In wave upon wave they stormed the streets of Brisbane on Thursday, to commemorate "Invasion Day" and push for greater recognition of Indigenous traditions and rights.
There was a sea of vibrant flags and clothing along with plenty of music and dancing at the rally, organised by the Brisbane Aboriginal Sovereign Embassy with the theme of "resist, revive, decolonise".
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26 January: Invasion Day protests in Sydney
Marchers at Sydney's Invasion Day rally walk through Broadway en route to the CBD
An estimated 1000 people from different age groups and backgrounds gathered outside Parliament House encouraging unity and promising further demonstrations.
"You're all welcome in our country ... (but) you have to pay the rent," said Aboriginal activist Sam Watson.
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He pointed to a lack of education around the true history of Indigenous Australians as well as their love of the land, language and communities.
"January 26 is a nothing day to us," Mr Watson added.
"It is the day British boats launched a war of genocide against Indigenous Australians, which continues today."
Mr Watson also issued a call to arms for mass protests at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, launching the Stolenwealth Games campaign.
"We need strength and unity. The way through these problems and challenges is as a community."
There were further speeches, which focused on the lack of Australian children being taught Aboriginal customs and traditions, Centrelink problems, deaths in custody and ongoing racism.
The gathering outside Parliament House was followed by a march through the city streets to Musgrave Park in South Bank.
Protesters making their voices heard as they march through the Brisbane CBD for #invasionday @brisbanetimes pic.twitter.com/L9wvGqz2ni
— Toby Crockford (@tobycrockford23) January 26, 2017
In addition to slogans echoing through the CBD, there was dancing in the middle of intersections and a sea of banners in a powerful display.
There were also reports of some protesters blocking roads near George St near Treasury Casino, but Queensland Police said the march was peaceful and there were no arrests or issues.
Nearby, a very different message was being broadcast by the Australian Republic Movement.
ARM supporters also gathered in South Bank to promote Australia independence and separation from the British Commonwealth.
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