Options and prices made easy
There are many different burial options. Deciding on which is best for you needs consideration of price, distance from home, aesthetics, religion, location of family burial ground etc.
Choices include
The cost of graves not only varies between cemeteries but also within a cemetery. As with everything else, the more highly sought after gravesites attract a premium price. In addition to the initial cost of the gravesite, or right of burial, you also need to pay the grave opening fee and there may be a minimum monumentation charge. It is the total price that should be compared.
Since there are considerable differences in burial prices it is worth doing your homework. It is important to make sure you find out all of the prices involved, including 'extras' so you can make real comparisons. Don't be afraid to ask 'what else do I need to pay for?'
The comparison chart for Sydney makes it easier for you to compare prices by giving indicative values but you should also make your own investigations. Other charts will be added as information becomes available. If you have additional price information, please send it to us. The Crown Lands (General Reserves) By-law 2001 section 20 (6) requires the fees or charges set by a Crown land cemetery to be displayed in a public notice outside the office of the reserve trust.
Most cemeteries in Australia follow the Christian tradition even if the burial is secular. Most cemeteries in Australia were once divided into Christian denominational areas and in many cases these divisions still exist. New cemetery areas are generally not now divided along denominational lines. Some cemeteries cater for other religions and cultural groups. See Specific groups.
Click to Find a cemetery
You should visit the cemetery and/or talk to the manager about the options available.
While people talk about buying a burial plot, in fact you are buying the right to bury or more specifically, a right of burial. The cemetery owns the land. In most States, this right is perpetual but it may not be.
If you pre-purchase a right of burial and don't use it you can transfer it to someone else (through the cemetery) or bequeath it in your will.
Disclaimer: All information is supplied in good faith but no guarantee can be given as to its accuracy. All details are subject to change without notice. Inclusion of a cemetery, crematorium, other facility or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation.