"I come every year to pay my respects to the fallen diggers and for everyone fighting for human rights," he told AAP.
"I've been in the city since 3.15am for the dawn service.
"Anzac Day gives everyone an opportunity to pay their respects and show our armed forces appreciation for the work they do."
He was one of thousands of Queenslanders who turned out despite wet weather to line the streets of Brisbane and pay tribute to former and current armed forces personnel.
Premier David Crisafulli began the day in the nation's garrison city of Townsville, in north Queensland.
The turnout there, as well as in Brisbane, showed how important Anzac Day is, he said.
"Over the years there's been people that have questioned its longevity and it's defied it year on year," he told AAP.
"For the crowds to turn out with inclement weather across a large portion of the state just shows you everything you need to know."
Earlier on Friday, the ashes of veterans who've recently died were given a ceremonial burial at sea during one of Australia's most poignant dawn services.
Illuminated in poppy red and with flags at half mast, Elephant Rock on the Gold Coast was the location for a solemn acknowledgement of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in conflict.
Several thousand people attended the service near the NSW border on Friday to mark the 110th anniversary of Australian and New Zealand forces making their landing at Gallipoli in Turkey.
Attendees paid their respects standing on the edge of dunes after damage to beaches caused by ex-tropical cyclone Alfred.
Choppy waters fuelled by rain overnight lapped the car park near to where Friday's service was taking place.
Inflatable rescue boats were on hand during the burial at sea, a tribute during which the ashes of recently passed service men and women were laid to rest.
A roll call of veterans who have died echoed around the beach as the boats moved into strong waves off the shore.
Oars were raised into the air to pay respects to the fallen.
Children from the local surf lifesaving club stood with a choir as the Australian and New Zealand national anthems culminated the service.
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