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Burial or cremation
The decision to bury or cremate is a very personal one, often influenced by costs and the practices of a person’s culture or religion.
Burials
A burial is the process of placing the deceased person in a coffin and then into the ground (a grave) and covering it over with soil. Deceased people can be buried either in a lawn section of a cemetery (where a small plaque or monument may be erected at the head of the grave) or in a monumental section (where a monument completely covers the grave). Burials are much more expensive than cremations
Cremation
Cremation is the reduction of a body to ashes by fire conducted in a purpose-built crematorium. One of the advantages of cremation is that it is less expensive than burial, saving you a lot of money. Cremation also does not take up land space and for this reason many people consider cremation more environmentally-friendly. Cremation offers families a range of opportunities to commemorate the deceased in an appropriate manner following the actual cremation — such as scattering the ashes in a place with special significance.
Which is more popular – burial or cremation?
The number of people in Australia choosing to be cremated is steadily increasing. Whilst there is some variance between states and territories, cremations now generally outnumber burials. Cremation funerals are much more common in city areas where crematory facilities are available. Burials predominate in rural and remote regions.
If you decide to bury, look at your options and compare prices between cemeteries.
In some cultures, entombment in a mausoleum is the preferred resting place for the deceased. The mausoleum is constructed above ground and allows the coffin to be placed in a crypt which is then sealed. A mausoleum is a unique type of interment, with a courtyard-style area being beautifully finished in granite and marble.
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.