Respectful, Direct Cremation
Warrnambool & Surrounds
from $2,950
Direct, Simple, Respectful and Affordable Care
This offering meets all the legal and practical requirements for the care of a person who has died and includes transfers, mortuary care, simple coffin or shroud bearer, cremation fees, permits, certificates and all administration.
It does not include a funeral service.
Our service fees include:
- Care and support from our professional and experienced team.
- All administration and paperwork.
- Transfer from the place of death in business hours within our operating area. Additional fees apply for transfers after hours and outside our operating area. (See below *).
- Essential mortuary care.
- Simple coffin or shroud bearer.
- Cremation fee at the crematorium of our choice including transfer fee.
- Permits and one copy of the Death Certificate.
- Registration of the death with the appropriate authorities (Births, Deaths & Marriages, Services Australia (including Centrelink), DVA, and Medicare).
- Collection of the ashes from the crematorium at a time of our choosing.
- After funeral care including assistance with the care of ashes
from $2,950
A viewing is available with our compliments.
Viewing time is for 30 minutes and is for one viewing session only.
* Additional fees for transfers after hours and from outside our operating area.
After hours transfers are from 7pm to 7am weekdays, weekends, and Public Holidays –
additional fee of $450
Our standard operating area is a 75 km radius around our Warrnambool Sanctuary.
Travel outside our standard operating area –
$2.20 per extra km
There is no additional fee for people who died in regional Victoria and are in the care of the Coroner in Melbourne.
Transport to return your person to Warrnambool will be arranged by the Coroner at their discretion.
Does not include:
- Funeral service or ceremony
- Vigil
- An additional fee of $275 will apply if an oversize coffin or shroud is required. Natural Grace reserves the right to determine the necessity for an oversize coffin. You can be assured of the highest standards of comfort for the person in our care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is a simple, unattended cremation. The person who has died is cared for and cremated without a funeral service, and without mourners present. It is one of the quietest, most private ways to farewell someone.
Is it okay to choose a direct cremation?
Yes. For many families, something quiet feels more fitting, particularly when the person who died preferred no fuss, or when a formal service does not feel right. A direct cremation also gives families breathing space, time to grieve before deciding how they would like to honour and remember their loved one.
Why do families choose a direct cremation?
What is the cost of a direct cremation?
Direct cremation is generally the most affordable cremation option. Because there is no formal funeral service, venue, or ceremony, many of the associated costs are not present. It offers a caring, dignified farewell without financial burden.
Is cremation able to take place straight away?
Before cremation proceeds, a little time is needed to complete the necessary paperwork and any required authorisations. Because cremation is irreversible, these steps exist to protect families and ensure all is in order before proceeding.
Can personal objects be included in the cremation?
Small personal objects, such as a letter, a flower, or a meaningful keepsake, may be placed with your loved one. Items made of glass, rubber, or large metal cannot be included. Any jewellery or belongings you wish to keep should be removed beforehand.
Can I be present at the cremation?
Yes. If you would like to be present or to witness the cremation, please let us know. We will make the necessary arrangements with care. There is an additional fee for this.
Can we still hold a memorial or celebration of life?
Yes, absolutely. A direct cremation and a meaningful farewell are not mutually exclusive. Families are warmly invited to gather in their own time, to share stories, light a candle, and honour the life of the person they love. A celebration of life can be held whenever, and wherever, feels most fitting.
What happens to my loved one between death and cremation?
Your loved one is collected with care and respect from the place of death, and is held in a temperature-controlled facility until the cremation takes place. They are cared for with dignity throughout.
How will I receive the ashes?
The ashes are returned to you in a simple, practical container. We can discuss how you would like them returned, and any wishes you may have for their final resting place. We are also happy to assist with alternative urn options to suit your plans for your loved one's ashes.
Can I still choose a direct cremation if the death occurred in hospital or in another location?
Yes. We are able to collect your loved one from hospitals, aged care facilities, home, or wherever they may be. Please get in touch and we will guide you through the next steps with care.
Is a direct cremation less respectful than a traditional funeral?
Not at all. Dignity and care are present at every step, regardless of whether a service is held. The choice to forgo a formal ceremony is a personal one, and it does not diminish the love, respect, or honour given to the person who has died.
Can I pre-plan a direct cremation for myself?
Yes. Many people choose to gently consider and record their wishes in advance, as a quiet gift to those they love. We are here to walk alongside you through that conversation, in your own time, with no pressure.
Conditions apply to all offerings.
Prices effective as of July 2025 and may be subject to change.
Disclosures.
Our mortuary and our funeral home are located at 82 Fairy Street, Warrnambool, VIC 3280.
This facility is owned by us, Natural Grace Warrnambool Pty Ltd.
Transportation of the deceased person prior to burial or cremation will be in a suitable vehicle owned by our company.
The deceased person will be kept in our mortuary and will only be transported for the purposes of the funeral care as per the final agreement.
 Third Party Transport Providers
On a rare occasion it is operationally necessary for us to engage reputable third-party transport providers.
The providers we use are Abraxa Group, Fairfield and Esteem Mortuary Transport Services, Lilydale.