Cremation, ashes, and scattering in Australia

There is no single right answer for what to do with ashes. Many people take months or years to decide. That is completely normal. Choosing between cremation and burial is one part of arranging a funeral.

What does cremation involve?

Cremation is the process of using heat to reduce the body to bone fragments, which are then processed into fine ash. The full process typically takes two to three hours. It is carried out by the funeral home or cremation provider, always with legal identification in place to ensure the ashes returned to you are your partner's.

The ashes will usually be returned to you in a temporary container. Some families choose to transfer them to an urn or another vessel. Others keep them in the original container indefinitely.

Ashes are sometimes called cremated remains or cremains. They are typically pale grey to white in colour and have the consistency of coarse sand.

Do I need to decide right away what to do with the ashes?

You do not need to decide what to do with the ashes right away.

Keeping ashes at home indefinitely is common. There is no legal requirement to scatter or inter them within any timeframe. Many people live for years with their partner's ashes on a shelf, a mantelpiece, or in a special place, and this is a completely valid choice.

If you are not ready to decide, you do not need to. Put the ashes somewhere that feels right for now. The decision will still be there when you are.

What are my options for the ashes?

Keeping the ashes at home
Many people keep their partner's ashes at home permanently, or until they are ready to decide. There are no rules about where they must be kept. Some people have the ashes placed in a decorative urn, a piece of jewellery, or another meaningful vessel.

Scattering
Scattering ashes is a meaningful choice for many families. The options include at sea, in a national park, on private land, or in other places of significance.

Rules about scattering vary by state and territory in Australia. Some locations require a permit. Others have restrictions or guidelines around how far from shore or which areas are permitted. Before scattering, check with the relevant state authority or your funeral director to understand what applies in your location.

As a general guide:

• At sea: Australia generally permits scattering ashes at sea, but there are requirements around distance from shore and biodegradable materials if a vessel is used. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (amsa.gov.au) provides guidance on requirements for vessels and scattering in coastal waters.
• In national parks: Policies vary by park and state. Some allow it with permission, others do not. Contact the relevant national parks body in your state or territory.
• On private land: Generally permitted with the landowner's consent, but local council rules may apply.
• In public spaces: Rules vary. Parks, gardens, and sporting grounds often have their own policies. Check with the relevant local council or authority.

Your funeral director can advise on the rules that apply in your specific area and help you navigate the process.

Interment
Ashes can be interred in a cemetery, a memorial garden, or a niche wall. Some cemeteries allow burial in an existing family plot. Contact the cemetery directly to ask about their options.

Dividing the ashes
Dividing ashes between family members is common and practical, particularly when family are spread across different locations or when multiple people want to scatter or memorialise in different ways. Your funeral director can advise on how to handle this.

How can I memorialise my partner beyond the ashes?

Beyond what you do with the ashes themselves, there are many ways to memorialise your partner. A dedicated memorial service, a tree planting, a bench in a meaningful location, or a commissioned piece of art or jewellery are all options families choose.

There is no timeline for this either. Some families hold a memorial service in the weeks after the cremation. Others wait until a significant date, or until more family members can gather. Some create something lasting over months or years.

See the memorialisation guide for more ideas and practical information on creating a lasting tribute.

Who should I contact if I have questions about cremation or ashes?

Your funeral director is the right first point of contact for specific questions about what is possible. They deal with these decisions regularly, they know the local requirements, and they will not judge any choice you are considering.

If the funeral director has already completed their involvement, most are still willing to answer questions. You can also contact your state or territory's relevant authority directly.

You do not have to have this figured out. You just have to know where to start.

This guide is general information only. Regulations regarding ashes and scattering vary across Australian states and territories and may change over time. Always confirm current rules with your state or territory authority or a licensed funeral director before scattering.