After countless hours of debate, same-sex marriage has been legalised in Australia.

The bill passed without amendment in the House of Representatives after MPs rejected a series of last-minute changes to the historic bill.

Changes proposed by Tony Abbot, the Greens and numerous conservatives were voted down.

Abbott criticised Prime Minister Turnbull and Labor leader Bill Shorten for not supporting strong religious protections.

The Governor General is expected to rubber stamp the legislation on Friday.

The first weddings are likely to take place on January 9.