A rooftop sniper at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance has watched over the city's Anzac Day dawn service, attended by around 10,000 fewer people than last year.
But organisers insist that despite a heightened security presence, it wasn't a threat of terror that deterred a larger crowd.
Shrine chief executive Dean Lee put the lower numbers down to Anzac Day falling right after the Easter long weekend and more people attending local services.
In 2017 some 35,000 people gathered at the shrine for the dawn service, compared to an estimated 25,000 on Thursday.
Clearly visible to the crowd was a cropped-haired sniper positioned behind the elevated granite bastion, looking through the sight of his rifle, which was pointing over the crowd below.
Police had earlier foreshadowed a strong presence throughout the CBD for Thursday's ceremonies, adding there was "no intelligence at all" to suggest any trouble.
Security measures aside, Mr Lee was pleased by the turnout.
"The commitment of Victorians to honour those whose service and sacrifice contributed so much to our nation, is humbling," he said.
"The diversity of those gathered today in the pre-dawn darkness affirms that the values defended, endure."
World War II veteran Sam Krycer, 100, led the city's march alongside fellow vets Keith Hearne, 93, and Robert Jeavons, 92, as the RSL acknowledged 80 years since the start of the Second World War.
"I still feel humbled, really, to see these young boys," Mr Krycer told AAP after the march, acknowledging the younger serving generations.
"I also remember all the thousands of those who didn't make it back home. So it's not all smiles."
Following the march, Governor of Victoria Linda Dessau addressed the crowd.
"It really doesn't matter whether it was 100 years ago or just yesterday. The sacrifices that they made are ageless," she said.
"We do not forgot just because it was not in our lifetime or on our doorstep."
Premier Daniel Andrews paid tribute to veterans.
"It is their stories and their wisdom that confirm why we are all here," he said.
Scattered throughout the crowds attending official events were the club colours on scarfs and sweaters of Essendon and Collingwood ahead of the traditional Anzac Day AFL clash.
