty beer jugs while maneuvering the busy crowds

Drinking goes hand-in-hand with Anzac Day celebrations. Last year, alcohol sales in Australian pubs and bars nearly doubled

Drinking goes hand-in-hand with Anzac Day celebrations. Last year, alcohol sales in Australian pubs and bars nearly doubled

The courtyard of The Glenmore Hotel is pictured from above on Anzac Day, where a bustling crowd gathered to drink and pay their respects

The courtyard of The Glenmore Hotel is pictured from above on Anzac Day, where a bustling crowd gathered to drink and pay their respects 

‘Anzac Day is a time when Australians come together, and as this year it marks the start of a long weekend, we expect venues to see an increase in patron numbers,’ L&GNSW acting executive director of regulatory operations Gabbie Gallagher said. 

‘Pubs and clubs must be vigilant in managing risks linked to the service of alcohol, intoxication, increased crowd numbers and gambling disputes.’ 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the occasion at the Australian War Memorial while Opposition Leader Peter Dutton attended a commemoration in his electorate of Dickson in Brisbane. 

‘We wish to be worthy of their great sacrifice,’ Mr Albanese said. 

‘Let us therefore once more dedicate ourselves to the ideals for which they died.

‘As the dawn is even now about to pierce the night, so let their memory inspire us to work for the coming new light into the dark places of the world.’

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