He arrived in Redfern in a convoy surrounded by police on motorcycles.

With a high security presence in the area - including sniffer dogs, mounted police, police on bicycles and men in dark suits with ear pieces - the Prince was welcomed at a smoking ceremony by a man known to residents as "Uncle Max".

He was presented with a wooden shield and was expected to visit the Redfern Community Centre for a performance by three young Aborigines.

The show was to include original material on an acoustic guitar and some hip-hop entertainment.

Dressed in a dark blue suit, the Prince was expected to sit down for tea at the centre with a group of handpicked indigenous elders.

He was also expected to be presented with a petition for the return of the head of the Aboriginal warrior, Pemulwuy.

The Aboriginal resistance hero was shot in 1801, and his head was severed and sent to England.

Excited residents, young and old, turned out for a glimpse of the young royal.