Mr Goss, who was premier from 1989 to 1996, had suffered from ill health in recent years including brain tumours.
He became Queensland's first Labor premier in more than 30
years in December 1989 when he ended Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen's hold on
power.
He introduced a host of reforms, including decriminalising
homosexuality and appointing Queensland's first female minister in
cabinet.
In a statement, his wife and two children said: "As a family
we mourn the man we love; as Queenslanders we join with so many others
in gratitude for everything Wayne did for our community and our state."
"In Wayne's own words from 1996, 'Thank you, Queensland.
You've been good to me. I hope I've left you a better place'," the
statement read.
A spokesman for the family confirmed Mr Goss had died at home
in Brisbane in the early hours of Monday morning from the recurrence of
a brain tumour.
'A tremendous legacy'
David Hamill, who served as a cabinet minister under Mr Goss,
said his former boss was "a great leader, a great Queenslander and a
great friend".
"Wayne's legacy is a tremendous one. He re-shaped the face of
Queensland and bought integrity back to government in this state," Mr
Hamill told the Brisbane Times.
Federal Queensland MP Jim Chalmers said: "We have lost an
inspiring and transformational leader who made us proud to be from
Queensland and proud to be Labor."
"When Wayne Goss stormed to power in 1989 after 32 years of
National Party rule he fixed a broken and corrupt state and set us on a
more modern and ultimately successful course,'' Mr Chalmers told The
Australian.
"We farewell a great man, we are so grateful for his life, and we will celebrate his contribution," he added.