Vietnam veterans lead Melbourne parade

Alexander Roy Gunning was moved to tears as he lined up with other Vietnam War veterans and their South Vietnamese counterparts to lead the Anzac Day parade for the first time.

He served in Vietnam on three occasions working in the engine room on HMAS Yarra and well remembers enemy divers, and seamen dropping scare charges over the side of the ship.

It could "frighten the living hell out of you", he said.

Marching this year was particularly important after burying one of his navy friends just three weeks ago, he said, fighting back tears.

"It means a lot today ... it all just sinks in," he said.

About 45,000 people braved a chilly morning to pay their respects at the Dawn Service, filling the forecourt of the Shine of Remembrance and spilled out onto the lawns of the Botanic Gardens.

There was a noticeable police presence again this year, following boosted numbers last year in the wake of a foiled terror plot on the Anzac event that failed to daunt the Victorian crowds.

The march through Melbourne also drew tens of thousands who waved flags as the Vietnam and other veterans proudly marched behind their regiment banners, marking the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

A key chapter of Australia's military history, 108 Australian troops defeated a Viet Cong force of more than 1500 soldiers during that battle.

Despite this, soldiers returning did not receive a warm welcome from anti-war protesters.

Veteran Mike Mihaljcek says he was in Vietnam too.

He signed up at 17 looking for adventure, and that's what we got.

Marching with his grandson, Mr Mihaljcek said he was proud the Vietnam War veterans were leading the parade in 2016.

"We didn't think that would happen when the war was over - from those early days this is great progress for us to be here," he told AAP.

Dennis Gist first arrived in Vietnam aboard HMAS Sydney to the sight of explosions and gunfire illuminating the sky above Vung Tau Bay.

Part of the first Royal Australian Regiment to travel from Sydney in 1965, Mr Gist and his fellow seamen were delivering supplies, troops, tanks, artillery and Agent Orange.

It was the first of his many voyages to Vietnam between 1965 and 1972.

"There were floating mines, enemy divers and that sort of thing ... we didn't really expect that, it was a scary place for everyone," Mr Gist told AAP before he marched.

That was in stark contrast to Melbourne on Monday where the sun had warmed the streets for the parade as families brought their children to remember the sacrifices that have made Australia what it is.

RSL Victoria president David McLaughlin thanked those who made the day possible, especially emergency services.

"To the dedicated members of the Victorian Police force who serve and protect us so well - especially those of you who are on duty today," he said during a commemorative ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance.