Large parts of Melbourne's CBD was shut down for a rally of about 40 far-right Trump supporters, with businesses saying it cost them thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
An AAP photographer was assaulted at the rally, with a Trump supporter shoving his camera into his face and leaving cuts and bruises.
Despite 1000 people saying they would attend the United Patriots Front rally on Facebook, only about 40 showed up to celebrate at Parliament House on Sunday.
"Everybody seems to forget the corrupt crony capitalism that is destroying the working class," UPF leader Blair Cottrell told the Trump-supporting huddle.
"And a transfer of wealth from the middle class of the west to the middle class of the developing world."
Businesses lining Spring St struggled to get customers in and out due to the heavy police presence.
Con Christopoulos, from The European restaurant, told AAP he estimated the protests would cost him thousands of dollars in lost trade.
"We were told but we didn't realise the enormity of (the police response)," Mr Christopoulos told AAP.
"On a Sunday, mostly all customers are walk ins."
A counter-rally of hundreds of anti-Trump supporters was separated two blocks down the street, with protesters shouting "no racists, no fear".
The anti-Trump rally was organised in response to the UPF's planned rally.
AAP photographer Julian Smith was taking photos of the UPF rally when two protesters told him to stop.
"My camera was pushed hard into my face, then they've shoved me," Mr Smith said on Sunday.
He was left with cuts and bruises to his face, and Victoria Police arrested one man, who was released pending further investigation.
Terry McAuliffe, governor of Virginia, was in Melbourne for an announcement and said there was clearly "a lot of interest" in the election.
"I think it's great people get out and protest as long as it's in a non-violent way," he told reporters.
"I love to see voter expression."
Just before Mr Cottrell's speech, someone threw eggs at the gathering.
The UPF group included several young children who held pro-Trump and anti-left signs.
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