Long queues form outside Sydney's most popular pubs from 9am ahead of doors opening and Anzac Day marches finishing

Sky News AU

25-04-2025

Massive queues have formed at popular pubs across Sydney, with keen revellers lining up before 9am to begin Anzac Day long weekend festivities.
The line-up stretched down the road at the Clovelly Hotel, in the city's east, with much of the parking all taken before the doors of the venue even swung open.
It was the same situation at the Royal Paddington with video showing the crowd shoulder-to-shoulder on the footpath waiting to enter as grey clouds loomed.
According to Bondi Lines, an Instagram community page advising followers on "real-time videos of lines", capacity was reached minutes after it opened at 10am.
The scenes were replicated across the Harbour City, with huge queues at Sackville Hotel in Rozelle, Golden Sheaf in Double Bay and The Clock Hotel in Surry Hills.
Most venues opened from 9am, but many punters are still waiting.
Caringbah Hotel, Vic on the Park in Marrickville, Harbord Hotel in Freshwater, Woollahra Hotel, Lord Dudley Hotel and Log Cabin in Penrith, Sydney's west, were all experiencing wait times of at least 30 minutes before 11am.
By 1pm, the Clock was experiencing a two hour line, while it is a three hour wait at Bellevue Hotel in Paddington. Police have also stopped people entering Vic on the Park.
Anzac Day dawn services finished earlier in the morning.
Marches involving veterans and loved ones of fallen servicemen and women were then held from 9am in the CBD and other parts of the city, concluding after midday.
Once let inside, patrons enjoyed alcoholic drinks and the traditional Anzac Day betting game of two-up, which is illegal every day except April 25, involving two coins.
"Ringie" or ringmaster of two-up at the Golden Sheaf Adam Ennie told Sky News the game is "respectful" to servicemen and women past and present who served.
"I think people need to remember why we're here, but also people need to let their hair down, have a good time," he said to Sydney reporter Julia Bradley.