Cemeteries and Crematoriums in Australia

Cemeteries & Crematoriums Australia

When someone dies, one of the first practical questions families ask is where will the burial or cremation take place?

In Australia, this usually involves choosing a cemetery, a crematorium, or both.

This guide explains:

• what cemeteries and crematoriums are
• where they’re located across Australia
• how families choose a location
• what decisions you can make (and which are handled for you)
• how this fits into burial, cremation, and funeral planning

What Is a Cemetery?

A cemetery is a designated place where people are buried. Cemeteries may include:

• traditional grave plots
• mausoleums or crypts
• lawn or memorial gardens
• natural or green burial areas
• ashes interment areas

Cemeteries are usually operated by:

• local councils
• state government authorities
• religious organisations
• private cemetery trusts

Some cemeteries also operate crematoriums on the same site, while others are burial-only.

What Is a Crematorium?

A crematorium is a facility where cremation takes place.

Crematoriums may be located:

• within a cemetery
• as a standalone facility
• as part of a larger memorial park

After cremation, ashes may be:

• returned to the family
• buried or interred at a cemetery
• placed in a niche or memorial wall
• scattered (where permitted)

Not all crematoriums offer memorial services on site — some are purely operational facilities.

How Cemeteries & Crematoriums Work Together

In Australia:

• Burials always take place in a cemetery
• Cremations always take place at a crematorium
• Memorial services may happen before or after, at a separate location

A funeral service does not have to occur at the cemetery or crematorium. Many families choose:

• a chapel, church, or funeral home
• a private venue
• a memorial service at a later date

Learn more about service types:

👉 https://ezifunerals.com.au/funeral-services-explained-in-australia/

Where Are Cemeteries and Crematoriums Located in Australia?

Every state and territory has multiple cemeteries and crematoriums, typically concentrated around:

• major cities
• regional centres
• long-established communities

Availability varies depending on:

• population density
• land use restrictions
• local government planning

Browse by State & Territory

Scroll down the page for a list of cemeteries and crematoriums in your State.

Who Chooses the Cemetery or Crematorium?

In most cases, the decision is made by:

• the executor named in the will, or
• the next of kin responsible for arranging the funeral

Factors that influence the choice include:

• proximity to family
• cultural or religious preferences
• cost and availability
• whether a family grave or niche already exists
• preferred crematorium used by the funeral provider

Families are usually not required to use a specific location, unless restricted by:

• availability
• religious grounds
• regional limitations

Can Families Choose Any Crematorium or Cemetery?

Often yes, but with practical limits.

You can usually:

• request a specific cemetery or crematorium
• choose a location close to home or family
• select a memorial park with certain facilities

However:

• not all locations have availability
• some crematoriums serve large regions
• transfer distances may affect cost

If choice matters to you, raise it early when comparing options.

How Location Affects Funeral Costs

Cemetery and crematorium fees are usually separate from funeral home fees.

Costs can vary depending on:

• burial vs cremation
• location and demand
• plot type or niche selection
• interment fees
• after-hours or weekend scheduling

Because fees vary widely, many families choose to compare total costs before deciding.

👉 Compare funeral costs here:

Burial Locations in Australia

Burials may involve:

• new grave plots
• reopening an existing family grave
• lawn or memorial gardens
• natural or green burial areas

Burial availability can be limited in some metropolitan areas, making early enquiry important.

Learn more about burial options:

👉 https://ezifunerals.com.au/burial-in-australia/

Cremation Locations in Australia

Cremations take place at licensed crematoriums.

Some crematoriums:

• include chapels for services
• offer memorial gardens or ash interment
• operate quietly without public attendance

Others are service-focused memorial parks.

Learn more about cremation in Australia:

👉 https://ezifunerals.com.au/cremations-australia/

Cemeteries, Crematoriums & Funeral Directors (How They Relate)

Cemeteries and crematoriums are separate entities from funeral homes.

A funeral director may:

• coordinate bookings
• manage paperwork
• liaise with the cemetery or crematorium on your behalf

But families still retain the right to:

• ask where the burial or cremation will occur
• understand all third-party fees
• request alternatives where available

To explore providers and options:

👉 https://ezifunerals.com.au/funeral-directors-australia/

Common Questions Families Ask

Do I have to use a specific crematorium?

Not usually. You can request a preferred crematorium, subject to availability and logistics.

Can I attend the cremation?

Attendance policies vary. Some crematoriums allow witnesses or small gatherings, others do not.

Are cemetery fees included in funeral prices?

Often no. Cemetery and crematorium fees are commonly charged separately.

Can ashes be buried later?

Yes. Ashes can be interred at a later date in a cemetery or memorial location.

Are religious cemeteries different?

Some religious cemeteries have specific requirements or restrictions. Availability may depend on faith affiliation.

Planning Ahead vs Arranging Now

If arranging now

Ask early:

• where the burial or cremation will take place
• what choices you have
• what fees are involved

If planning ahead

You can:

• explore cemetery availability
• understand crematorium options
• plan memorial preferences

Planning guide:

👉 https://ezifunerals.com.au/funeral-planning-in-australia/

Summary: Understanding Cemeteries & Crematoriums in Australia

• Cemeteries are where burials take place
• Crematoriums are where cremations occur
• Location affects cost, availability, and timing
• Families often have more choice than they realise
• Understanding “where” helps you make informed decisions earlier

If you’re unsure what options are available in your area, start by comparing services and costs.

👉 Get a Quote:

Browse by State & Territory

A list of crematoriums in your State is provided below. Each state has its own rules around cemetery management, cremation permits, and memorial options.

Crematoriums/Cemeteries New South Wales

New South Wales has by far the most crematoriums/cemeteries of any Australian state. The vast majority are privately owned, with many of these operated and controlled by InvoCare – Australia’s largest funeral operator.

Crematoriums/Cemeteries Victoria

Victoria is one of very few states where every crematorium is located within a public cemetery and managed by a cemetery trust. There are no private crematoria in Victoria. There are nine public cemeteries in Victoria that provide cremation services.

Crematoriums/Cemeteries Queensland

Queensland has a number of crematoriums, both public and privately owned. The price of a cremation at each crematorium varies dramatically depending on the location.

Crematoriums/Cemeteries Western Australia

In Perth, all cremations are performed by the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board. Cremations take place at the following Perth crematoriums:

Crematoriums/Cemeteries South Australia

There are five major crematoriums in South Australia, ranging from publicly run to privately owned and operated.

Crematoriums/Cemeteries Tasmania

Crematoriums in Tasmania are privately owned and mainly run by Funeral Homes.

Note: The above list is by no means an exhaustive list of all crematoriums/cemeteries in Australia. Please let us know of any crematoriums/cemeteries that may be missing, so we can update the list accordingly.