Visionary leader Gough Whitlam to be farewelled in Sydney

Australia will farewell visionary leader Gough Whitlam at a memorial service in Sydney.

The nation will pause on Wednesday to mourn the loss of Australia's 21st prime minister, with the 11am service honouring Mr Whitlam's legacy of reform.

Watch the live stream of the service here from 11am.

Thousands of people will attend the Sydney Town Hall service, including Mr Whitlam's family and all seven living prime ministers.

Mr Whitlam has been lauded for sweeping cultural and economic reforms such as introducing free access to university and granting land rights to indigenous Australians.

He died on October 21 at the age of 98.

Former Labor prime ministers Bob Hawke, Paul Keating, Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard will attend the service.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott will be joined by former Liberal leaders John Howard and Malcolm Fraser.