Dame Elisabeth Murdoch is being remembered as a woman of kindness and grace following her death in Melbourne, aged 103.
As a slow stream of locals began arriving with flowers at the media matriarch's home in Melbourne's outer southeast, Australian politicians, friends and the arts and medical communities paid tribute to the celebrated philanthropist.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard said Dame Elisabeth lived a great Australian life.
'Australia has lost an amazing Australian woman,' the prime minister said in a statement on Thursday.
'Her example of kindness, humility and grace was constant. She was not only generous, she led others to generosity.'
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said Australia had lost a remarkable character as well as an extraordinary philanthropist.
'Dame Elisabeth was an inspiration to generations of Australians and a friend and supporter of many good causes in the community,' he said in a statement.
Former Victorian Premier and close friend Jeff Kennett said Dame Elisabeth had influenced so many lives and he was left with extraordinary memories of her.
He said her greatest asset was her dignity.
'A void has been created,' he said.
Dame Elisabeth's son, media mogul Rupert Murdoch, tweeted his thanks.
'Many thanks for condolences about my Mum. A great lady, wife, mother and citizen. 193 yo, but still a blow,' he tweeted, before correcting her age: 'No, 103 yo! There are limits!'
Dame Elisabeth had survived a bad fall less than three months ago in which she broke her leg and had to go to hospital.
The Royal Children's Hospital chief executive Professor Christine Kilpatrick said staff were deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Elisabeth, whose association with the hospital began in 1933, when she joined the Committee of Management and later served as its president.
Dame Elisabeth was a key founder and funder of The Murdoch Children's Research Institute, established with a $5 million grant from the Murdoch family in 1986.
MCRI chairman Leigh Clifford said Dame Elisabeth had the vision to invest in genetic research even when the field was in its infancy.
Arts Centre Melbourne chief executive Judith Isherwood said Dame Elisabeth would be sadly missed by the entire arts community.
'Dame Elisabeth truly was an arts angel in every sense, not just at Arts Centre Melbourne but right across the arts community,' Ms Isherwood said.
Teary locals paid their respects to Dame Elisabeth by laying floral tributes at her Cruden Farm estate in Langwarrin in Melbourne's south.
Deborah Wilson, a local hairdresser who grew up in the area, said Dame Murdoch was a beautiful person who had contributed to the welfare of those in the community.
'She's done so much for my friends. My girlfriend has cerebral palsy and she's given her a computer,' she told journalists.
'It's a big loss.'
Cards and bouquets adorned the gate with messages of sympathy and love.
'Very sorry to hear. God bless.' one note read.
'Our beautiful dame Elisabeth Murdoch. Rest peacefully. Thank you for the life you have given,' said another.
Dame Elisabeth was a Companion of the Order of Australia, a former president of the Royal Children's Hospital, and in 1963 was appointed a Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by the Queen.
In a statement, her family said details of a memorial service would be confirmed shortly, but her funeral is expected to be a private one, despite her years of serving the public.
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