The Raymond Terrace march wound its way along William and Port Stephens streets to the war memorial.

“For Australia, as it was for many countries, WWI remains the most costly war in terms of casualties,” Raymond Terrace RSL sub-branch president Jim Walker said.

This year makes the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles where 5533 Australians fell.

“They now rest together under two stone crosses set into the grass,” Mr Walker said.

“And for those that weren’t killed or wounded, they bore the mental wounds of that bloodied field.”

But he hastened to add that it helped shape Australia and its ideals. 

“The first world war was an important one or this nation’s identity,” he said.

“It was the beginning of the push for an Australian identity.”

Officials estimate there were more than 2000 people in attendance for the 11am ceremony. Students formed a large contingency to pay their respects.

The warm weather took its toll on sections of the crowd. A young boy collapsed in the heat and the paramedics were called to an elderly woman.

Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch members believe Monday's main Anzac Day service drew even greater numbers than last year's centenary commemorations, a feat they said is "tremendous".

A mild early Monday morning that turned into an unexpected scorcher was not enough to deter upwards of 2500 people from turning out to the service.

"Many more people turned out than expected," Tom Lupton, vice president of the Nelson Bay RSL Sub-Branch, said. "I think there were even more than last year.

"Every year it's growing. What's more important is that we're seeing more kids. The kids are standing there with their flags but it's getting them to the idea that there is something in life, there are obligations to live the way we live. I think they'll be the next generation of servicemen."

Traffic in the Nelson Bay CBD stood still at 10.30am and Stockton Street was lined with bodies to watch current and past servicemen and women, a band and school children march from the town's bowling club to Apex Park.

Viewers of the parade filed orderly into Apex Park, creating a sea of bodies that stretched up the hill to the site of the old memorial and along the walkways overlooking the park.

Captain Gavin Irwin from the Royal Australian Navy gave the Anzac address.

In his speech, Cap Girvan spoke on the sacrifices and courage the Anzacs showed but also how war created strong bonds between Australia, New Zealand and Turkey.

"Anzac Day is not a day to glorify our own military traditions," Cap Girvan said.

"It is more rightly a day for deep reflection; a chance to think about sacrifice made and why. 

"It is a day of great sadness, and yet one of justifiable pride. Pride in the courage and sacrifice that hundreds of thousands of ordinary men and women have made over time in more than a century in the service of our country. 

"It is also very much about who we were as two peoples. Two young nations that were prepared to contribute, and continue to contribute, to the peace and security of our world; two young nations that shouldered their share of a common burden and two young nations that have developed an unshakable bond. 

"It is not all about us though. It is as much about remembering and commemorating those who have fought along side us: the British, the French, the Canadians, the Americans, and the Koreans to name just a few. 

"Just as importantly you need to think about those who fought against us. For they too were ordinary men and women who were fighting for a cause they believed in. 

"If you look at the relationship Australia and New Zealand have with the Turks you can see that after brutal conflict great respect and friendship can grow. If ever you get to go to Gallipoli you'll be amazed at the way Turkish people look after Australians and New Zealanders.

"Anzac Day leads us to look back. To look back with some pride in our shared history; at the sacrifice and courage of those who have gone before us. But if we are really to understand Anzac Day, it is also a day for us to look forward. We need to take the very best from the Anzacs of the past: their spirit, their courage, their determination and their mateship and build on it to make our societies a better place to live because that is what they would have wanted."

An elderly man succumbed to Monday’s mid-morning heat which bore down on the service. He was attended to by paramedics.

A number of dignitaries and their families returned to Wests Nelson Bay Diggers for an Anzac Day luncheon.