UPDATE: THOUSANDS of Victorians have lined St Kilda Road for the annual Anzac Day march, after near-record crowds attended the dawn service.
Crowds gathered from Flinders St to the Shrine of Remembrance in an emotional salute to our Diggers.
The roar of the crowd that lit up 90-year-old war veteran Ray Chamberlain's face as they spotted him reach the end of Melbourne's Anzac day parade.
"It's the best thing I've ever heard," he said afterwards, catching his breath near the Shrine, but still smiling after his long, hard march.
"There's so many people. It makes you feel so proud."
The retired sheep shearer, who survived six years in the navy during the Second World War, was just one of hundreds of veterans, their families and supporters who marched under sunny skies as others clapped and watched to mark the 98th anniversary of the landing in Gallipoli.
Vitalia Mitchell joins his and grandmother Val Mitchell at the parade.
Guide to Anzac Day services in Melbourne's suburbs
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In the crowd was a mixture of generations, all celebrating that Anzac spirit, only to be disrupted by one minor anti-war protest that included placing a maimed dummy in camouflage and bandages on Princes Bridge.
Vietnam veteran Gerry Bruin said there was a place for protesters but Anzac day was not it.
"I don't like any protest on Anzac day," Mr Bruin said.
"It should be neutral. Leave the protest for another day."
Navy man Jack Levy, 90, before today's Anzac march in Melbourne. Picture: Jon Hargest
Caroline Mlkvy, 23, of Pakenham said she wouldn't have missed the march for anything.
"It's part of our heritage," she said.
"It's important to represent and remember the fallen. It's what Australians should do for those who served our country."
Marchers pay tribute to Boer War soldiers. Picture: Mar Wilson
Matt Boulton, 54, of Brunswick said he and his wife always enjoyed the day.
The pair attend the dawn service, parade and Anzac Day footy clash as a tradition.
"We do it to support the Diggers and all their sacrifices. But it's also a great day out."
Dawn service
About 45,000 people assembled in the dark for the dawn service and stood in silence as the Last Post rang out across the Shrine.
Thousands more gathered for services at cenotaphs across the state.
The start of Melbourne's Anzac Day parade Picture: Mark Wilson
The crowd was welcomed with stories of those who had served in past wars when the commemorations began at 5.45am.
Liberal leader Tony Abbott, Premier Denis Napthine and Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle were among the dignitaries gathered to hear tributes to the fallen from conflicts past and present.
Young people were a big part of the service with year 11 student Kate Mani reciting the poem In Flanders Fields.
The mood was best summed up by Private Gregory Williams, who served in Afghanistan in 2010 and returned to Victoria to become a police officer.
He said throughout history Australian and New Zealand men and women have stood side by side in battle.
"The word Anzac will mean something different to all of you, however it brings us all together," he said.
People gather around the eternal flame at the Shrine of Remembrance for the dawn service on Anzac Day in Melbourne. Picture: Nicole Garmston
He said many would ask whether the Afghanistan war was worth it, but today was a day to remember, not to have such debates.
"The war in Afghanistan has been controversial and costly, the price paid is Australian lives," he said.
"Many will ask if the mission has been a success or failure but on this day the answer is irrelevant.
Kim White from Geelong with his grandfather's air force medals. Picture: Nicole Garmston
"We remember what those great Australians have done, putting their lives at risk to give the Afghan people something they have never known ... peace."
Turtut Kacmaz , whose father fought for the Turks in Gallipoli, made the pilgrimage to Australia his dad never could.
The 78-year-old said he was moved by the ceremony and the huge crowd.
"My father always explained to us that Australian soldiers were very courageous and well-equipped for war," he said.
Turgut Kachaz and Ahmed Cetinkran from the Australian Turkish Institute in period costume. Picture: Mark Wilson
Mr Kacmaz said while his father Huseyin lived to 110, he never got the chance to visit Australia.
Mr Kacmaz said a great bond of friendship had developed between the nations.
"My father used to tell me no matter how fierce and ugly the war, that friendship is much sweeter and more powerful."
Brian Johnson served with the Royal Australian Mechanical Engineers, and said the dawn service was an important ceremony for the nation.
"I was amazed by the crowd and all the young people, especially the children," he said.
"Ceremonies like this are the only way they can learn about history and we don’t have too much history in this country so we should celebrate what we have."
Thousands attended the dawn service. Picture: Nicole Garmston
Jess Graham, 22, said the ceremony provided a good perspective on war.
"It was really enlightening. It made you feel empathy for what the soldiers went through at Gallipoli and other wars as well."
Many stayed for the traditional gunfire breakfast, and were expected to attend the Anzac Day march that starts at 9am at Princes Bridge down St Kilda Road and to the steps of the Shrine.
The services mark the 98th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.
People remember the fallen. Picture: Nicole Garmston
Organisers pointed to the mild weather conditions for helping lift crowd numbers, but said it was also a reflection of the day's increasing significance.
Earlier, Shrine of Remembrance CEO Denis Baguley said it would be be a very traditional service, reflecting the sacrifices of Australian service men and women.
"It is a simple service, but one that is very poignant," he said.
The Anzac Day Dawn Service at the cross on Mt Macedon. Picture: Jay Town
"It is a day on which Australians reflect on the Anzac spirit and its place in Australia today," he said
He said everyone from young children to veterans attended the service.
Meanwhile, former premier Ted Baillieu will head a committee to organise Victorian celebrations for the 100th anniversary of Anzac day.
Premier Napthine said Mr Baillieu will work with members of the RSL and other returned services organisations on the state's recognition of the landing of Australian troops at Gallipoli in 1915.
"This is the 98th anniversary of Anzac day and the 100th in 2015 will be very, very huge. We in Victoria are committed to that," he told ABC television at the Anzac parade.
Dr Napthine said the State Government was also making significant improvements to the Shrine of Remembrance, including a $45 million development of the undercroft to enhance its commemorative and educational capabilities.
The Anzac Day Dawn Service at Mt Macedon. Picture: Jay Town
With AAP
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