Giant poppies, roaring jets and a rum-spiked latte - this was Brisbane's unlikely recipe for an unforgettable Anzac Day march.
A huge crowd lined Adelaide Street to cheer on veterans, current troops, descendants and other service personnel.
The throng easily numbered more than 40,000, RSL South Eastern District president Wendy Taylor said.
"If you looked back, there were people six deep," she said.
"It's bigger and better than it's been for a long time."
Most had the customary poppies pinned to their lapels - perhaps only outdone by Vivienne Webb's giant bouquet of oversized paper mache blooms.
"My father is 91 and a World War II veteran and I wanted him to be able to see where we were," Ms Webb told AAP.
Former marine technician Richard Lawson said it was a novel experience watching from the sidelines, having recently finishing a seven-year stint in the navy.
The 25-year-old wasn't deterred by security concerns circulating in the lead up to the centenary.
The huge turnout was a sign such threats wouldn't spoil the commemorations, he said.
"For people who want to scare us, it just shows who we are, and we've rocked out regardless of these threats," Mr Lawson said.
More than 9,000 troops from the Enoggera and Amberley barracks joined 153 veteran and service units in the parade, as army bands, tanks and thunderous jets flew overhead.
WWII nurse Olga Anderson, 98, was resplendent leading the defence nurse unit in her original uniform's red cape, while a 103-year-old veteran also made the journey in a taxi.
Bribie Island duo Jen Hadley and Marilla Kidd had front row seats opposite King George Square.
Mrs Kidd said she was "immensely proud" to be there for her ailing World War II veteran father-in-law, Richard, who missed the parade for the first time this year.
The pair had already toasted the veterans, Ms Hadley revealed.
"We had a little rum in our coffee at half-past five," she whispered.
"Yes, we're true Aussies aren't we?" Mrs Kidd replied.
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