Sydney's city centre stood still at dawn as thousands commemorated Anzac Day at Martin Place, more than a century after Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on Gallipoli's shores.
Commander of the Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Stuart Mayer, gave the Anzac address noting that Australia has lost over 100,000 men in war since 1861.
"This morning we don't boast about triumphs or victories. We remember the sacrifice of those who were prepared to stand up for someone else, for people that believed that there was something bigger, more important than just their own interests and were prepared to put others ahead of themselves and put their lives at risk because of those beliefs."
He said dawn services are a commitment to always remember those who sacrificed their lives.
"It is a promise that adds to the dignity of our nation, in that the nation's people would annually recommit to the promise to remember those who have stood in harm's way. This vow is a very powerful and unique way of connecting generations through a shared commitment to remember people, service and sacrifice."
Rain in the national capital didn't deter thousands from making the walk to the Australian War Memorial for the Canberra dawn service.
Afghanistan veteran and paralympian gold medallist Kurtis McGrath [muh-GRAH], who lost both his legs while serving, addressed the service.
"On this Anzac Day, we look back on a century of courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice. We honour those who have died and suffered through the old and the new wars, and we thank them for all they have ingrained in our nation's heart and way of life. May we, as a nation, continue to provide those men and women who have served us with the care they need; dedicated, unhesitating service to our fighting forces."
In Melbourne, wet weather resulted in a smaller than expected crowd of around 30,000 people at the Shrine of Remembrance.
Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith addressed the service, urging Australians to remember the sacrifice made by the military and to welcome veterans home.
"What's normal to everyone else at home doesn't look or feel normal to a returning veteran. The gap can sometimes seem too big to get over. But we are learning how these talented men and women can find their new normal, how the sort of guidance and encouragement they have been given through their service life they can thrive in civilian life. It is no surprise that the answer lies within, the hard-won character, capabilities and skills that define them in the field are long-held staples for life, wherever that life chooses to go next."
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who is visiting Australian troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, shared a message on Facebook to commemorate Australians who have served and are currently serving in the defence forces.
"On Anzac Day, we gather in the quiet dawn to remember and honour with our thanks and respect the sacrifice that has kept us free, a high price for our freedom, paid in young lives lost far from home. We do not glorify war. Anzac Day is not the anniversary of a great victory. But it commemorates the triumph of the human spirit."
In New Zealand, thousands attended dawn services around the country.
In Wellington, Governor-General Patsy Reddy thanked veterans for their service and commitment to the country while Prime Minister Bill English attended a service at the War Memorial Museum in Auckland.
