Up to 500 people have gathered in Sydney's Martin Place as part of a global day of action against violence in Tibet.

Today's protests have been timed to coincide with the handover of the Olympic torch to Chinese representatives.

Many of the speeches have called for boycotts of the Beijing Games.

Some protesters have draped themselves in Tibetan flags and there are banners calling for China to start a dialogue with the Dalai Lama.

Speakers have called for China to not take the Olymic torch into Tibet and to give greater media freedom.

The Dalai Lama's representative in Australia, Tenzing Atisha, has challenged Chinese Government claims that the Dalai Lama masterminded the recent uprising.

Police say the behaviour of protesters has so far been exemplary but they are monitoring the gathering carefully.