THE world's most prominent atheists are bound for Australia - and the Victorian government will pick up part of the bill.

The Global Atheist Convention, whose theme is A Celebration of Reason, will host authors Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett and Sam Harris. Funding was approved last year by the former Labor government.

Atheist Foundation president David Nicholls said the ''four horsemen of the anti-apocalypse'' would ''attract people from everywhere on the planet'' to the April 2012 convention. No visit to Sydney has been confirmed.

''It will be the biggest global event for atheism ever, and it probably won't be repeated,'' Mr Nicholls said.

American author and academic Dennett said the four were ''like buddies''.

Rob Ward, of the Australian Christian Lobby, said people were free to gather but the debate should be civil.

''Sometimes Dawkins and co have been a tad impolite.''

Victorian tourism authorities estimate the convention will bring 2500 delegates to Melbourne.