'Vivid, funny, quintessentially Australian': tributes flow for John Marsden

He has been remembered as an inspiration to generations of young readers and a thoughtful educator.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese mourned the author's death saying he was "vivid, funny, quintessentially Australian".

"He wrote with a real love for our land and a true sense of our people's character," he said.

"John Marsden wanted young Australians to read more and his writing made that happen."

"His was a great Australian voice that spoke to all ages, here and around the world. John's work will live long in our national memory."

Minister for home affairs Tony Burke remembered the former school principal as "a literary giant".

"His works have touched the hearts of generations of Australians," the Labor MP said.

"John's legacy will continue to live on in the pages of his books and the minds of those he inspired. May he rest in peace."

The author's approach to education at Geelong Grammar was remembered fondly by Australian businessman and political activist Simon Holmes à Court.

"He was one of the standout teachers through my schooling - in many ways similar to the character of John Keating in Dead Poets Society," the son of billionaire Robert Holmes à Court said.

"My school hated his unorthodox methods."

Tributes for Mr Marsden have flowed from fellow authors with many citing him as an early inspiration.

Australian author Maxine Beneba Clarke said she was "sad to see John Marsden's passed."

"I loved his work as a young teenager, while later realising some of it had its limitations," she said.

"He invited me to visit his school a couple times. I thought I'd eventually go, so kept his card in my wallet for years. I just looked: it's still there."

Writer James Phelan said "John Marsden had been a great friend for over 20 years".

"I'll miss his laugh, his enthusiasm for kids reading and writing, and his outlook on life. I'll share more when I can. RIP mate."