Huge dawn turnout in Brisbane

For the first time, Turkey's flag flew alongside the Australian flag at the Cenotaph in Brisbane as thousands gathered for the Anzac Day dawn service.

Turkish honorary consul to Queensland Turgut Allahmanli arrived for the service bearing a wreath in honour of those who died on the beaches and in the hills overlooking Anzac Cove 95 years ago.

He said he was proud that the Turkish flag flew alongside the Australian flag at the Cenotaph, a symbol of the friendship forged in the horror of battle.

Mr Allahmanli said young people of both nations are learning to respect each other as they learned the history of Gallipoli.

He said Turkish admiration for their enemy began almost as soon as the battle, led by Turkish general, and later founder of the Republic of Turkey, Kemal Ataturk.

"Kemal Ataturk was very surprised and admired the Australians who had travelled so far from their homes," Mr Allahmanli said.

Many young people were among around 10,000 who gathered, subdued and respectful, for the Anzac Day dawn service in Brisbane's Anzac Square.

Many, unable to get into a crowded Anzac Square, watched the solemn service on large TV screens in the adjacent Post Office Square.

Dozens of other gatherings across Queensland paused at 4.28am local time to remember, and to give thanks.

The dawn service in Brisbane was attended by Queensland Governor Penelope Wensley, Premier Anna Bligh and Opposition Leader John-Paul Langbroek.

Governor Wensley told the hushed crowd Australians must continue to honour the Anzacs and remember their sacrifice.

A member for the Anzac Day organising committee in Brisbane, Vietnam veteran Arthur Burke, said the service was little changed from the first one held at the Cenotaph in 1931.

"It was traditionally simple," Mr Burke said of the Dawn Service.

"We have maintained the service that was started here in 1931, with only a few modifications for modern technology," he said.

Mr Burke said Vietnam veterans were assuming a greater role in commemorations as World War II veterans age.

He said 50,000 people are expected to come out in fine weather to watch the Anzac Day march through central Brisbane, starting at 10am.

Five-year-old Tiana Sorensen was at the dawn service with her sister Vanessa, 3, and their father Keith.

The girls, in their dressing gowns, laid a wreath and paid their respects.

"The soldiers helped us to give freedom," Tiana said.

For 16-year-old Joe Rago, it was a chance to honour relatives who served, the men and women who fought and sacrificed all.

"It's also for troops overseas at the moment who are serving our country," he said.

"My uncle was in the navy and other relatives served in the armed forces and I'm looking to joining the Australian Army at the end of next year."

- AAP