End of Korean War in focus as Victorians mark Anzac Day

Tens of thousands have gathered across Victoria for Anzac Day dawn services, with a special focus on commemorating the sacrifice of Australians during the Korean War.

Cloaked in darkness, Melburnians braved a chilly morning to mark the 108th anniversary of the landings at Gallipoli in World War I and to honour those who have served in other conflicts and peacekeeping missions.

A crowd of more than 30,000 was expected at the Shrine of Remembrance, a far cry from the capped and fenced crowds of the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War - often referred to as the forgotten war - where over 17,000 Australians served and more than 300 were killed.

Master of ceremonies Justin Smith said the Korean War would only be forgotten if Australians let that happen.

"And with Australians continuing to serve in the DMZ (demilitarised zone) between North and South Korea - still the deadliest strip of land in the world - the conflict has not ended," he said.

"So to the veterans of Korea and their families: thank you. You are loved and respected, and we remain proud."

Lieutenant-Governor James Angus said the service was an opportunity to make amends to those who served and died in Korea after they had been largely overlooked.

"Every Anzac Day is both historic and tragic," he told the crowd.

"Historic because each year marks the anniversary of another war, another battle. Tragic because of the terrible price paid by young Australians … to create our history."

RSL Victoria president Robert Webster recited the ode before the last post rang out from a lone bugler on the shrine steps.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the navy band belted out the New Zealand and Australian national anthems as dawn broke over the city.

Before the service, an elderly man in a service uniform draped with medals watched in silence as the eternal flame flickered.

Children used torches on their phones to play Uno as they waited in darkness for the service to begin.

People began to lay poppies at the Stone of Remembrance at the top of the shrine following the conclusion of the annual service.

Servicemen and women and their descendants will later march from Princes Bridge on the edge of the Melbourne city centre to the shrine from 9am before a commemoration service and wreath-laying service in the afternoon.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was represented at the dawn service by Government Services Minister Bill Shorten.

Premier Daniel Andrews, Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton and opposition deputy upper house leader Matt Bach were also among the official party.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto attended a service in his local electorate of Hawthorn.