By eziFunerals – Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority

Find Funeral Services Across Australia

When planning a funeral, many Australians discover there’s more than one way to say goodbye. From classic church services to simple direct cremations and emerging eco-friendly burials, each type of funeral reflects personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and budget.

At eziFunerals, we help families compare every option — transparently and without pressure — so they can make informed choices that honour their loved one and their values.

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💐 1. Traditional Funerals

The traditional funeral remains the most recognised type of service in Australia. It usually includes:

  • A viewing or wake before the funeral
  • A formal service at a church, chapel, or funeral home
  • A hearse procession to a cemetery or crematorium
  • Burial or cremation followed by a reception

Average cost: $6,000–$9,000 (depending on region and inclusions).

According to NSW Government – How Much Funerals Cost, prices vary by type of coffin, venue, and location.

Traditional funerals are ideal for families who want a structured, ceremonial farewell with family and friends present.

🕊️ 2. Cremation Funerals

Cremation funerals are the most common choice in modern Australia, accounting for over 70% of all funerals nationwide.

There are two main types:

🔹 Full-Service Cremation

Includes a funeral service (religious or non-religious) before cremation.

🔹 Direct Cremation (No Service, No Attendance)

A simple, affordable option where cremation occurs without a public ceremony. Families may hold a memorial later.

Average cost:

  • Full service: $4,000–$7,000
  • Direct cremation: $2,000–$4,000

Source: Services Australia – Bereavement Payment; ACCC – Funeral Services Guide

🌿 3. Eco-Friendly & Green Funerals

Eco-friendly funerals are designed to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.

Common eco options include:

  • Natural burials: No embalming, biodegradable coffin, and burial in a bushland cemetery.
  • Cardboard or DaisyBox coffins: Lightweight, sustainable alternatives to timber.
  • Tree or reef memorials: Ashes returned to nature in living memorials.

Some local councils and cemeteries now offer dedicated green burial sections — check your local area.

Average cost: $3,000–$6,000 depending on the provider.

🔗 NSW Environment & Heritage – Natural Burial Grounds

💡 eziFunerals partners with DaisyBox™ to help families choose sustainable coffin options that reflect care for both loved ones and the planet.

👉 Learn More About Eco-Friendly Funerals

🪶 4. Memorial Services

A memorial service takes place after the burial or cremation. There’s no body present — only photos, urns, or symbolic tributes.

These services are:

  • Often less formal and more personalised
  • Held at homes, gardens, or community venues
  • A cost-effective and flexible way to gather family and friends

Average cost: $1,500–$4,000

Memorials are ideal for families wanting more time to plan or gather relatives from different regions.

🏡 5. Home Funerals

Home funerals are an intimate and increasingly popular alternative for families who want to care for the deceased at home before burial or cremation.

Families can:

  • Hold viewings or wakes at home
  • Engage a funeral director for logistics (permits, transport, death registration)
  • Combine personal rituals with professional support

Home funerals are legal in all states when proper permits and health guidelines are followed.

🔗 Queensland Health – Burial and Cremation Laws

⚰️ 6. Religious & Cultural Funerals

Australia’s multicultural landscape includes a wide variety of religious and cultural practices.

Common examples:

  • Christian funerals: Church or chapel services with scripture readings.
  • Muslim funerals: Burial within 24 hours, no cremation, body facing Mecca.
  • Hindu funerals: Cremation preferred; ashes released into flowing water.
  • Chinese funerals: Strong focus on filial piety, colour symbolism, and ancestor offerings.
  • Indigenous funerals (“Sorry Business”): Community ceremonies and land-based traditions.

Respecting these customs helps preserve culture and community values.

👉 Explore Cultural Funeral Traditions in Australia

💼 7. Prepaid and Planned Funerals

Planning ahead allows you to lock in today’s prices and remove future stress for loved ones.

Options include:

  • Prepaid funeral plans (fixed-price, regulated trust funds)
  • Funeral bonds (investment-style savings)
  • Pay-on-death arrangements (estate-funded services)

🔗 ASIC Moneysmart – Prepaid Funerals

👉 Compare Prepaid Funeral Options

🕯️ 8. Military, State & Public Funerals

Special honours are given to:

  • Military veterans
  • Police officers or firefighters
  • Public officials and dignitaries

These funerals often include ceremonial protocols such as flags, guards, or official escorts, funded or assisted by government departments.

🔗 Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Funeral Benefits

🌸 9. Choosing the Right Funeral for Your Family

When choosing a funeral, consider:

  • Cultural or religious preferences
  • Budget and available support
  • Location and travel needs
  • Environmental values
  • The wishes of the deceased (if known)

eziFunerals helps families compare all types — from simple direct cremations to elaborate memorials — and connect directly with independent funeral directors who share your values.

👉 Get a Free Funeral Quote Now

❓ FAQs – Types of Funerals in Australia

Q1. What is the most common type of funeral in Australia?

Cremation funerals are the most common, making up more than 70% of all services.

Q2. Are eco-friendly funerals legal in Australia?

Yes. Green burials and biodegradable coffins are allowed under state and cemetery regulations.

Q3. What’s the cheapest type of funeral?

Direct cremations are the most affordable, costing between $2,000 and $4,000.

Q4. Can I have a funeral at home?

Yes. Home funerals are legal with the correct permits and a licensed funeral director.

Q5. How can eziFunerals help?

We connect you with verified independent funeral homes offering transparent, affordable options across all funeral types.

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Peter

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.