Bob Hawke doing fine after the 'wobbles'

Bob Hawke will soon be back to his cigars and crosswords after a health scare landed the former Australian prime minister in a Sydney hospital.

The former Labor leader was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital late on Monday for some "minor tests".

"He is doing fine and hopes to be discharged within the next 24 to 48 hours," said his private secretary in a statement to AAP on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Labor MP Chris Bowen told reporters in Canberra that Mr Hawke had been admitted to hospital for a "relatively minor incident".

"(In) what's been called 'the wobbles', which I imagine when you're 88 is something which would concern you," Mr Bowen said.

"Most importantly the entire Labor family, everyone in this building, wishes Bob the best."

Mr Hawke served as Australia's 23rd prime minister from 1983-1991 and led Labor to four consecutive election victories.

A source close to the family said Mr Hawke was "fine and anxious to get home and back to his cigar and crosswords".

Mr Hawke's place in the Labor pantheon was formally acknowledged in 2009 when he became only the third person to be awarded national life membership of the party.

Mr Bowen described Mr Hawke as "a Labor legend".

"Our thoughts are with him, with Blanche, and with the family."

Some took to Twitter to wish him well.

"Bob Hawke is - and will remain - the greatest Australian this nation has ever produced," former Labor MP Sam Dastyari tweeted on Tuesday.

"He will have a speedy recovery and be back at the cricket in summer sculling a beer."

"Chloe and I are very glad to hear you're doing well Bob," opposition leader Bill Shorten said.

"Thinking of Bob Hawke today and sending him best wishes for a speedy recovery," deputy opposition leader Tanya Plibersek tweeted.