The crew of a sweep and 11 rowers took part in the two day boat race and were expecting to row past Anzac Cove to North Beach due to high security in the region ahead of Saturday's Anzac Centenary commemorations.

But, unexpectedly, the teams from Australia, New Zealand and Turkey were directed into the cove where thousands lost their lives during the Gallipoli landing 100 years ago.

Mollymook rower Di LeStrange said rowing into Anzac Cove was the experience of a lifetime.

"Due to the difficulty of getting everyone around the peninsula due to the number of tourist coaches, instead of rowing past Anzac Cove, we rowed into Anzac Cove," she said.

"Everyone was so excited and to see all 26 boats with oars raised was incredible.

"It certainly was a memorable day.

"We are all very proud but very tired rowers and supporters.

"It was a fantastic opportunity to participate in this once in a lifetime event and all the long hours of training were well worth it.

"Thanks to all our sponsors and well wishers and to my fellow team members - bloody good job."

Some of the group will be selected to attend the Anzac Cove dawn service and will lay a wreath on behalf of our community, while others will be chosen to take part in a Gallipoli landing re-enactment in the Mollymook boat on the nearby peninsula.

Sweep and team captain Barry Page was joined by rowers John Patterson, Len Bolin, Lesley Gagan, Di LeStrange, Russell Bartlett, Craig Matthews, Stuart Turnbull, Ken Burton, Gary Gavegan and Darren Jones and their families for the event.

The memorial surf boat features the names of 52 men from Milton-Ulladulla and the surrounding area that lost their lives fighting at Gallipoli or the Western front during World War I.

The Federal Government issued a warning for “Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Turkey because of the threat of terrorist attack” earlier this month, including those travelling to the Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli.