Crematoriums and scattering ashes in Victoria

Many customers often ask where the crematoriums are in Victoria.

Victoria is one of very few states where every crematorium is located within a public cemetery and managed by a cemetery trust. There are no private crematoria in Victoria.

There are nine public cemeteries in Victoria that provide cremation services.

Below is a list of crematoriums in Victoria.

Crematoriums in Victoria.

Bare partner crematoriums in Victoria are Geelong Memorial Park and Ballarat Cemetery.

Cemeteries and memorial parks in Victoria.

Memorial parks offer a number of options for cremated remains.

• Permanent cremation memorials, e.g. a niche in a wall, or in a garden bed. Each cemetery will have various options. Contact your local cemetery for their options and pricing. In Victoria, memorialisation can be purchased for perpetuity (forever) or limited tenure (25 years).
• Scattering of ashes can be done in the cemetery gardens. Once again, please contact the cemetery you are considering for their options and pricing.
• Ashes can also be interred in a grave with other burials if permission of the owner of the gravesite is given. (Application to inter Cremated remains form required).

However, The Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2003 (Vic) s128 states that there is no requirement to dispose of cremated human remains in a public cemetery.

Below are some other options for memorialising or scattering ashes.

Scattering ashes at government-owned public land and parks.

There is no general permit required for scattering ashes in Victoria.

Local council and other public bodies have varying requirements concerning the disposal of ashes, with some having no formal or published policy.

For example, scattering ashes in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is strictly prohibited, but Hobsons Bay City Council explicitly permits the scattering of ashes on land owned or managed by council.

You will need to contact the specific Victorian local council to enquire if permission is required to scatter ashes on public land.

Scattering ashes on private land.

In Victoria, you can inter or scatter cremated remains on your own privately owned property.

If the private property is owned by someone else, you will need permission from the owner of the land. No permit is required.

Scattering ashes in bodies of water.

You do not need a permit or permission to scatter ashes at sea, or in rivers.

If you are scattering from a vessel it is a good idea to get permission from the vessel owner and if at the beach be mindful of other members of the public when scattering.

Keep a few extra things in mind when considering scattering in water:

• If you are scattering from a vessel you must get permission from the boat owner to scatter. See this Cruise Critic article about advice for scattering from a cruise ship.
• If you are at the beach or on a pier be mindful of other members of the public when scattering.
• Often it is quite windy by the water, so be mindful of the direction of the wind when scattering. You don’t want to have remains scatter back to land or into anyone.
• Never just throw the ashes container overboard as it will float. Always empty the container into the sea, or organise for a biodegradable urn.

There are a number of charter companies that offer Memorial Charters or Scattering At Sea ceremonies for scattering ashes in Victorian waters.

Aerial Scattering.

There are no restrictions or permits required to scatter ashes from the sky, such as from a drone.

Each crematorium and scattering site has its own guidelines, and families often take time to consider what feels most fitting for a memorial. Understanding these options can make it easier to plan a farewell that feels right. If you need support with a simple farewell or planning a memorial in Victoria, our compassionate team provides dignified services, including support with direct cremation for families in Melbourne and Geelong, helping you honour your loved one in a way that feels right for your family.

Want to see what our direct cremation service will cost in your area? To get a free quote for a cremation visit  Bare quote page here or call 1800 071 176.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for guidance specific to your situation.