Latest news.....Greenpeace activists climb Sydney

Five Greenpeace climate activists have been arrested after climbing one of the main sails of the Sydney Opera House and hanging a protest banner on its side.

The protesters were brought down by police search and rescue workers shortly before 10:00am AEDT.

Detective Inspector Paul McDonald says police are still working out how the protesters scaled the large eastern sail of the building.

He says the three women and two men will face charges.

"At this stage we're looking at some trespass charges under the Opera House Act and that depends on whether there's any damage to the sails and the property itself," he said.