Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith says allowing foreign access to Tibet is a step in the right direction, but he is disappointed at the level of supervision by Chinese authorities.

A group of 17 foreign diplomats, including an Australian official, visited the Tibetan capital Lhasa at the end of last week.

Mr Smith says the group was closely watched.

"At all times, the delegation was in the presence of Chinese officials," he said.

"The best way forward, in the Australian Government's view in this matter, is for China to be open and transparent about Tibet, to open itself up to scrutiny."

Mr Smith says China assured the diplomats it would not punish a group of Tibetan monks who staged a protest during a recent tour by foreign journalists.

Domestic protests

Meanwhile, about 200 people have attended a pro-Tibet rally in the centre of Brisbane.

The protest was one of many across Australia, which were timed to coincide with the arrival of the Olympic torch in Beijing.

The Australian Tibet Council, which has organised the rallies, is also urging China to keep the torch out of Tibet.

Organiser Ashley Brown says he hopes the rally highlights three issues.

"Within the Australian rallies, we're looking for Prime Minister Rudd to raise the issue of Tibet in his trip to China later on in the month," he said.

"Basically, [we are] calling on the Chinese Government to exercise restraint in their dealing with the situation.

"Also, one of the key objectives is to call for the Olympic torch relay legs that are proposed to go through Tibet, to be cancelled."

Up to 500 people gathered in Sydney's Martin Place, where speakers have called for China to to give greater media freedom.

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

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.

About 100 people turned out at Tasmania's Franklin Square in Hobart to call for an end to violence in Tibet.