While there were some scuffles between opposing protesters in Melbourne's CBD today, police managed to keep most at bay as thousands descended on the streets for four separate protests.
They all appeared to break up into two sides - with the Indigenous Sovereignty March and Rally Against Racism on one side, and the anti-government Save Australia and Australia Unites rallies on the other.
The demonstrations kicked off late this morning, leaving citygoers, public transport, and businesses facing disruptions throughout the day.
The anti-racism protesters, who were led by Indigenous elders, said they were marching for unity and against division after last month's anti-immigration March for Australia rally turned violent.
"We have always welcomed everyone down here on country and we always will," Thane Garvey from the Wurundjeri Land Council said.
"If you're not Aboriginal, you are an immigrant. We are a nation of migration, and it's better and stronger for it," protester Alicia said.
The protesters were heard chanting:"No hatred, no fear. Nazis are not welcome here."
One speaker called out support for self-proclaimed sovereign citizen Dezi Freeman, who is still missing after being accused of murdering two police officers in Porepunkah.
A breakaway group draped in the Australian flag also took to the streets, calling out the government.
Hundreds of police lined the city streets today in anticipation of clashes and set up a barricade of officers to block the two opposing sides from converging near Parliament House this afternoon.
Footage showed growing tension between some anti-racism and anti-government protesters, who were heard shouting at each other.
People tried to grab a man flying a flag in the face of protesters on Lonsdale Street, before police marched him away.
Another protester yelled in the face of others outside Flinders Street.
Riot police and mounted officers tried to separate the groups and were forced to deploy capsicum spray.
There have been no reports of any major clashes or injuries.
Police said a 29-year-old man was arrested in relation to an alleged graffiti incident.
Other protesters were temporarily detained, but no other arrests were made.
There is an unprecedented number of protests happening in Melbourne this weekend, with another two tomorrow.
Tomorrow, there will be a protest for Sabah's independence from Malaysia and the weekly pro-Palestine rally.
Police have been granted additional powers allowing them to conduct weapon searches and direct individuals to remove face coverings until 8pm tomorrow.
They can also force any offenders out of the city.
Extra police officers have been deployed in the city's centre as officials fear that the demonstrations could escalate into violence on the streets.
Melbourne's Lord Mayor Nick Reece was frustrated over the decision to allow so many protests to go ahead, stating that locals, as well as himself, are"fed up."
"Melbourne is starting to look like a bar scene from Star Wars, and enough is enough," he toldWeekend Today.
Those heading into the city are urged to reconsider their travel plans as significant traffic disruptions are set for this weekend.
There were similar protests happening in most major cities across Australia today.
Indigenous Sovereignty March, Australia Unites and Save Australia are holding rallies in most major cities across the country today.
A remigration rally is also taking place in the Sydney CBD.
