The contrast from dawn to dusk couldn't have been greater.
Sydneysiders stood reverently still in the early hours of Anzac Day but by afternoon the crowds had turned rowdy, with the solemn melody of the bugle's Last Post replaced with raucous calls of "come in, spinner".
Pubs across the city were packed as young and old rubbed shoulders in the two-up ring.
In Sydney's Rocks precinct, the streets were blocked off, cars replaced by bands playing Australian classics and barbecues cooking big breakfasts for Anzac Day crowds.
Among the throng was Swedish tourist Eleonora Strandh who was one of the first to take the spinner's kip and toss the coins.
"That was an amazing experience, there were a lot of emotions," Ms Strandh told AAP outside the Australian Heritage Hotel while holding a fistful of small notes.
"It's a bit different I guess," she said of the heaving crowd and party atmosphere on a national day commemorating those lost to war.
"But it feels like it's very typically Australian - to have a beer with everything else."
While the Anzac celebrations were new to some, many around the betting circle were old hands.
Tom Lawrence, whose grandparents served in World War II, has been attending the festivities for years.
Mr Lawrence's grandfather was held in Changi Prison by Japanese forces after the fall of Singapore and his grandmother served in Darwin spotlighting aircraft flying over the Northern Territory.
He said while the atmosphere was jovial most revellers knew why the public holiday was important.
"It's great to be able to head to the pub after the dawn service," Mr Lawrence said on Wednesday.
"It's a lot of fun - but we also haven't forgotten why we're here."
The crowds were boisterous but NSW Police said they were relatively well-behaved.
Senior officers urged people to look out for their mates.
"For those of you who are still enjoying the day I urge you to act responsibly, know your limits, and look out for your friends who may be intoxicated," Acting Assistant Commissioner Tony Cooke said in a statement.
Australian Associated Press
