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Australia Day remains one of the most divisive dates on the calendar.

Each year protests are held across the country and this year will be no different, despite coronavirus restrictions.

The largest of these marches is planned for Sydney tomorrow with the Invasion Day rally expected to draw hundreds of people to the city.

READ MORE: Australia Day in Sydney: What can you do?

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Despite warnings from police and threats of fines, the organisers of the Invasion Day rally say it will still go ahead.

One of these organisers, Elizabeth Jarrett, told 9News it is "essential, imperative" the march goes ahead.

"This actual date represents the day of mourning for us, the first day of our demise as a people, as a land, as a culture," she said.

"It's so important that this day is reflected for the first nation people. And for the white and wider Australians to understand, okay this didn't happen in my time but I'm going to make sure I respect the land I am upon."

She said organisers have repeatedly tried to reach out to the police but they "won't come to the table" and the Health Minister could grant an exemption for the march "like he does for the cricket".

"The threat of fines and imprisonment is an everyday occurrence for a sovereign in this country… so what's one day going to change for us?" Ms Jarrett said.

The organisers have a COVIDSafe plan in place, have asked people to wear masks and social distance.

The current limit on outdoor events is 500 people, but gatherings this large need a permit.

"Rain hail shine or fire, fines or prison, we will be there tomorrow," Ms Jarrett said.

This afternoon the exemption application for the rally, due to start at 9am at the Domain, was declined.

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Parts of NSW and Victoria will hit more than 40C again tomorrow as the heatwave continues and eastern states swelter through a sizzling Australia Day.

Crowds have flocked to beaches along the east coast today as temperatures hit the 40C mark in some parts of Sydney and 35C on the coast.

Some parts of Melbourne are expected to hit a top of 39 degrees this afternoon, while temperatures in areas of the state's centre and north will reach the low forties – including Shepparton, which is expected to hit 43.

Total fire bans have been issued in Victoria's Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central, North East and East Gippsland districts, and across the Riverina district in NSW on Monday.

READ MORE: South Australia's Cherry Gardens fire latest

Surf Life Saving NSW said it expected tomorrow to be its busiest day in the past five years, with strong swells along the coast and huge numbers of eager swimmers.

READ MORE: Teen pulled unresponsive from NSW river

"These heatwave conditions will continue tomorrow for Australia Day with very warm temperatures expected. For Sydney we are expecting to see temperatures in the low 40 degree mark," Agata Imielska, from the Bureau of Meteorology, said. 

Ms Imielska said the heatwave was expected to linger into the middle of the week in parts of NSW and Queensland – but relief would come soonest for those in southern NSW.

Cloud and rain was likely to come in the morning in southern NSW and the Riverina region, she said, adding rain was forecasted, along with possible thunderstorms.

Sydney will see a welcome cool change come in tomorrow evening, with temperatures dropping by about eight degrees to the low 20s.

Calls for medical help double

NSW Ambulance Inspector Kate Armstong said the service had received twice as many calls for heat-related illnesses yesterday compared to Saturday.

It was important to look after the young and elderly and be sensible in the heat, she said.

"There are simple things we can do: we can do including staying indoors, put your fans on, drink plenty of fluids.

"Do drink too much alcohol or tea and coffee. Make sure if you do have to venture out you take plenty of water with you.

"Wear a hat and plenty of cool clothing; minimise exercise during the day. Check on family and friends."

2021 has already seen Australia hit with an array of wild weather from heavy rain and severe storms to bushfires and heatwaves.