Gillard hugs 'elephant in the room'

Julia Gillard completed her campaign by acknowledging that elephant in the room, taking time to hug a climate change activist in an elephant costume.

The Prime Ministers day begun with Ellie the Climate Elephant, a 400-kilogram fibreglass elephant outside her house in Altona

Ellie's presence follows a campaign by members of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) who have spent the federal campaign dressed in elephant suits to remind leaders of the "elephant in the room" that it says Australians want leaders to address.

AYCC national director Amanda McKenzie said the life-sized Ellie had received a welcome reception from voters and would parade down Brunswick Street in Fitzroy on Saturday afternoon.

"She's served to remind people climate change remains a big issue," Ms McKenzie told AAP.