CANBERRA -- The Olympic flame marched through the Australian capital in an air of passion on Thursday as hundreds of fans followed the torch all the way.

Two overseas Chinese smile before the start of the Beijing Olympic torch relay in Canberra, Australia, April 24, 2008. The 15th leg of the global Olympic flame journey concluded at 11:30 local time Thursday as scheduled without major disruptions. [Agencies]

Thousands of supporters from Chinese communities mainly in Sydney and Melbourne flocked to the capital city to cheer for the passing of the Olympic flame.

The red flags and five-ring Olympic banners were besprinkled all through the relay route from the Conciliation Place to Stage 88 as hundreds of passionate Chinese students ran along the relay.

"One World, One Dream and One China" could be seen in placards in the launching and community celebration sites.

It was estimated that over 20,000 from Chinese communities came by bus from cities around to attend the occasion. The relay was smooth except for a couple of arrests on route invaders.

The Chinese national anthem and the aboriginal didgeridoos performance vibrated the setting-off ceremony in Conciliation Place, where an indigenous dance troupe performed a ritual of welcome for the arrival of the Olympic flame.

John Coates, president of the Australian Olympic Committee, delivered a speech in the opening-up. "We witnessed the power of the flame in the year 2000 as it travelled from Uluru to Homebush and burned brightly throughout the Olympic Games in Sydney," said Coats.

"Four years later the great symbol returned to our shores as part of the Athens torch relay and again thousands of Australians celebrated its journey through the streets of Sydney and Melbourne.

"Now it is Canberra's turn. I urge everyone to come out and support the relay. Join in friendship and cheer the runners as they share a magic moment. The flame is a symbol of the Olympic ideals of tolerance, equality a humanity," he added.

Dozens of Chinese and Olympic flags flew on the edge of Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin, where a rowing relay was put on after the set-off leg from the Conciliation Place.

The heart of Canberra's CBD came alive when the torch made its way through Civic. Workers, shippers and diners all took time out to cheer on the torchbearers as the relay convoy made its way along Northbourne Avenue.

"It's a shame for what happened in London and Paris. We are showing we can do better today. A large population from Chinese communities in Australia, especially in Sydney and Melbourne, come together to celebrate here, that's the Olympic spirit," said AOC media director Mike Tancred.