The Complete Guide to Planning a Cremation in Australia

While cremations may not be the traditional method of funeral service, they have now overtaken burials as Australia’s preferred option for final disposition.

The Australian Seniors Cost of Death Report found that 68% of funerals in Australia involve cremation with 42.3% of respondents also reporting a growing movement toward direct or minimalist cremations over the past five years. And those trends are growing quickly each year.

Despite the shift away from burials, many people are unsure about the cremation process and what happens with the ashes afterwards. This Complete Guide to Cremation is a step-by-step explanation of the process. It answers the common questions about cremations to help you and your family make the decision that’s right for you when it comes to planning a cremation.

This guide is broken down into the following sections:

1. What is a cremation?
2. Why do people choose cremation?
3. How much does a cremation cost?
4. What is the process when someone passes away?
5. Types of memorials after a cremation
6. How do I prepay my cremation?
7. Frequently Asked Questions about cremations

What is cremation?

As an alternative to burial after someone dies, cremation is the process of burning the body to reduce the human remains to very fine bone fragments often called ashes or “cremated remains”.

The decision to opt for a cremation rather than burial is usually made by the deceased’s family or Next of Kin. Often the decision is made well before death and the deceased may have advised their family of their wishes for when the time comes. In some cases arrangements may even be in place, including pre-paying services.

Your funeral provider will be able to arrange all aspects of the cremation services. This includes bringing the deceased into their care and storing and preparing the body; processing the necessary paperwork; arranging the cremation; supplying the coffin and organising the return of the ashes. A funeral director can also arrange a chapel service for a memorial or committal service, unless a direct cremation is requested.

For the most part, the actual cremation happens largely the same way, but there are variations of the cremation service available:

Traditional cremation.

A traditional cremation is organised by a funeral director and involves a formal ceremony preceding the actual cremation and can include a viewing of the deceased before the funeral service. 

Direct cremation.

A direct cremation, also known as a Bare Cremation, is a cremation without an accompanying formal funeral ceremony. The no-frills cremation doesn’t require a funeral director to be involved in a service, happens without a viewing and allows families to create a personalised memorial service after the cremation occurs.

Direct cremation vs traditional cremation.

One of the first decisions families make when arranging a cremation is whether to choose a traditional cremation or a direct cremation.

The main differences between the two usually come down to cost, timing and flexibility.

Traditional cremations involve a funeral service with the coffin present before the cremation takes place, organised through a funeral director. The service may include a celebrant, venue hire, flowers, music, catering and other elements of a more formal farewell.

Because there is no formal funeral service before the cremation, direct cremations are generally more affordable than traditional funerals and can give families more flexibility to plan a personal farewell in their own time and in a location that feels meaningful to their loved one.

Traditional cremations are often preferred by families who want a more formal goodbye and the support of a funeral director throughout the service arrangements.

At Bare, we don’t believe there is a single way to say goodbye to a loved one, which is why we offer different funeral options to ensure you say your farewell in the way that’s right for you and your loved one. 

Visit our All Services page to learn more or call our team on 1800 071 176.

Why do people choose cremation?

People have a choice between burial and cremation when someone dies, and ultimately the decision comes down to personal preference, family wishes and cost.

Cremation is now the most common funeral choice in Australia and continues to grow in popularity.

Land is less available and more expensive in metropolitan areas, placing limitations on burials as an option. At the same time, many Australians are becoming more budget-conscious, less religious, and less inclined towards tradition. As a result, more families are choosing cremation over burial for a number of different reasons.

Shifting away from religious traditions.

The Christian religion used to be a major influence on the rituals of death in Australia, but by the turn of the 20th century there was a noticeable decline in the practice of Christianity. 

While family and religious traditions are still important to some people, there is a gradual move away from traditionalism in modern culture. As the nation shifts toward secularism, Aussies are now choosing new traditions in place of rituals that have long-stemmed from religion. So when it comes to death, many are turning to cremation over the traditional burial.

Economic benefits of cremation.

Another key factor in the popularity of cremations is affordability as cremation can be much cheaper than a burial. This surprises many, but According to the Australian Seniors Cost of Death report, the average cost of funerals in Australia has increased since 2019. 

In some parts of Australia, burial plots are also leased for a limited period and may require ongoing renewal fees. Cremation does not carry the same long-term costs, making it a more affordable option for many families.

Environmental impacts of funerals.

The ecological impact of death is becoming more of a consideration too, as our society becomes more aware of land use, cemetery space and the long-term environmental impact of traditional burials. You can read more about the environmental impacts of funerals here.

While cremation does create carbon emissions, burials can also have environmental impacts through cemetery maintenance, embalming chemicals and coffin production.

Space is also becoming a growing issue, particularly in metropolitan areas where land is more limited and expensive. For some families, cremation is seen as a more environmentally conscious alternative that also reduces the need for permanent cemetery space.

In recent years, more eco-friendly options such as cardboard coffins and biodegradable urns have also become increasingly popular for cremations.

How much does a cremation cost?

The cost of a cremation can vary depending on the type of service, your location and the funeral provider you choose. Factors such as crematorium fees, transport, venue hire and whether you choose a traditional funeral or direct cremation can all affect the final cost.

These figures from the Australian Seniors Cost of Death Report are general guides only. Funeral and cremation costs can vary depending on the funeral provider, location, transport requirements, type of service and any additional inclusions selected by the family.

What are you paying for?

The cost of a funeral service is made up of several different components.

For a traditional cremation funeral, one of the largest costs is usually the funeral director’s professional service fee, which can include arranging transport, coordinating paperwork, liaising with service providers and managing the funeral service itself.

Other costs can include the coffin, crematorium fees, flowers, celebrants, catering, venue hire and death certificates.

The final price will depend on the type of service chosen, location and the level of personalisation involved.

Direct cremation: a lower-cost funeral option

A direct cremation is generally a more affordable option because there is no formal funeral service beforehand.

Without costs such as venue hire, flowers, catering, celebrants and funeral procession vehicles, families are usually paying for the cremation itself, transport and the required paperwork and administration only.

As a low-cost cremation service provider, the average national price of a Bare Cremation as of May 2026 is $3,399*. There are also no extra fees for 24/7 collection or after-hours customer care and support.

What is the process when someone passes away?

The initial cremation process usually depends on where the person passes away.

If death happened in a hospital or other institution, a staff member will usually call a funeral provider directly to advise of the passing of the person, and provide the funeral director the Next of Kin’s details. From there, the funeral provider will make contact with the Next of Kin to discuss the process and answer any questions they may have. The funeral provider will then liaise with the hospital or institution about bringing the deceased into their care.

The cremation process

While the process differs slightly between states and providers, cremations in Australia generally follow these steps:

1. Your loved one is brought into care.

The funeral provider arranges transportation of the deceased into their care and to the mortuary while the necessary arrangements are made.

2. Legal paperwork is completed.

The Next of Kin is generally required to complete an Application for Cremation and provide information needed to register the death.

The funeral director will also gather the required medical paperwork and approvals before the cremation can proceed.

3. The cremation is arranged.

Families will then decide whether they would like a traditional cremation service or a direct cremation.

With a traditional cremation, a funeral service usually takes place before the cremation and may include a celebrant, music, readings, flowers and a viewing of the coffin.

With a direct cremation, the cremation takes place privately before any memorial service. Families can then arrange a celebration of life or ashes scattering ceremony later, in their own time.

4. The cremation takes place.

Following the funeral service, most crematoriums will wait until mourners have left before the cremation begins.

In Australia, cremations are generally required to take place within 48 hours of the service, although they commonly occur on the same day.

Before the cremation begins, identification procedures are carefully checked to ensure the correct ashes are returned to the family.

5. Ashes are returned to the family.

After the cremation, the ashes are placed into a sealed container or urn selected by the family. Ashes are usually returned within about one week of the cremation, either by collection or delivery depending on the provider and location.

6. Memorials or scattering.

Once the ashes have been returned, families may choose to keep them in an urn, place them in a memorial site or scatter them somewhere meaningful.

Cremated remains and ashes

Once the ashes have been returned, families can decide what feels most meaningful for their loved one.

Some people choose to keep the ashes in an urn at home, while others place them in a memorial site or scatter them somewhere special.

 Ashes can be:

• buried in a cemetery, in a small plot or placement in columbarium or niche wall;
• preserved in a decorative urn and kept at home or some other favourite spot; or
• scattered someplace that was significant to the deceased and families. Most commonly this is on private land, or at a beach, river, public park or sea.

Some families also choose to divide the ashes between relatives or turn them into keepsakes or memorial jewellery.

If you are thinking about scattering ashes, it’s worth considering long-term access to the location. For example, if ashes are scattered on private property, think about what could happen if the property is later sold or no longer accessible to the family.

Do you need any special permission to scatter the ashes?

Each state and territory has different regulations, so you will need to find out what applies in your region. Scattering of ashes may contravene the terms of air or water pollution of the environmental act in your state. As a general rule it is wise to get permission from the owners of private land; or local council for parks, beaches and playing fields.

Councils and other government authorities may even set a time and place when these activities can be undertaken and can impose other conditions. Disposal of ashes without consent from appropriate authorities may result in legal proceedings to be initiated against the person disposing of the ashes, so it’s important to check if restrictions apply in your state.

General tips for scattering.

If scattering remains be mindful of the following, which will help make the experience a little easier and more pleasant for everyone:

Consider the container the remains are in. Containers from the crematorium are difficult to open (often with a plug that needs a flat screwdriver to lift it off) and often not easy to scatter from. Ensure you know how to open the receptacle before the moment comes to scatter. Alternatively consider transferring the remains into a receptacle specifically designed for easily scattering remains, such as the Eco Scattering Urn.

Be aware of the direction of the wind when scattering remains. Have guests stand upwind to avoid any airborne remains blowing into family or friends.

Consider other people. If scattering in a public place remember other people have every right to be there also. Be respectful and if needed, discreet. Choose a time and a place that avoids large numbers of members of the public.

Scattering ashes by sea.

If scattering at sea by boat, you must get permission from the master of the vessel or boat before scattering the ashes. Vessels can be chartered specifically to scatter ashes.

If you’re scattering remains at sea, there are some additional precautions to observe.

• Pre-loosen the lid of the container or pre-drill large holes to make it easier to remove the lid or scatter the ashes when on board a vessel;
• Be aware of the wind direction and scatter close to the water if possible; and
• Never just throw the container overboard as it will float. Always empty the container’s contents into the sea.

Traveling with ashes.

After a cremation has taken place you may wish to travel to another state or overseas with the cremated remains. You may be taking your loved one back home for a special memorial service, or wish to scatter them in a special holiday spot.  

Traveling with ashes is definitely allowed. There are no legislative requirements in relation to taking cremated remains outside Australia. Our guide to traveling with ashes offers tips for making your journey hassle free.

Types of memorials after a cremation

Cremations still allow families to hold a traditional funeral service beforehand if they wish, but there are also endless options to celebrate your loved one’s life after the cremation has taken place. At Bare, we don’t believe there is a single way to say goodbye to a loved one, which is why our services are flexible to ensure you say your farewell in the way that’s right for you and your loved one. We also offer the option to hold a ceremony prior to the cremation in a more traditional style of farewell and with the coffin present.

Celebration of life.

An end-of-life service is your way of saying thank you to someone special for their unique life. It is one of the last physical acts you can do for someone to ensure their life is recognised and remembered. Families and close friends might like to hold a celebration-of-life by gathering at their loved one’s favourite restaurant for dinner, or getting together for a backyard BBQ. You might instead plan a gathering at your loved one’s favourite place in nature – like a BBQ by the beach, a memorial at a park, or some other special spot that meant a lot to your loved one.

There’s also the option to make ashes-scattering ceremonies part of the memorial, too. With a Bare Memorial, we’ve seen families get together for sunset ashes-scattering ceremonies at picturesque places like the mountains, at sea or by lakeside. 

You can also read our article on memorials with ashes for more suggestions. We’ve also included some music suggestions in this article on songs you might like to include in your loved one’s memorial service. And below is a Spotify playlist we’ve put together.

Here are some other options for personalising your loved one’s farewell following cremation:

Grow a living memory.

Growing a beautiful memory tree, plant, or flowers from the cremated remains of a loved one can help carry on their memory. Following the memorial service, a biodegradable urn may be placed in the ground with the roots or seeds so that a special tree or shrub may grow in memory of your dearly departed.

Seaside send-off.

Another option is to farewell your loved one with a water-based cremation ceremony by the beach or lake. A biodegradable water urn can be placed in any body of water and it will float away with the natural tide, letting you craft the perfect ceremony in nature.

How do I prepay for my cremation?

If you think you’d like to be cremated when the time comes, you might want to consider prepaying your cremation. Pre-planned funerals give you a say in what happens after you have passed and can help to ease the emotional and financial pressure off families later.

At Bare, we focus on exceptional customer service at an affordable price, with no hidden fees. See our complete guide to preplanning a funeral for more information on arranging a prepaid cremation service. You can prepay a cremation for yourself or your loved one online in just minutes.

To learn more about Bare prepaid cremation or to speak with a Prepaid Concierge, call 1800 202 901.

Frequently Asked Questions about cremations.

What do I do after my loved one has died?

The first thing to do after someone has died is to contact a funeral provider.

Your funeral provider will talk you through the next steps, arrange transportation of your loved one into care and help complete the required paperwork and registrations.

If the death occurs in a hospital or aged care facility, staff will often help begin this process. If your loved one dies at home, a medical professional will first need to verify the death before a funeral provider can be contacted.

If you arrange a cremation through Bare, our Customer Care team is available 24/7 to help guide you through the process and answer any questions along the way.

Who do I have to notify that someone has passed away?

There are a number of organisations and services that may need to be notified after someone passes away. This can include banks, utility providers, insurers, superannuation funds and government agencies.

You may also need to contact a solicitor or accountant as part of administering the estate.

How long does it take for collection to happen?

The timing of collection depends on where the death occurred.

At home, collection is often possible within a few hours. In hospitals or aged care facilities, collection usually takes place once the facility has completed its processes and arrangements.

If the Coroner is involved, collection may take longer depending on the investigation.

Where is the deceased taken?

Once brought into the care of the funeral provider, the deceased is usually transferred to a mortuary while arrangements and paperwork are completed.

How long does the process take from collection to return of ashes?

As a general guide, the process from collection through to the return of ashes usually takes around two to three weeks. The timing can vary depending on factors such as completion of paperwork and registrations, hospital or coroner clearances, crematorium availability and the chosen method of ashes return or delivery.

At Bare, we generally advise families to allow around two to three weeks from collection through to the return of ashes, although timeframes can vary depending on location and documentation requirements.

How are the ashes returned?

Ashes can usually either be collected in person or delivered, depending on the funeral provider and location.

Some providers may offer hand delivery, registered post or courier delivery options.

With Bare, ashes can be collected in person in some locations, hand delivered or posted via express with signature, depending on the family’s location and available options in the area.

Can I choose not to have the ashes returned?

Some families choose to have ashes scattered or placed in a memorial garden through the crematorium or cemetery instead of having them returned home.

In most cases, written permission is required and additional cemetery or memorial fees may apply depending on the funeral provider.

How can I be certain I will get the correct ashes back?

The cremation process in Australia is carefully regulated and identification checks are taken very seriously.

Only one coffin is cremated at a time, and checks are carried out throughout the process to ensure the correct ashes are returned to the family.

How long is a cremation funeral service?

A traditional cremation funeral service is similar to a burial service, but without the graveside component. Most cremation services last between 30 and 60 minutes depending on what is included in the ceremony and arrangement with your funeral provider.

What can you put in a coffin for cremation?

Depending on the arrangement with the funeral provider, families often place flowers, letters, cards or small sentimental items inside the coffin before cremation.

However, battery-operated devices, glass items and some medical devices cannot be cremated. Jewellery is also best removed beforehand if families wish to keep it, as it usually cannot be recovered following the cremation.

Can people with pacemakers be cremated?

Pacemakers and other battery-operated medical devices must be removed before cremation as they can become dangerous when exposed to extreme heat.

It’s important to let your funeral provider know if your loved one had a pacemaker, prosthetic or other medical device.

Are organs removed before cremation?

Organs are not usually removed before cremation unless organ donation has been arranged or authorised by the Next of Kin.

Organ and tissue donation generally does not affect funeral arrangements or cremation plans.

How is the body prepared for cremation?

Before cremation, items that could affect the cremation process, such as pacemakers or battery-operated medical devices, are removed.

The deceased is then placed in a coffin suitable for cremation, which remains sealed throughout the cremation process.

What happens at a cremation?

Before the cremation begins, identification checks are completed to ensure the correct ashes are returned to the family.

The coffin is then cremated, and the remaining ashes are carefully processed before being placed into a sealed container or urn selected by the family.

How long does a cremation take?

Generally, the cremation itself takes around two hours, although the full process can take several hours depending on factors such as body composition and the type of coffin used.

What is a crematorium?

A crematorium is the facility where cremations take place. Crematoriums are often located within cemeteries or memorial parks and may be publicly or privately operated.

Can I travel with ashes?

Cremated remains can generally be transported within Australia and overseas, although airlines may have their own requirements for carrying ashes.

If you are travelling with ashes, it’s best to check with the airline or the destination beforehand about any documentation or packaging requirements.

We hope this guide to planning a cremation has provided you a better understanding of the process. If you are seeking support in planning a cremation, our team supports families across many parts of Australia, including the people of Sydney and Illawarra, with services like direct cremation carried out with high quality care, respect, and compassion.

Whether you are looking to organise a direct cremation, a memorial or funeral service, we would be honoured to support you. To find out more, visit our Services page, or call 1800 071 176.

*This is the average price of a Bare Cremation, taken as the average of all zones of Bare’s servicing as of May 2026. Please note that prices vary depending on location and are subject to increase over time. For an accurate quote and cost breakdown for your location, visit our quote page.

Disclaimer: This article and all information and pricing within it was accurate at the time of writing. Please see bare.com.au or linked sources for current pricing. This article provides general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for guidance specific to your situation.