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Exploring Natural Burials in Melbourne and Victoria

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Australia is witnessing a transformative shift in how we bid farewell to our loved ones and natural burial, an eco-conscious alternative to traditional practices, is increasingly popular in Victoria.

WHAT IS NATURAL BURIAL?

Natural burial practices prioritise simplicity, sustainability, and ecological preservation. By returning the body to the earth in a natural state, natural burial seeks to honour the deceased while fostering environmental responsibility and conservation.

In a natural burial in Melbourne, the body is typically placed in a biodegradable coffin or shroud made from sustainable materials such as wood, wicker, or cardboard. Ashes can also be placed in a biodegradable urn or scattered at some natural burial grounds.

In Victoria, the burial site is often located in a natural setting, such as a dedicated natural cemetery or a section within a traditional cemetery that adheres to natural burial principles.

By talking to some funeral directors in Melbourne, like Picaluna Funerals who have an open-minded approach to body disposal you can discover burial sites in your area.  Read on for more information.

WHAT DEFINES A NATURAL CEMETERY?

The Natural Death Advocacy Network promotes eco-friendly burial services in Melbourne practices in various cemeteries across Victoria. These natural cemeteries adhere to natural burial principles, emphasizing:

  • Natural Mortuary Care: Avoiding embalming to facilitate natural decomposition, natural mortuary care means as minimal intervention as possible.
  • Biodegradable Materials: Using eco-friendly coffins or shrouds made from sustainable, biodegradable materials. For example, a coffin is not permitted to have screws, staples or plastic or metal handles.
  • Single Graves: Allowing one interment per grave to minimize soil disturbance.
  • Simple Markers: Using modest plaque markers or stones for grave identification.

These principles ensure environmentally sustainable natural burial service and practices.

IMPORTANCE OF DEPTH IN NATURAL BURIALS 

The depth at which a body is buried plays a significant role in natural burials in Melbourne, impacting decomposition rates, soil health, and ecological integration. Contrary to common misconceptions, bodies buried closer to the surface are more likely to facilitate natural decomposition and integration into the ecosystem.

  • 1. Decomposition Rates: Bodies buried at shallower depths experience faster decomposition due to increased microbial activity and oxygen availability. This accelerated decomposition process allows organic matter to return to the soil more rapidly, enriching it with essential nutrients for plant growth.
  • 2. Soil Health: Shallow burials promote soil health by facilitating the transfer of nutrients from decomposing remains to surrounding vegetation. The decomposition process releases nitrogen, phosphorus, and other vital elements into the soil, fostering nutrient cycling and supporting plant growth.
  • 3. Ecological Integration: Bodies buried closer to the surface are more readily accessed by scavengers and decomposers, such as insects and microorganisms. These organisms play a crucial role in breaking down organic matter, contributing to the natural recycling of nutrients within ecosystems.
  • 4. Environmental Considerations: Shallower burials minimize the environmental impact associated with burial practices. By reducing soil disturbance and preserving natural soil layers, shallow burials help maintain the integrity of local ecosystems and minimize disruption to native flora and fauna.
  • 5. Cultural Perspectives: In addition to ecological considerations, burial depth may also be influenced by cultural and religious beliefs. Some cultures prefer shallower burials to facilitate spiritual connection with the earth, while others may opt for deeper burials for symbolic or practical reasons.
  • 6. Regulatory Factors: Burial depth may be regulated by local authorities or cemetery management organizations to ensure compliance with environmental standards and public health regulations. These regulations aim to balance ecological considerations with public safety and community preferences.

In summary, the depth at which a body is buried in natural burials in Melbourne is a critical factor that influences decomposition rates, soil health, ecological integration, and environmental sustainability. Shallow burials promote faster decomposition, support soil fertility, and minimise environmental impact, making them a preferred choice for eco-conscious individuals and communities seeking environmentally sustainable burial practices.

NATURAL BURIAL LOCATIONS IN VICTORIA

NATURAL BURIAL IN MELBOURNE

Murrun Naroon, Bunurong Memorial Park, Bangholme

smct.org.au/murrun-naroon-natural-burials

  • Managed By: Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT)  
  • Address: Bunurong Memorial Park, 790 Frankston-Dandenong Rd, Bangholme, VIC  
  • Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gk3hHgsJPPLsyU3LA
  • Burial Depth: 1.2 meters  

Murrun Naroon provides a natural burial option without designated grave markers. GPS-coordinates guide visitors to the burial area, ensuring respectful interments.

Lilydale Memorial Park

gmct.com.au/our-locations/lilydale-memorial-park

Lilydale Memorial Park offers a tranquil natural burial section amidst its expansive grounds. GPS-coordinates guide visitors to grave sites, and names are etched on a large stone by the burial ground entrance.

NATURAL BURIAL ON THE BELLARINE PENINSULA

Queenscliff Cemetery – Moonah Walk

Moonah Walk offers a serene natural burial area amidst indigenous plantings for burials and ashes interments. Families can opt for a boulder or bronze plaque memorials.

NATURAL BURIAL IN MACEDON

Carlsruhe Cemetery

Carlsruhe Cemetery offers natural burial plots with the option for families to mark graves. Families can purchase double plots.  Although this cemetery is currently not undertaking burials.

NATURAL BURIAL IN THE YARRA VALLEY

Healesville Cemetery

  • Managed By: the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT)  
  • Address: Healesville Cemetery, 126 Don Rd, Healesville, VIC  
  • Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/28mSC5RhN5ePox4F7
  • Burial Depth: 1.2 meters  

Healesville Cemetery provides a dedicated natural burial area with GPS-coordinated grave siteswithin it’s established cemetery. No grave markers allowed. Name etched on stone by entrance.

Upper Yarra Public Cemetery, Wesburn

The Little Yarra bushland burial section within Upper Yarra Public Cemetery offers an eco-friendly option for families. Fully Biodegradable materials only, with shroud burials welcomed. Grave markers are biodegradable wooden posts, but plaques may be affixed to the wooden fence by the entry.

Beenak Cemetery

Nestled in a remote bushland setting, Beenak Cemetery offers a serene natural burial option in a designated area of the existing cemetery. Headstone are allowed.

NATURAL BURIAL IN THE GOLDFILEDS

Fryerstown Cemetery

Fryerstown Cemetery adheres to natural burial principles, with no designated area. Families can mark graves and contribute to reforestation efforts. It is also permitted to plant an indigenous shrub within the cemetery.

Vaughan Cemetery, Vaughan Springs

Vaughan Cemetery follows natural burial principles, providing families with a historic gold rush era setting for interment. Grave markers are allowed.

NATURAL BURIAL IN GIPPSLAND

  • Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park (GMP)
  • Managed By: GMP  
  • Address: Traralgon Cemetery, Traralgon, VIC  
  • Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6kgW2uLZ1d7XfW5r8
  • Burial Depth: Shallower depth  
  • Traralgon Cemetery offers singular burials with sustainable coffin materials. Small grave markers are allowed.

NATURAL BURIAL IN CENTRAL VICTORIA

Chewton Cemetery

Chewton Cemetery embraces natural burial principles, offering families an eco-conscious option for laying their loved ones to rest. 

NATURAL BURIAL IN SOUTHWESTERN VICTORIA

Kurweeton Road Cemetery, Derrinallum

Kurweeton Road Cemetery features an upright burial ground (buried feet first), allowing families to honour their loved ones in a unique manner. GPS co-ordinates are the only grave marker and the deceased’s name is placed on a large stone by the entrance. A tree is planted on Mt Elephant in honour of the deceased.

IS THERE A VICTORIAN NATURAL BURIAL IN YOUR FUTURE?

By choosing natural burial, you’re contributing to environmental sustainability, supporting local ecosystems, and honouring your loved ones in a way that reflects a commitment to preserving the planet. 

With a variety of natural burial sites across Melbourne and Victoria—from serene bushland settings in the Yarra Valley to coastal locations on the Bellarine Peninsula—families have numerous options for laying their loved ones to rest in harmony with nature. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Naomi Korolew (https://vividfunerals.com.au/about) is a compassionate Funeral Director in Melbourne and Celebrant dedicated to creating meaningful and personalised farewell experiences. 

As the owner of Vivid Funerals, she works in close partnership with Picaluna to support families across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. (https://vividfunerals.com.au)

Naomi’s unique approach combines empathy with sustainable practices, working with families to ensure each ceremony honours the values of you and your loved one. 

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