Approximately 70% of families now opting for cremation in Australian cities. If you have decided on a cremation, there are several important aspects to consider, including the crematorium, the type of service, how to handle the cremated remains, cremation products, cemetery fees and cremation costs.

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Choosing the crematorium

Cremations are performed at crematoriums, which are usually located within cemeteries. Families may select a crematorium based on proximity or based on the affiliations of a particular funeral director.

For a list of the crematoriums in your city, see our city guides:

  • Crematoriums and Cremation Services
  • Melbourne Crematoriums and Cremation Services
  • Brisbane Crematoriums and Cremation Services
  • Adelaide Crematoriums and Cremation Services
  • Perth Crematoriums and Cremation Services

Choosing the funeral service

There is a common misconception that choosing to have a cremation means that you do not hold a traditional funeral service. This is not the case. It is quite common for families to hold a traditional service before the cremation (for example, at a chapel with the casket present, with prayer readings and eulogies).

Alternatively, it is becoming more common for families to arrange for a direct cremation (otherwise known as a no-service, no-attendance cremation) followed by a memorial service several days after the cremation.

Locations for cremated remains

The most common options for handling cremated remains (or “cremains”) are to keep them in an urn, bury them in a cemetery (either in a plot in the ground or above ground in a wall niche or columbarium), or to scatter them.

Columbariums or wall niches

A columbarium is an above-ground interment option for cremated remains and is similar to a mausoleum except that the wall spaces (or “wall niches”) are much smaller, being designed for urns rather than caskets.

More interesting options

There are several non-traditional options for handling cremated remains, including having them made into jewellery or diamonds, or even having them mixed into concrete structures that form the foundation for marine reefs which can be visited via a scuba dive.

If you are considering arranging a green funeral, Ashes can also be interred at most natural burial sites in a biodegradable urn.

Cremation products

The products required to carry out a cremation will vary depending on the type of service selected and how you would like to handle the cremated remains. Typically, families will at least require a cremation casket and urn.

Cremation casket

A cremation casket is a casket that is designed specifically for cremation. They don’t have metal accessories and are fully combustible, and are generally much cheaper than burial caskets as their purpose is simply to serve as a container for cremation.

Cremation caskets can be made of a range of materials including solid wood, MDF, wicker, bamboo or cardboard.

If you are holding a traditional funeral service before the cremation and the casket will be present, you might opt for a more expensive casket or enquire whether your funeral home can arrange a rental casket (or “alternative container”). An alternative container (unlike most cremation caskets) is designed for display at the service. The body is first placed in a wooden container which is then placed in the rental casket. This means that the interior section that the body touches is never shared. The wooden container can then be removed following the ceremony and placed into the cremation container for the cremation.

Urn

If you have a cremation you will need an urn to hold the ashes. There are many different urn styles and materials and ultimately, selection comes down to personal preference. However, depending on what you would like to do with the cremated remains, families may want to look into keepsake urns (smaller than single urns if several family members would like to keep a portion of the ashes), companion urns (larger urns that are designed often for a husband and wife) or scattering vials (used to divide the ashes so they can be easily scattered by participants at a scattering ceremony).

Burial Vaults and Grave Liners

In the case that you choose to bury your loved one’s remains in a cemetery, the cemetery may require the use of a burial vault or grave liner. Burial vaults and grave liners are usually made from copper, steel or concrete and go around the urn. Burial vaults completely line the plot (i.e. sides top and bottom) whereas liners only line the sides and top. The reason for vaults and liners is to prevent the soil around and on top of the plot from collapsing over time, ensuring safety and reducing the need for significant maintenance.

What Is a Cremation

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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.