Thousands of Australians will march, sing and form human signs to urge the government to take proper action on climate change.
Rallies are planned around the country on Sunday as part of a global call-to-arms for the environment.
Organisers are expecting tens of thousands of people to turn up to the flagship event in Melbourne, where Australian Greens leader Christine Milne will speak.
GetUp campaign organiser Erin McCallum said there was clear enthusiasm about the rallies.
She hopes the message about the need for action will get through to the world's leaders, who are meeting at the United Nations in New York on Tuesday for a summit on climate change.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will represent Australia, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott saying it was important he stay in Canberra for parliament.
He'll head to New York the day after the climate summit, to attend a special UN Security Council meeting about terrorism.
Ms McCallum wanted the world to pay attention to the actions of ordinary Australians on Sunday rather than the prime minister's snub.
"We're going to take his seat at the table and let it be known to the world that Australians do want action on climate," she told AAP.
"Australia needs to do its fair share in the global scheme of things when it comes to climate change."
People attending the march in Melbourne will be encouraged to take their own actions to help the environment, such as switching to 100 per cent renewable energy power providers or divesting investments in fossil fuels.
In Sydney and Darwin protesters will form human signs urging action.
Canberra choir A Chorus of Women will lead a singing walk around the National Arboretum with songs about peace and caring for the earth.
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