The Top End capital was bombed by the Japanese in 1942 in the largest ever foreign attack on mainland Australia, resulting in the deaths of about 240 people.

Darwin's Dawn Service starts at 6am at the cenotaph on cliffs overlooking Darwin harbour and the Timor Sea, from where Japanese aircraft emerged to carry out the bombing of ships and port facilities.

A highlight during this year's march would be a flyover from air force jets, helicopers and tigers and a "surprise, which would be pretty speccy", Darwin RSL president Stephen Gloster said.

Darwin is a military town, with a strong contingent of Australian and US forces and the army band participating in the Dawn Service and march from 9am.

The most senior member of the Air Force in the NT, wing commander Steven Parsons is guest speaker at the Dawn Service.

This year's Anzac Day services are the first since Darwin's only RSL veterans' clubhouse was destroyed by fire last June.

The clubhouse will be rebuilt but this year year's Anzac Day fixtures, such as the 5am "gunfire" and reunion breakfasts at 5am and 7am will be held at the Hotel Darwin pub instead.

"There will be 5000-6000 there, no worries, the number of people from Darwin that get up and go to watch the Dawn Service and pack the streets for the march is incredible for a small place," Mr Gloster told AAP.

"It is the biggest shutdown of the city each year."

Other events include a mass at St Marys Cathedral at 7.30am and two-up at Hotel Darwin, the Deck Bar and Pint Club.

Dawn services and marches are also being held in Alice Springs, Katherine and other towns around the Northern Territory.

Australian Associated Press