Famous faces join rally over closed Sydney Harbour Bridge
Pro-Palestine protesters prepare to march across Sydney Harbour Bridge
Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters are marching across Sydney's famous Harbour Bridge after battling in court to get the landmark closed down.
The rally has now set off, after yesterday's decicision to allow it to proceed, despite torrential rain showers.
Famous human right advocates including Julian Assange are there.
Authorities have warned mototists to avoid non-essential travel with heavy delays expected in the Harbour Tunnel, the key route for Sydneysiders when the bridge is inaccessible.
Another rally is underway in Melbourne.
Sydney's train stations packed with protesters
Train stations across the city are dealing with more passengers than usual as protesters travel to the CBD to join the march.
The Metro is not running due to track work and Transport NSW warned earlier that delays and congestion could hit travellers.
Wynyard Station in the CBD, near the start of the march, was packed with people hoping to join the rally.
Thousands more expected to join march
Thousands of people are expected, organisers say.
"We're expecting thousands more," an organiser from Palestine Action Group said on Instagram.
"Don't let the rain put you off, come along."
Famous faces join protest
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has joined hundreds of other protesters in the Sydney CBD.
Assange is a vocal pro-Palestine supporter.
Former soccer star Craig Foster was also pictured at the protest alongside organiser Josh Lees.
It is understood the protesters will march towards the end of the bridge and immediately turn back around and disperse in the CBD.
Police close Sydney Harbour Bridge
It is expected the bridge will be shut down to traffic until 4pm today.
The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the pro-Palestinian protest, organised by the Palestine Action Group, after the NSW police commissioner sought to prohibit the march on public safety grounds.
Hundreds of officers have been deployed to target "unlawful and anti-social behaviour", NSW Police confirmed today.
It is expected the bridge will be shut down to traffic from now until 4pm today.
Authorities have warned people to avoid non-essential travel with heavy delays expected in the Harbour Tunnel.
"The first and upmost priority for NSW Police is always the safety of those protesting, other members of the public who may be impacted by the protest, and the officers involved in the operation," Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Johnson said.
"Police will have a high-visibility presence at the operation today and will work with participants to ensure there are no breaches of the peace."
A heavy police presence is expected as officers are pulled from their core duties.
Pro-Palestine protesters at the meeting point in Sydney.
Drivers warned to avoid the city
Motorists have been asked to follow police advice and avoid the area unless essential.
The Sydney Metro network is closed today due to planned trackwork.
"It would have been great if we could have the metro operating but unfortunately that's not the situation today," Johnson said said.
Johnson told media today that extra transport staff will be on duty to help guide protesters and travellers back across to the southern side of the bridge.
"We're working hard with transport about how they're going to get back," Johnson said.
"It's going to be extremely busy."
Sydney's T1 North Shore line will be under the most pressure as protesters enter and leave the city today.
NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Adam Johnson said police are preparing for an
Police are also preparing for an "unknown number" of protesters to swarm the bridge, which could present a risk of crowd crushes.
"The numbers are unknown. We don't know," Johnson said.
"We're not sure of the numbers coming. We will have to deal with that as it progresses today.
"I've put some things in place to alleviate that."
Protesters will also march across King Street Bridge in Melbourne today.
"We ask all the participants listen to police, be respectful, there will be large crowds. we will have to facilitate this carefully," NSW Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Peter McKenna told the media yesterday.
"Nothing changes for us in the fact that people who come in to do the right thing and have a safe protest, then we will facilitate that, we will work with them.
"But if people come in to commit any type of offences, any anti-social behaviour or anything else that puts the public safety at risk, we will have no hesitation to take action."
Weather won't deter protesters in Sydney
Protest organisers have said the wet weather in Sydney won't dampen plans for the march.
"Rain, hail, or shine, we will free Palestine!" Palestine Action Group wrote on Facebook.
"We urge everyone to plan for a long day, bring wet-weather gear, plenty of water and snacks.
"Be patient and look out for each other. Today we march for humanity, to save Gaza!"
Protest organisers have said the wet weather in Sydney won't dampen plans for the m
Thousands to descend on Melbourne CBD
A pro-Palestine protest on Melbourne's King Street Bridge has also kicked off today.
Thousands were expected to descend on the area after police requested they change their route over concerns emergency services vehicles won't be able to get through.
The march began at the State Library at 12pm.
A pro-Palestine protest on Melbourne's King Street Bridge in solidarity with Sydney has also kicked off today.
Premier Jacinta Allen warned anyone who "disrupts" emergency services will be dealt with "swiftly" by police.
Pro-Palestine protests, which have taken place every week since October 7, 2023, have called for an immediate Israel ceasefire and withdrawal from Gaza and are now marching to highlight the need for aid in the region.
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