The 264-game veteran's rise to the top job was announced at a media conference shortly before the Australian squad's first training session at Arden St on Thursday.
"It's a huge honour to represent your country and walk out in front of a huge crowd with everyone behind you," Harvey said.
"To lead the country and be named captain is a huge honour and something I will never forget."
Joining Harvey in the leadership group are vice-captains Adam Selwood from the West Coast Eagles and Hawthorn hard man Campbell Brown.
Harvey, 30, was a standout player for the Kangaroos in 2008 and was the runaway winner of the club's best and fairest award, the Syd Barker Medal.
He will make history by becoming the first player to take part in five International Rules series, and Australian coach Mick Malthouse said Harvey was the obvious choice to lead the national side.
"One of the things you look for in leadership is the proven ability of people to take over a side and have an impact not only on the ground but off the ground," Malthouse said.
"When the chips are down, the player comes to the forefront and Brent Harvey has been that sort of player right through."
AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said Harvey was a stand-out choice to lead the side for the two-Test series, with the first Test to be played in Perth on Friday October 24, and the second Test in Melbourne at the MCG on Friday October 31.
"Brent has been a wonderful AFL player for more than a decade and his achievements for North Melbourne speak for themselves - premeirship player, four best and fairests, four All Australians and a consistent high achiever year-in, year-out," Mr Anderson said.
"He has been equally brilliant as a regular representative against Ireland and he is well suited to follow the outstanding leaders we have had in the past, following on from the likes of Nathan Buckley, James Hird, Craig Bradley, Shane Crawford and Andrew McLeod, who have all captained Australia."
The Australian squad will come together on Sunday in Perth to begin preparing for the series, with the Irish tour party to arrive in Western Australia early on Monday morning.
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The 2008 Toyota International Rules Series: Australia v Ireland
First Test – Subiaco Oval, Perth, Friday October 24
Second Test – MCG, Melbourne, Friday October 31
Tickets on sale now at ticketmaster.com.au, by calling 1300 136 122 or at a Ticketmaster outlet.
For full coverage of the 2008 series, click here.
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