Dramatic drone footage has provided a unique perspective on the extent of yesterday's violent clashes between anti-Islamic and anti-racism protesters on the streets of Melbourne.

The aerial footage shows marauding groups of protesters engaged in wild fights, police officers using capsicum spray to break up scuffles and alleged offenders being arrested and dragged into law enforcement vehicles.

More than 400 police officers were called to control the fighting and divide groups from the Coalition Against Racism and Fascism, and the extreme right-wing, anti-Islam Reclaim Australia.

Expected trouble at Sunday's demonstration in Sydney's Martin Place has already eventuated, with police making several arrests in the morning as protesters from both groups again came together.

Police in Brisbane are also preparing for trouble at a Reclaim Australia rally in one of the city's parks today.

Protesters from both sides came together outside the steps and streets of Parliament House and tempers quickly flared.

At the rally in Melbourne, numbers grew as members of a splinter group known as the United Patriots Front joined their extreme right-wing allies.

Capsicum spray and the Victoria Police mounted brigade were deployed as aggressive protesters tried to breach police lines.

"From a policing point of view, we can't see the difference between the two sides," Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said.

Reclaim Australia protesters have been seen carrying signs saying "patriotism is not racism" and "stop non-white immigration".

Coalition Against Racism and Fascism spokeswoman Vashti Kenway said anti-racism groups were mobilising to send a message that their rivals' views were not acceptable.

"The clear message is that Melburnians aren't going to stand for the kind of far right racist, sexist, homophobic attitudes that have really been embodied in both the United Patriots Front and Reclaim Australia, and that we're prepared to take a stand in the city, that we're prepared to say Melbourne is not the place for those kinds of attitudes," she said.

Police were hindered by a number of violent protesters who used facial coverings to disguise their identity. "It's an indication that you're not there to peacefully protest you are there to cause violence," Deputy Premier James Merlino said.

Victoria Greens acting leader Nina Springle said state and federal leaders should condemn Reclaim Australia and reject fear-mongering.

"The so-called Reclaim Australia movement should be called out for what it is: a small but organised group of people stirring up racist fears about Muslims in Australia," she said.

"It's regrettable that there's a fringe element that wants to undermine this multicultural harmony."

At least one person was injured and required assistance from paramedics.

IN PICTURES: Anti-Islam and anti-racism protesters clash at Melbourne rally View Gallery