Natural Cemeteries
“Natural burial is the practice of burying a human body in the earth, in a manner that allows for natural decomposition with minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem.”
~ Natural Death Advocacy Network
In Victoria there are a few dedicated natural burial grounds, within existing cemeteries, and these are detailed below.
However, it is possible to follow the Natural Burial principles in a traditional burial plot within all cemeteries regardless of where the plot is. To follow natural burial principles at a traditional cemetery:
- We would carry out only natural mortuary care (no embalming).
- Suggest a body is shrouded within a biodegradable coffin/casket such as a timber coffin if a shrouded burial is outside of the cemetery’s guidelines.
- A shroud or clothing if worn, is made of natural fibres, not polyester etc. The optimum material is made of natural, protein-based fibres such as wool or silk. Organic plant-based fibres such as hemp, linen and cotton are also acceptable. (This means that a shroud can comprise of everyday cotton bed sheets).*
- Only one person per grave so the depth is not doubled; you may still have plots side by side. Traditional graves are at a depth of 6 foot / 1.82m. However, in accordance with Regulation 24 of the Cemeteries and Crematoria Regulations 2015, the minimum dept of earth cover is 750mm. The total grave depth is then determined by adding the coffin depth, or in the case of a shrouded burial, the body depth.
- Have a simple plaque marker or stone, rather than a large headstone (but the cemetery would guide on what is acceptable in each location).
Cremation – Please note that ashes can be interred by being buried or scattered within natural cemeteries.
- * Further Reading and Resources Natural Death Advocacy Network
Natural Grace will work with you and with the cemetery on your behalf, to get the best possible outcome for a natural burial, in a traditional cemetery.
Traditional Burial vs Natural Burial
Click image to enlarge.
Image courtesy of Murrun Naroon Natural Burials
Healesville Cemetery,
Healesville
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT)
Healesville Cemetery, opened in 1866, is a rural cemetery situated in scenic surrounds at the foot of Mount Riddell.
- Natural Burial area is within the established cemetery.
- GPS co-ordinates only – name is placed on a large stone at the burial area ‘entrance’.
- Burial depth is 1.2 metres.
Lilydale Memorial Park,
Lilydale
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT)
Based in Melbourne’s east, the grounds of Lilydale Memorial Park blend the Yarra Valley’s traditional native fauna and flora with curated garden areas, creating a natural and peaceful setting.
- Natural Burial area is within the established cemetery.
- GPS co-ordinates only – name is placed on a large stone at the burial area ‘entrance’.
- Burial depth is 1.2 metres.
Murrun Naroon,
Bunurong Memorial Park,
Bangholme
Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT)
Murrun Naroon, located in the beautiful Bunurong Memorial Park, offers a serene final resting place for environmentally-conscious individuals seeking natural burials in Melbourne.
- GPS co-ordinates only – name is placed on a large stone at the ‘entrance’ to the burial area.
- Cannot mark the grave.
Queenscliff Cemetery,
Moonah Walk,
Point Lonsdale
Geelong Cemetery Trust (GCT)
Queenscliff Cemetery is a tranquil setting by the seaside, featuring the iconic windswept Moonah (black paperbark) trees as its centrepiece, known as the Moonah Memorial Walk.
- Must use the cane lowering device for burials.
- The Cemetery Trust works in conjunction with the family to have a boulder/bronze plaque erected at the gravesite to memorialise a person’s location.
- Can have burials or ashes interments.
- The Trust co-ordinates and completes all the planting of indigenous plants in this area for maintenance and re-vegetation.
Traralgon Cemetery
Gippsland
Gippsland Memorial Park (GMP)
Overlooking the Latrobe River flood plain with spectacular views of the nearby hills to the north and south, it was originally known as “The Bluff” cemetery, with the first burial in 1869 and then became known as Traralgon Cemetery.
- All burials on site are singular and of shallower depth.
- All coffins or cremation urns are to be made of natural sustainable material (wicker, plantation pine, wood).
- All grave markings are smaller than traditionally used in cemetery grounds.
Carlsruhe Cemetery,
Carlsruhe
Independent Cemetery Trust
CURRENTLY NOT UNDERTAKING BURIALS
- Natural Burial area is within the established cemetery.
- Can mark the grave.
- Can purchase one, two or three graves at once.
- If purchasing three plots (side-by-side) two are for single internments at the legal minimum soil depth and the third is for the planting of indigenous shrubs to re-forest the land.
- Depth of burial 1.2 metres.
Little Yarra,
Upper Yarra Cemetery,
Wesburn
Independent Cemetery Trust
Surrounded by the splendid mountains of Ben Cairn, Mt. Little Joe, Mt. Tugwell and Mt. Bride, this picturesque country cemetery has served the community since 1893.
- Little Yarra bushland burial section, only natural burials are permitted, using fully biodegradable materials.
- Graves are marked with a biodegradable wooden post that records the details of the deceased. A wooden fence is at the entrance where a memorial plaque may be fixed. Each grave is mapped and surveyed.
- Gravesites are restricted to a single burial.
- Shroud burials also welcome.
- Depth of burial 1.2 metres.
Fryerstown Cemetery,
Fryerstown
Independent Cemetery Trust
- Natural Burial principles are followed within the cemetery – no designated area.
- Depth of burial is 1.2 metres.
- Can mark the grave.
- Can plant an indigenous shrub within the cemetery.
Beenak Cemetery,
Beenak
Independent Cemetery Trust
Beenak Cemetery, near Hoddles Creek, is nestled in a picturesque valley amongst virgin bush land and other natural flora and fauna. It holds the key to the lives of the district’s early settlers. It was gazetted as a cemetery on 13 December 1878 .
- Remote natural bushland setting.
- Natural burial section is within established cemetery.
- Grave can be marked with a headstone.
- Depth of burial 1.2 metres.
Vaughan Cemetery,
Vaughan Springs
Independent Cemetery Trust
- Natural Burial principles are followed within the cemetery – no designated area within this gold rush era cemetery with Chinese graves.
- Depth of burial is 1 metre.
- Can mark the grave.
Chewton Cemetery,
Chewton
Independent Cemetery Trust
- Natural Burial principles are followed within the cemetery.