Sydney anti-lockdown protesters slammed as lsquoselfishrsquo and self-entitled as police vow to make further arrests

Thousands of protesters who marched through Sydney's CBD in objection to the city's COVID-19 lockdowns have been slammed as "selfish" and "self-entitled".

NSW Police Minister David Elliott has announced the formation of a strike force comprised of 22 detectives to identify and track down the estimated 3,500 protesters who marched through the city on Saturday.

He said more than 90 infringement notices have been issued so far, with 57 arrests made.

“I’m hoping we issue 3,500 infringement notices, I’m hoping we have people before the courts,” he told reporters on Saturday afternoon.

“If you don’t want to be in lockdown, obey the rules.”

Mr Elliott described the protest as an "absolute disgrace", saying the "selfish and inappropriate behaviour” of protesters is "what's going to continue this city into lockdown".

"There is no doubt in my mind that at least one individual there today had COVID. Statistically, it is impossible for us not to consider that," he added, urging anyone who attended to get tested for COVID-19 immediately.

Thousands of angry people, many of whom were unmasked, marched from inner Sydney's Victoria Park to Town Hall in the central business district.

They broke through a police barrier to continue down George Street but were stopped at King Street. 

There is a heavy police presence in Sydney, including mounted police and riot officers.

Protesters threw plastic bottles and plants taken from the street at officers.

Signs carried by the protesters call for "freedom" and "the truth".

Protesters face off with police near Sydney Town Hall during an anti-lockdown rally at Hyde Park in Sydney.

AAP

"The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly, however, today’s protest is in breach of the current COVID-19 Public Health Orders," NSW Police said in a statement.

The protest comes as COVID-19 case numbers in NSW reached another record high since the first wave in 2020.

Some 163 new local cases were reported in the 24 hours to 8pm on Friday, up from 136 the day before.

Greater Sydney has been locked down for the past four weeks, with residents only able to leave home with a reasonable excuse.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard condemned the planned protest as "really silly" on Saturday morning.

"We live in a democracy and normally I am certainly one who supports people's rights to protest ... but at the present time we've got cases going through the roof and we have people thinking that's OK to get out there and possibly be close to each other at a demonstration."

Protesters march along Broadway and George St towards Sydney Town Hall during the World Wide Rally For Freedom anti-lockdown rally.

AAP

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said it was not the time for a protest.

He said police wanted to work with the organisers to make sure people were complying with public health orders and that it did not turn into a "disastrous" mass spreading event.

At least 1,000 people have also gathered in Melbourne's CBD.

Flares have been lit outside Victoria's Parliament House, where protesters gathered to chant "freedom".

A car rally is also planned for locked-down Adelaide, with police warning they will make arrests over unlawful activity.

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