Protesters from different ends of the political spectrum have shut down major city centres as police remain on guard to fend off potential clashes.

Thousands took to the streets in Melbourne, Sydney and other capitals under the Australia Unites banner, made up of several splinter groups, on Saturday.

Organisers said participants were voicing displeasure over worsening cost-of-living pressures, declining health outcomes, rising violence, financial strain and climate change denialism.

Some carried signs with slogans such as "We're not right-wing, we're just right."

Opposing groups led by Indigenous and Palestinian activist groups also turned out in a National Day of Action against racism and fascism in response to neo-Nazis allegedly raiding an Indigenous camp in Melbourne on August 31.

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