Hundreds attended Melbourne’s Scots’ Church for the service, with members of the Vietnamese community also paying their respects outside in Russell Street.

Mr Fraser’s son Mark, daughter Phoebe and granddaughter Rachel spoke about the former Wannon MP’s human side, revealing details about a grandfather who enjoyed gardening and eating ice-cream from the container.

Cabinet colleague and long-time friend Peter Nixon gave Mr Fraser’s political eulogy, outlining his achievements in the political arena.

Mr Nixon recalled the 1975 election campaign when the caretaker leader battled Gough Whitlam following the latter’s dismissal by Governor-General John Kerr.

“The election campaign was as noisy and bitter as any I went through in 23 years,” the former agriculture minister said. 

“Malcolm came under a huge personal attack. He showed enormous courage and strength, never once displaying weakness. And it’s history now that the people of Australia elected him as prime minister with the largest majority in the nation’s history.”

Prime Minister Tony Abbott joined predecessors Julia Gillard, John Howard and Paul Keating at the service, with a number of former premiers, cabinet ministers and other luminaries also attending.

Former premier Denis Napthine, who had a long association with Mr Fraser, said the service was a warm and dignified tribute.

“It was a really lovely tribute to Malcolm and his grandchildren did an exceptional job,” Dr Napthine said. 

“There were a number of people from the south-west there, including Michael Stewart, a long stalwart of the Liberal Party, members of the Beggs family and Tamie’s sister-in-law Eda Ritchie.”

Mr Fraser’s family organised a private burial, although it was not revealed where his final resting place will be.