Turkish Victorians rally for Erdogan

Turkish Australians have gathered in Melbourne to show their support for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and denounce his attempted ouster.

Close to one thousand people gathered outside the Broadmeadows Library in Melbourne's north on Saturday evening, waving Turkish flags and listening to speeches from prominent community members.

"We say democracy over hypocrisy," a member of the Islamic Council of Victoria told the crowd according to ABC radio.

"This failed attempt will only strengthen true democracy and people power and the leadership of Recep Tayyip Erdogan."

An attempt to topple Turkey's government within the armed forces turned deadly, with close to 200 reported dead on Saturday.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he supported the elected government of Turkey.

"Australia supports the democratically elected civilian government of Turkey and calls on all parties to show respect for Turkey's democratic institutions," he wrote on Facebook.

President Erdogan characterised the uprising as an "act of treason" and told reporters those responsible would pay a heavy price.

President Erdogan has ruled Turkey since 2003.