It is an iconic occasion that has seen more and more Australians walk shoulder to shoulder each year in support of reconciliation since its inception in 2004.

But this year's historic 20th Long Walk will bear extra significance for Indigenous AFL trailblazer Michael Long, as he strives to unite the minds of a nation muddled by the politics of the Voice to Parliament referendum.

The Essendon great will once again walk the 650km journey from Melbourne to Canberra, as he first did 20 years ago when setting off to speak with then prime minister John Howard after the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission was abolished.

This year's event was aligned with the upcoming debate on the referendum and is expected to take the AFL hall of famer 30-40 days.

The 53-year-old is recreating the first journey, stopping in several regional communities along the way to discuss why the upcoming referendum could finally band the country together before arriving at his Parliament House destination and more meetings with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Peter Dutton.

In its 20 years, The Long Walk has transformed to an annual charity event, where people join Long in the trek from Melbourne's Birrarung Marr to the MCG before the annual Essendon-Richmond Dreamtime game during AFL Indigenous Round.

Long said football had played a crucial role in bettering the lives of Indigenous Australians, and the two-time premiership player believes the Voice can help change lives and bring Australians together for good.

"What I have learnt from footy, I have seen things transformed. I've seen sport change lives," he said.

"One of the greatest advocates is [former Collingwood player] Damian Monkhorst, he has become a great advocate for change."

(During a 1995 match between Collingwood and Essendon, Monkhorst had referred to Long as a "little Black c***" during an exchange.)

Long spoke candidly about the referendum and the opportunities it posed, inviting all Australians to join him along the journey to Canberra, with the first leg beginning from Melbourne Town Hall on August 27, finishing later at Windy Hill in Essendon.

"I want all Australians to come walk with me. I want all the sporting codes – Australian rules, soccer, netball, basketball, rugby, swimming, tennis – to come walk with me," Long said.

"I want corporate Australia to come walk with me. I want community groups to come walk with me, and I want Aboriginal organisations to come walk with me."

More information on The Long Walk and its legs and destinations are here.