Despite the storm that wreaked havoc in Port Stephens earlier this week, thousands gathered at war memorials across the area on Saturday morning to commemorate the Anzac centenary.

Nelson Bay reported the largest turn out to its dawn service. Apex Park was seen to be overflowing with people as dawn broke over the Bay.

Hundreds more people turned out to services at Raymond Terrace, Medowie and Tanilba Bay.

About 900 people were believed to have turned out to the Clarence Town dawn service.

William Street in Raymond Terrace was blocked off for the 11am march to the Anzac Park war memorial. Residents lined the street and clapped as veterans, their families, school students and Air Force cadets marched past to the war memorial for the main service.

Nelson Bay was boasting its largest ever attendance rate with reports that up to 10,000 people attended its two services throughout Saturday.