The rallies were planned in multiple locations around Australia today by Reclaim Australia, as well as counter-rallies opposing the group.

Reclaim Australia are a group pushing nationwide rallies against "sharia law, halal tax and Islamisation".

Anti-racist protesters and other groups oppose their viewpoints.

The tweets from the Reclaim Australia twitter account seemed innocent enough, at first.

In preparation for the #ReclaimAustralia protest - we've given some of our activists access to this account to live tweet. first up - Jeremy — Reclaim Australia (@ReclaimAus) April 3, 2015

HEY EVERYONE! JEZ HERE - HOW YALL DOIN? — Reclaim Australia (@ReclaimAus) April 3, 2015

Apparently no one at Reclaim Australia forsaw the potential for the stunt to backfire.

It quickly got weird.

FUUUCK the car is just not gonna start - can anyone gimme a lift? Damo is not picking up the phone he's pilled out, in QLD - DM me for deetz — Reclaim Australia (@ReclaimAus) April 3, 2015

fuuuuuuuck I should not have punched cones with matty on that bucket bong last night - feelin it hardcore - not in good shape — Reclaim Australia (@ReclaimAus) April 3, 2015

Fuck I didn't know about this I thought this was just an aussie pride march im meant to be meeting Shaz but dunno if this is worth a root — Reclaim Australia (@ReclaimAus) April 3, 2015

However, it did not take long for Reclaim Australia to realise what was going on.

ATTENTION EVERYONE - We deeply apologise for Jeremy's contributions to our account we've removed his access - we are preparing a statement. — Reclaim Australia (@ReclaimAus) April 4, 2015

After long discussion with our social media manager we will not be deleting the offending tweets due to our commitment to #freespeech. — Reclaim Australia (@ReclaimAus) April 4, 2015

In a statement issued by Reclaim Australia shortly after the Twitter incident, spokeswoman Catherin Brennan apologised for the stray tweets.

"It has been brought to our attention that statements have been made on our official Twitter account that are not consistent with all our values," the statement read.

There were some suggestions this was all part of a hoax by what is a fake account not affiliated with Reclaim Australia. At the time of writing SBS had been unable to reach Reclaim Australia to verify the account's veracity.

"Over 20,000 Australians have been looking forward to the Reclaim Australia rally without incident and it is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that as a committee we have decided to postpone the 2015 Reclaim Australian event until further notice".

Rallies proceeded in a number of cities.

@HelpRefugeesOZ What do you mean bigots hey? were strayan — Reclaim Australia (@ReclaimAus) April 3, 2015

Victorian rally turns violent

Mounted police were forced to form a barrier between Reclaim Australia and counter protesters at opposing rallies in Melbourne.

Tensions among the crowds led to scuffles, with paramedics treating injured protestors.

Pauline Hanson attends rally

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has declared she is not a racist during a rally against Islam in Brisbane.

Ms Hanson, who narrowly lost her fight for a seat in the 2015 Queensland election, joined hundreds of protesters in King George Square.

Many were draped in the Australian flag and carried signs denouncing sharia law and halal certification for Australian products.

"We have people here today who stand against racism. Thank you for your support," Ms Hanson said.

"So do I."

Ms Hanson said she and her supporters had endured trial by media and those with hidden agendas.

"Let my fellow Australians judge me on what I say. Don't deny me the right to have our say," she said.

"I am not a racist. Criticism is not racism."

Ms Hanson said she was merely a proud Australian fighting for the country's democracy, culture and way of life.

Tempers flared as a counter-rally was held opposite the event and at least 30 police officers kept the two groups separate.

"Go home bigots, go home," members of the counter-rally chanted.

But Reclaim Australia speaker David Truman said their opponents were using tired and untrue slogans.

"They hate free speech. They use fascist tactics to try and shut it down," he said.

"I've got news for you and for them - we are not racists or supremacists of any kind."