In Canberra, politicians from both sides of parliament joined members of the public, and servicemen and women outside the Australian War Memorial at the national ceremony.
Former Prime Minister, John Howard, delivered the national ceremony speech marking the 96th anniversary of the Armistice which ended World War I.
Mr Howard reflected on Australia's military role in combating Islamic State extremists in his speech, saying those heading to Iraq stand on the shoulders of the Anzacs who had gone before them.
Mr Howard paid tribute to the extraordinary heroism and the great professional valour of Australia's servicemen and women.
"They remain an absolute ornament to this country," he said.
Mr Howard's voice quivered with emotion as he spoke of his personal connection to WWI.
His father and grandfather had served on the Western Front and were briefly reunited on the eve of the battle of Mont Saint-Quentin in France.
'It was sacrifice on a stupendous scale'
Prime Minister Tony Abbott also paid tribute to Australia's sacrifices in a video message from Beijing, where he is attending the APEC summit.
"From a population of under five million, 417,000 enlisted, 332,000 served overseas, 152,000 were wounded and 61,000 never came home," he said.
"It was sacrifice on a stupendous scale. Every November 11, Australia renews its vow to never forget the sacrifice.
"We pause to remember the suffering and loss that has occurred in all wars, for we are a country of memory, as well as memorials.
"Today, we will remember the courage, achievements, pain and loss of all who have served in our name.
"And we draw strength from their memory."
'It numbs you a little bit'
In Victoria, around 6000 people attended a ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.
The service on Tuesday was marked by a minute's silence and a formal military parade, while the RAAF flew over the shrine.
Bright red poppies were dotted through the crowd and grounds, while flags were lowered to half mast.
Ex-army major Bruce Davies, who was among those marking the day, said he sometimes can feel a little numb on Remembrance Day.
Mr Davies joined the army as a private in 1961 and served three years in Vietnam.
"Sometimes it numbs you a little bit, that you are recalling some of your friends," Mr Davies said.
"And sometimes you think about any members of your family who had served in the military. My grandfather served during World War I and passed away far too early in life."
