Australians gathered in droves to honour Anzac Day as the nation looks to heal itself, amid fears the recent horrifying knife attacks and escalating protests against Israel could threaten social cohesion.

While disgraced war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith wore military decorations at an Anzac service in Perth and neo-Nazi Tom Sewell attended the parade in Melbourne, RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge said that Thursday was an opportunity for Sydney to heal after the stabbing of a church leader in Wakeley and the murder of six people at Westfield Bondi Junction.