Shorten explains his dorky dad dancing

Bill Shorten says he's giving hope to dads everywhere after causing national chuckles with his "dorky" dance moves.

The opposition leader was on a trip to the Pacific Island nation of Kiribati when he was filmed busting a move with locals on Tuesday night.

Donning a traditional headdress, Mr Shorten shows off a goofy grin as he shuffles around the dance floor, tapping his feet off-beat to the fast-paced music.

The clip has been widely shared on social media - garnering more than 257,000 views on the video looping app Vine by Wednesday afternoon.

Some have called it "awesomely dorky", "adorable" and "endearing".

Speaking to reporters back on home soil in Townsville on Wednesday, Mr Shorten said there was a form of Pacific Island diplomacy - and it wasn't his dancing.

"I'm giving hope to dads everywhere," he said.

"The good news for me is I'm running for prime minister, not running for Dancing With The Stars."