As protesters at Sydney's march headed towards Martin Place, many were reeling from the reality of Donald Trump's ascension to the White House.
A day after President Trump's inauguration and, in sync with hundreds of like-minded rallies across the world, the Women's March in Sydney was the result of a grassroots campaign started in Washington DC.
Thousands converged in Hyde Park on Saturday to protest against hatred and bigotry they believe has been stirred up by Mr Trump.
Protester Charlotte Wilde, 33, told AAP she had tears streaming down her face as she watched Donald Trump get sworn in.
"I just saw him take the oath and I was like 'turn that off'," she said.
Father of two boys, Marek Rucinski, found President Trump's speech "very divisive".
"Normally these speeches are used to rally and unite people," he said.
"There was no substance in his speech. It was, again, more bluster.
"He'll be judged by his actions, not by his rhetoric."
His boys held small signs at the march that read: "Evil grows when good people stay silent."
Niall Anderson, 35, watched the US president's inauguration in disbelief.
"Just disbelief that this can happen in 2017," he told AAP.
Amongst placards reading "this body is not a political battleground" and "hands off my bloody pussy", a 25-year-old speaker urged women to "unshackle themselves".
"We cannot wait another day," she yelled, to loud applause.
Writer and comedian Jane Caro told the crowd: "I don't hate anyone but I'm not fond of Donald Trump".
The event was attended by a couple of thousand people - not only women, but men of all ages, and young children.
Activist groups for causes such as aboriginal land rights, gay rights and refugee rights had a strong presence at the event.
A speaker drew strong reaction from the crowd talking about the negative reactions by some towards an Australia Day billboard depicting two Muslim girls.
