TONY Abbott started in God's country, but has passed through hell before a likely finish in election paradise.
The targeting of Labor's southern Sydney seat of Barton backfired spectacularly on the opposition leader, who had to be whisked away by security after being jostled by angry protesters.
As soon as he stepped out of his car at Athelstane Public School at Arncliffe, Mr Abbott was surrounded by Labor faithful, refugee supporters and backers of a local independent.
He could barely move in the crush, as protesters screamed "you're not welcome here Tony - f*** off!", "go away Tony" and "shame Tony shame".
The opposition leader tried to soldier on, as Liberal supporters countered the abuse with their own chants of "Tony, Tony".
But after five minutes, security staff were forced to put a stop to the increasingly rowdy polling booth visit, ushering a rattled Mr Abbott through the throng and back into his car.
The debacle at the school - in outgoing Labor MP Robert McClelland's seat - was a rare blemish in the coalition's five-week campaign.
The opposition leader voted just after 8am at Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club, flanked by an at times emotional wife Margie, and daughters Bridget, Frances and Louise.
"The rhythm of life is always better on the beach, isn't it?" Mr Abbott said as he mingled with well-wishers on the glorious spring morning.
Asked who he had voted for, an upbeat Mr Abbott couldn't resist a joke at his expense.
"It's a secret ballot," he said.
Not everyone on Sydney's northern beaches was welcoming of Australia's possible next PM.
"F*** Tony Abbott. F*** that s***," said one women as she walked from the Freshwater polling booth.
Another woman held up a sign "TONY ABBOTT SEXIST RACIST BIGOT".
"Don't go there Australia," she repeatedly yelled out.
"This is the 21st century, not the 1950s."
Later, Mr Abbott handed out how-to-vote cards at Maroubra Junction Public School, in a last-minute show of support for Kingsford Smith candidate Michael Feneley.
The coalition are hoping to snatch the once safe Labor seat in southeast Sydney, vacated by Peter Garrett.
"It's a beautiful day for a spring clean," one Liberal volunteer told him.
"Absolutely," the opposition leader agreed.
"For a clean out of our parliament."
Labor's candidate, former Senator Matt Thistlethwaite, handed out how-to-vote cards nearby.
The morning was "going well" he said, but added: "It's going to be tight".
"We're not taking it for granted, and we're campaigning as hard as we can," he told AAP.
Asked if he minded being targeted by Mr Abbott, he said: "No."
"Welcome to paradise mate."
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