In a sea of 62,000 unique, hand-knitted poppies will be told the stories of every Australian who sacrificed their life in World War I.
The blanket of red will be the centrepiece of the Australian War Memorial's commemorations next October and November, marking a centenary since the 1918 armistice.
"These are the stories of the men and women who made us who we are," director Brendan Nelson told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.
"It's been one of the most inspiring things to see Australians from all walks of life knitting these poppies."
The 5000 Poppies project, first created by two avid Victorian knitters to honour their fathers who fought in the war, has exploded into a labour of love, with international displays including at the Chelsea Flower Show and battle sites in France.
Co-founder Lynn Berry says a team of 50,000 knitters have contributed to the initiative, which has brought together people of all ages and from different communities.
"We're delighted to be at the war memorial next year, we think this is our spiritual home," she said.
Ms Berry estimates they will have the 62,000 creations completed by April as the group nears the end of its journey, but people can still contribute.
The poppies are either crocheted or knitted, with a green woollen sleeve covering a kebab skewer "stem".
The memorial did a trial run with 3000 poppies one night in October with the help of volunteers.
"All I can say is that Australians are in for a very special treat next year," Dr Nelson said.
The display in the Flanders memorial garden, created alongside landscape designer Phillip Johnson, will be illuminated by an evening light display.
A special exhibition will also tell the story of the aftermath of the war.
Dr Nelson said for non-knitters, poppies for the front of cars would be available from the memorial.
"That's a way of saying 'I care and I remember'," he said.
