Across the Hunter, thousands will gather at memorials to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by more than 100,000 Australian servicemen and women who gave their lives in conflicts ranging from the bloody struggle at Anzac Cove in 1915 to today's ongoing war in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile Australian troops, including many from the Hunter region, deployed to far-flung countries overseas will gather around makeshift cenotaphs on the edge of runways and in remote firebases for the traditional gunfire breakfasts and games of two-up.

When Newcastle RSL club president Doug Jackson dons his campaign medals this morning he will reflect not only on his own service in Vietnam with the Royal Australian Navy but also on the dedication of the Australian troops currently deployed in hot spots around the world.

He will join droves of ex-servicemen and women ranging from veterans of WWII and the Korean war to young soldiers who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, along with family members representing the fallen gathering today.

Hundreds are expected to attend Newcastle's dawn service at Nobbys Beach at 5.15am, complete with the four-gun Salute to the Fallen from Fort Scratchley's coastal guns. Similar services will take place across the Hunter at memorials, including Swansea and Maitland.

"I think Anzac Day means something different to all of us," Mr Jackson said.

The veteran who served in the navy from 1969-71 said he was confident of a good showing at services across the region.

"You never know how many people you're ever going to get but I think we'll have a solid turnout," he said.

"As the generation of older blokes gets on, it becomes vital that younger people carry on their legacy.

"None of us are getting any younger and it's important that younger generations know the significance."

He said he expected a decent percentage of marchers to be young people helping their elderly relatives or marching in their place.

While most are content to use the day to honour the fallen, police have issued a stern warning to anyone making trouble.

"We will be out in force, extra police will be out on duty," a spokesman said.