Violence erupted at protests across Australia as anti-Islamisation and anti-racism groups clashed at rival rallies.
Around the country Reclaim Australia protesters held rallies to oppose "sharia law, halal tax and Islamisation".
In Melbourne they were met with strong opposition from groups including Socialist Alliance and Socialist Alternative who returned verbal fire.
More than 3000 people clashed in Federation Square and blocked surrounding streets in the Melbourne CBD.
Hundreds of police formed barricades to separate protesters but scuffles still broke out and paramedics had to treat assault victims for minor injuries.
Victoria Police arrested two men and one woman, with all three released pending summons.
A 30-year-old man was arrested for assault in Hobart, while two women were removed for breaching the peace in Sydney but not charged.
Sydney rally organiser Sarah Spearpoint denied the Reclaim Australia group was racist.
She said protesters have a problem with Islamic extremists who want to live by sharia law and, like her, moderate Muslims also don't accept extreme views of their religion.
But Tony Iltis was part of a smaller but passionate crowd that slammed the group's "racist" slant.
"There is no possibility of sharia law in Australia, that is absolutely ridiculous," he said.
In Brisbane many protesters were draped in Australian flags and carried signs denouncing sharia law and halal certification for Australian products.
Former One Nation leader Pauline Hanson joined crowds in King George Square thanking those standing against racism.
She said she was a proud Australian fighting for the country's democracy, culture and way of life.
"I am not a racist. Criticism is not racism," she told the gathering.
Not all those who attended had strong views either way.
Some, like James Barnett in Melbourne, said Australia needed more love and tolerance.
"What I see is two groups with diametrically opposing ideas," he told AAP.
"They're extreme views that are inconsistent with what Australia stands for."
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