Man in Vic court over 'terror tinnie' plot

A terror suspect accused of trying to sail from Australia to Papua New Guinea so he could fight alongside Islamic State is expected to appear in a Melbourne court.

Islamic preacher Robert "Musa" Cerantonio is one of six men charged over the alleged plot to join terrorist group Islamic State's growing faction in southern Philippines.

He and four other men were arrested near Cairns in May and charged with making preparations for incursions into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities.

The group were allegedly towing a fishing boat to Cape York in far north Queensland, as part of a plan to reach PNG.

Cerantonio is due to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.