The ABC will air a John Clarke special this weekend to honour the late comedian, writer and satirist.

Clarke died suddenly last weekend while hiking in the Grampians National Park in Victoria. He was 68 years old.

The half hour special will be introduced by Clarke's longtime friend and collaborator Bryan Dawe.

Other esteemed guests - including former prime minister Paul Keating, Max Gillies, Gina Riley, Colin Lane and Frank Woodley - will also make an appearance in order to reflect on Clarke's contributions to Australian comedy.