Kevin Rudd will give Australia's athletes a pep-talk ahead of the Olympic opening on August 8 when he makes the first visit by a Prime Minister to an away Games in 32 years.

Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) chef de mission John Coates said Mr Rudd's visit would be the first time an incumbent prime minister had attended an overseas Olympic Games since 1976.

IN-DEPTH: Beijing Olympics minisite

VIDEO: Profiles of Australian athletes

RELATED: Podium protests possible

VIDEO: Young athletes under pressure

"It's important for Australia, obviously, because of our relationship with China in so many ways," he told reporters in Beijing.

"But for me it's very important for the team that he will have an opportunity to convey the nation's goodwill to them, when he addresses them on the Thursday night."

Mr Rudd is due to arrive in Beijing on August 7, when he will attend an official team reception and welcoming ceremony for Australian athletes at the Olympic Village.

Attendance at Opening Ceremony

He will attend the opening ceremony on August 8 and on the following day he will watch various Australian athletes in action.

"And he's made it very clear that his primary focus in coming here is to support our team and I think it's important," Coates said.

While in Beijing, Mandarin-speaking Mr Rudd will also open the Business Club of Australia, in support of the large Australian corporate sector in China.

Australian Ambassador Geoff Raby said any bilateral meetings between Mr Rudd and Chinese counterparts had not been finalised.

Australian team chief motivator Laurie Lawrence said he would have a special welcoming message for the Prime Minister.

"I want him to hurry up and get my `Kids Alive' (swimming) program sorted out because I'm having a few problems," Lawrence said.

The Prime Minister is due to leave Beijing on August 9.