The man accused of raping and murdering Melbourne woman Jill Meagher will contest the charges at a committal hearing on Tuesday.

Adrian Ernest Bayley, 41, will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court charged with raping the 29-year-old three times and murdering her in September last year.

Bayley's lawyers have sought to cross-examine witnesses at the hearing, which is expected to run for two days.

The magistrate will then determine if there is enough evidence for Bayley to stand trial.

Ms Meagher, an ABC employee, had been walking home from a Brunswick bar when she disappeared.

Her body was found several days later in a shallow grave in Gisborne South, northwest of the city.