The Trumpesque "Make Victoria Safe Again" rally has been organised by far-right figure Avi Yemini, a former Israeli army officer who says Victorians are living in fear after a spate of home invasions and carjackings.

But the rally is on a collision course with an alliance of far-left groups who say they will also march on Sunday with a counter message of acceptance and solidarity.

Mr Yemini, who owns a chain of pro-Zionist gyms in Melbourne, made headlines last year when he invited One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Queensland senator Malcolm Roberts to speak in Caulfield about the "dangers" of Muslim migration to Australia, repealing race hate laws, and other controversial topics.

In a video posted to Facebook this week, Mr Yemini urged "every Victorian" to attend the protest at the Parliament of Victoria.

"We are sick of the crime wave. We are sick of what [Premier] Daniel Andrews has done to our state. He has normalised home invasions, carjackings, jewellery heists."

"We need to unite as a state, no matter what side of the political divide you're on. Come and have your voice heard. Join us all. Spread this message to every Victorian you know."

But a spokeswoman for left-wing group Campaign Against Racism and Fascism said Mr Yemini had been associated with "various explicit neo-Nazi far-right figures" including United Patriots Front member Neil Erikson???.???

"We think any discussion of a crime wave in Victoria is not only hyperbolic, it is a dog whistle about racism," Vashti Kenway said.

More than 600 people have indicated they intend to join the march "From Charlottesville to Melbourne: Unite to fight the far right", while a similar number intend to participate in Mr Yemini's rally.

The activists' campaign is being backed by representatives from the Socialist Alternative, Melbourne Anarchist Club, Jews Against Fascism and Equal Love.

"Our approach is very much that we want a large, vibrant, loud counter-demonstration," Ms Kenway said.

Mr Yemini is calling for minimum sentencing, the deportation of immigrant offenders and the legislation of "defensive tools" such as pepper spray.

While same-sex marriage is not on the agenda, Ms Kenway said the recent behaviour of neo-Nazi groups spreading homophobic messages had given "cause for concern".

"In light of the plebiscite, we think it is really important for that kind of hate speech to be challenged actively."

The left-wing rally will begin at the State Library at 11.30am before confronting far-right demonstrators at Parliament at 1pm.

Despite Mr Yemini declaring face coverings unwelcome at the "Make Victoria Safe Again" protest, far-left protesters said they will wear face masks.

Previous battles between the rival groups have failed to spill over. An anti-refugee rally in Eltham last November - billed by right-wing groups as the "Battle of Eltham" - didn't eventuate when the pro-refugee group didn't turn up.

About 100 anti-refugee protesters, including members of the Party for Freedom, True Blue Crew and Soldiers of Odin turned up about midday but locals had been and gone before dawn, tying hand-made, brightly painted butterflies on trees around Andrew Park and stencilled butterfly images to the streets as a welcome symbol for the 120 Syrian refugees.

Police said they would be closely monitoring the rival marches.

"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 maintain public safety," Victoria Police spokeswoman Creina O'Grady said.

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

"Police will be closely monitoring the rally to ensure there are no breaches of the peace or crimes occurring."