Hundreds of demonstrators – many of whom are not wearing masks – have gathered in the inner suburb of Richmond, in a move apparently designed to avoid police.
Huge crowds of people have been seeing charging at police, while others have thrown objects and punches, assaulting officers.
Meanwhile, 20 people were arrested in Sydney as NSW Police staged a major operation to prevent planned protest activity.
Protests also took place near the Brisbane and Adelaide CBDs today.
Images showed some demonstrators being chased by police and held by officers.
Travel to and from Melbourne’s CBD by public transport and car was halted to prevent anti-lockdown protesters from gathering in the CBD.
Instead, they switched it to 10am at Richmond and began gathering at about midday outside the Richmond Town Hall.
Hundreds marched in the centre of the road chanting “no more lockdown” and “sack Dan Andrews”.
Some held banners with the words “No more lockdown”.
Others shouted the mental health toll on people was too great.
Most were not wearing masks.
Until 2pm today, no trains, trams and buses will be running to central Melbourne. Services are terminating at suburban stations.
There is a limited shuttle bus service running from key locations for residents who are permitted to travel.
More than 2000 police officers have been deployed to stop and deter the protesters.
Interstate protests
Hundreds of demonstrators – many of whom are not wearing masks – have gathered in the inner suburb of Richmond, in a move apparently designed to avoid police.
Huge crowds of people have been seeing charging at police, while others have thrown objects and punches, assaulting officers.
Earlier today, Victoria Police set up checkpoints aimed at keeping them out of the CBD.
Police clashed with anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination protests in Queensland today.
Thousands of people gathered in Brisbane CBD’s Botanic Gardens, before shifting their demonstration into a march through the city streets.
There were several arrested during the Brisbane protests, however the majority of attendees were peaceful.
Protest activity also took place in Adelaide’s Rundle Park.
Source: 9News