There is a major police presence on Melbourne's St Kilda's beach as nationalist extremists mobilised for protest activity. 

Officers from the riots and dog squads, mounted and transit branches have been deployed to patrol the beach and search for weapons among the crowd.

The 'Political Meeting at St Kilda Beach' has been organised by Neil Erikson, a controversial far-right activist who last year approached former Labor Senator Sam Dastyari in a pub and called him a "terrorist" and a "monkey".

Supporters of the rally include convicted criminal and leader of anti-immigration protest group United Patriots Front, Blair Cottrell. 

Hundreds of anti-racism protesters began demonstrating ahead of the nationalist rally.

Spokesperson from the Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (CARF) group Tess Dimos on Saturday morning told SBS News that the group wanted to ensure that "fascists can't mobilise a rally of supporters, or incite racist mob violence, without people coming out en mass to oppose them".

"Our message that people have come out in solidarity with the African community which has been the target of racial abuse and harassment, that we won't stand by while fascists and racists parade along our beaches, and making it clear their gathering and the individuals organising it aren't just random 'concerned citizens' but are neo-Nazis and violent thugs," she said.

'Racism does not make any of us safer': Police on Melbourne beach altercation

"We expect a very large police presence. However, if the fascists and their supporters can freely move around we want to try and have a tight crowd of people to block their access to the main crowds on the beach or into the centre of St Kilda shopping areas."

Ms Dimos said CARF had been promoting the counter protest online and via posters throughout the week, however estimates of how many people would turn up were unclear.

Victoria Police earlier promised a strict no tolerance approach to anyone making trouble.

"The safety of the Victorian community is the highest priority for Victoria Police and there will be a strong police presence at the rally in order to main public safety," a Victoria Police spokesperson said in a statement on Friday.

Last year, Mr Erikson and three others were found guilty of inciting serious contempt of Muslims after staging a mock beheading to protest against the building of a mosque in central Victoria.

Mr Erkison insists in a Facebook post that Saturday's demonstration would be "peaceful".

Mr Cottrell tweeted he would be attending the rally "to protest a media and government establishment that forces mass immigration onto us".

Police say all rally participants will be closely monitored to ensure peace is maintained.

"Victoria Police respects people's right to protest peacefully, but will not tolerate those who break the law.

"Anyone coming to the event looking to cause trouble can expect a firm response from police; you will be arrested and held to account if you commit a crime."

Earlier this week, Victoria's Police Minister Lisa Neville was forced to issue a warning against individuals trying to "incite violence" following an incident at St Kilda beach.

The violent clash occurred after Mr Erkison filmed a group of Australian people of African heritage playing football at the popular Melbourne location.

"I don't care who it is, whoever is inciting or inflicting violence on communities and causing fear, our police will be there," said Mr Neville.

Source | SBS AAP