US Vice-President Joe Biden will deliver a "major policy speech" in Sydney next week, the White House says.

Mr Biden, who has served in the role since 2009, will speak at an event hosted by the Lowy Institute and the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney.

US Vice-President Joe Biden will speak in Sydney during his visit to Australia. Credit:AP

The speech will be on "the future of the US-Australia relationship", the White House said in a statement.

During his brief visit to Australia, Mr Biden will first travel to Melbourne.