Sydney Anzac march attracts 200,000

Roaring jets, the solemn keen of bagpipes and the steady beat of military drums couldn't drown out the cheers of the thousands of onlookers at Sydney's Anzac Day march.

About 20,000 serving and ex-service personnel marched in the four hour parade through Sydney's CBD, accompanied by 60 volunteer bands.

But it was an estimated crowd of around 200,000 that made the most noise, punctuated by flyovers from military aircraft.

As she drove from her home in the Blue Mountains, 92-year-old former army signals officer Doris Lee kept firmly in her mind the sacrifices of current and ex-servicemen and women have made.

Wearing her service medals, she briefly broke from the march to pause at the parade sidelines.

"Look how frail they are, you don't know what they go through," she said on Saturday.

"It's a special day."

Veterans marching in this year's parade saw service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Borneo, the Gulf War, East Timor and Afghanistan.

For Garry Swift, whose father died in WWII, the parade marks his 10th march.

"It means a hell of a lot to me," said Mr Swift, 65.

"I wouldn't be anywhere but here on Anzac Day. This is what our dads fought for."

Earlier a record 30,000-strong crowd joined Premier Mike Baird, NSW Governor David Hurley and other dignitaries at Martin place for the Dawn Service.

General Hurley said the Anzac spirit was defined by Australians who give a job their best shot, do it proudly and look after their mates.

It was a sentiment shared during the parade.

Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith held a "thank you" sign while he waited on the sidelines of the parade on George Street.

"(Anzac) means never take for granted our freedom," Mr Smith said.

One enthusiastic onlooker sang "thank you gentlemen" to passing marchers.

A commemoration service was also held at the war memorial at Hyde Park after the parade.

Personnel from the allied countries who served with Australians since 1914 also marched, with representatives the US, France, Greece, Russia, South Vietnam, Turkey and Ireland.