Gillard condemns Syria violence

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has condemned the "grossly unacceptable" violence gripping Syria.

Western leaders are increasingly alarmed by the deadly clampdown said to have killed hundreds of anti-government protesters in the Middle Eastern nation.

"I would join with leaders around the world in condemning the violence we are seeing in Syria," Ms Gillard told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday.

"It is absolutely unacceptable and we are calling for it to cease immediately."

Australia welcomed the United Nations Security Council's consideration of the violence, Ms Gillard said.

"And I would anticipate ... sanctions may be something that comes out of that Security Council consideration," she said.

"We are very open to taking what action we can in line with UNSC to send a message about this grossly unacceptable violence in Syria."

Australia has lifted its travel advice for Syria to the highest level, "Do Not Travel".