Former prime minister John Howard was among the first to arrive at his 80th birthday party on Friday night, where Liberal Party luminaries celebrated their former leader at the exclusive Australian Club in Sydney's CBD.

John and Janette arrived early to celebrate the former prime minister's 80th.

CREDIT: JAMES ALCOCK

Mr Howard arrived with his wife Janette, daughter Melanie and grandson Angus at the Macquarie Street venue at 6.30pm.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his predecessor Malcolm Turnbull turned up within minutes of each other just after 7pm and praised the contribution of Australia's second longest serving prime minister before going upstairs.

"Happy birthday number 25," Mr Morrison said upon arriving with his wife, Jenny. "It’s a great privilege to be able to join [Mr Howard] and Janette this evening and his many friends and family."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was "thrilled" to celebrate Mr Howard's birthday. 

CREDIT: JAMES ALCOCK

Mr Turnbull said he wished Mr Howard a "very happy 80th birthday" on behalf of himself and wife Lucy.

"He’s made such a contribution to Australia. He's been a great friend and mentor of mine - to both of us actually - and of course a magnificent prime minister."

Guests who arrived soon after included next Australian ambassador to the US and Mr Howard's former chief of staff, Arthur Sinodinos, Tony Abbott's former chief of staff Peta Credlin with her husband, former federal director of the Liberal Party Brian Loughnane, and Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

Mr Frydenberg, with a gift in hand, passed on a "big congratulations" to the former prime minister, adding he was "someone who has served Australia with distinction, someone I consider a very good friend".

"I am looking forward to celebrating tonight with his friends and his family," Mr Frydenberg said.

Former prime minister Mr Abbott was said to be on the guest list, but did not arrive via the front entrance. Other rumoured attendees were former foreign minister Alexander Downer, Mr Howard's former deputy John Anderson and broadcaster Alan Jones.

While on his signature morning walk earlier in the day, Mr Howard told reporters he felt "the same as I did yesterday".

"I'm very happy to be alive and to have had the privilege of being born in Australia," he said.