The kit suggests that on arrival protesters should politely tell the MP's receptionist who they are and why they have come, before sitting down to sing songs and read prepared statements.

It is recommended protesters contact police because ''someone is going to call them anyway, and it might as well be you''.

If protesters are ''feeling cheeky'', they might use the MP's fax machine to send out their media releases.

The kit emphasises the importance of using non-violent non-cooperation techniques to stay as long as possible.

''If you're committed and ready, you could use locking devices to make it harder for the police to remove you from the office,'' the kit says. ''It is not necessary to do this to have a successful sit-in ... but it can make the event last much longer and secure more media coverage. It is likely to result in the arrest of the person who locks themselves on, but on relatively minor charges.''

Suggested protest themes include the staging of a mock funeral for the Great Barrier Reef.

''Black clothing, veils, flowers and elaborate pantomime can communicate this tragedy,'' the kit says. ''You could even deliver a eulogy stating what an asset the reef was to Australia and the world, including a mention of the tourist dollars the reef brings in.''

Ms Creenaune said at least a dozen environmental groups were planning to visit federal MPs' offices, with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Climate Change and Water Minister Penny Wong, Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Infrastructure Minister Antony Albanese being identified as likely targets for ''peaceful protest actions''.