Thousands of people have been streaming into Canberra ahead of the Olympic torch relay this morning.
Scores of buses have been arriving from interstate, and the city centre and parliamentary triangle areas are already packed.
International legs of the relay has been marred by clashes between pro-Tibet and pro-China supporters over human rights abuses in Tibet.
Police have been working with protest organisers to ensure the Canberra leg is peaceful and the two groups are kept separate.
Sam Wong from the ACT Chinese Australian Association says both sides have given assurances their protest action will not turn violent.
"Australian people in general are peaceful, harmonious, loving people," he said.
"Among all the communities, including the Chinese and Tibetan, those who live in Australia, I personally have had to deal with them in many, many years, they are strongly supportive of peace and harmony, because we are a great multicultural nation here."
Overnight a small crowd held a candlelit prayer vigil outside the Chinese embassy, just a few blocks from the route of the torch relay.
Tight security
Security will be tight today as the Olympic torch relay swings into action.
Barricades line the entire route and road blocks will ensure the public is kept at a distance from the runners.
A one-kilometre convoy will follow the runner incorporating 18 vehicles and 6 motorcycles.
ACT chief police officer Michael Phelan says he is hopeful protesters make for a peaceful day.
"Both our intelligence and our liaison with all of those groups has been very good," he said.
"They've assured us that they're looking for a peaceful event to try and showcase not only the message they want to get across but also showcase Australia and Canberra."
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