Returning to the Earth: A Guide to Natural Burials in Victoria
The Last Act of Environmental Stewardship
More and more Australians are asking: Can my death be as gentle to the planet as my life was?
A natural burial (or "green burial") is a return to simplicity. It involves burying the body in a biodegradable vessel (wicker, cardboard, or a shroud) without chemical embalming, and without a concrete vault. The goal is to allow the body to return naturally to the earth, nourishing the soil rather than polluting it.
Where Can You Have a Natural Burial in Victoria?
We are fortunate in Victoria to have several dedicated spaces for natural burials. These are often beautiful, bushland settings where native trees are planted instead of headstones.
1. Healesville Cemetery Nestled in the Yarra Valley, Healesville offers a stunning natural burial ground. It is peaceful, filled with native grasses, and allows for a return to the cycle of life in a truly bush setting.
2. The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (Various Locations)
Lilydale Memorial Park: Offers a dedicated natural burial area with views of the Yarra Ranges.
Fawkner Memorial Park: Provides options for natural interment in a bushland environment.
Springvale Botanical Cemetery: The "Biological" area here was one of the first of its kind, promoting rapid decomposition and soil health.
3. Carlise Cemetery Located near Geelong, this is a designated natural burial ground known for its conservation efforts.
For more information about Green Funerals, you can visit this blog post from BARE.
How to Arrange One
The key to a successful natural burial is choosing the right Funeral Director.
Most "big chain" funeral homes are set up for traditional packages. To ensure your wishes for a purely natural process are honoured (e.g., no synthetic clothes, no hidden plastics), I strongly recommend seeking out an Independent Funeral Director.
Independents are often more flexible, transparent with costs, and passionate about eco-friendly care. They can guide you through the specific regulations of each cemetery and help you source beautiful, sustainable shrouds or vessels.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of independent/green funeral directors, homes and services in or close to Melbourne:
Tender Funerals (Various locations)
Lonergan & Raven Funerals (Clifton Hill)
The Last Hurrah Funerals (Thornbury)
Potter’s Field Funerals (Oakleigh)
Greenhaven Funerals (Mordialloc)
Lincoln Family Funerals (Craigieburn)
Natural Grace (Various locations)
Please note, these funeral homes have comes as recommendations from colleagues to me throughout my time as a doula, but I do not have personal experience with each one of them. The best thing to do is to call or visit the director/home, speak to someone and see if they are good match for your needs. You can also access this Gathered Here resource, which allows you to compare funeral directors.