Selecting a gravesite is an important part of the planning and grieving process, so we encourage individuals and families to be aware of the individual’s wishes as well as the requirements of the Cemetery Trust. Our cemetery offers a variety of settings and gravesite options as peaceful resting places for you or your loved one.

It is important to note that there are established areas in the cemetery that will determine what type of monument you can install.

We highly recommend a visit to the cemetery and walk around the grounds, observing what you might like about the different grave types, headstones and monuments. In addition to burial of ashes, there are two main gravesite options, which are explained below.

As you explore the cemetery or scan the map in our shelter, you may notice reference to historical religious precincts as well as section markers e.g. Baptist – Lawn A. These “religious” precincts were put in place when the cemetery was first established in the mid 1800’s. They form part of the cultural heritage that the Trust is charged and mandated with maintaining. Although, in practice the religious aspects are not in active use as it is generally accepted that all plots and garden memorials, regardless of precinct, are non-denominational and are available to, and in use by families of varied faiths.

PLEASE NOTE: All monumental works must be approved by the Trust prior to commencement, to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and Australian Standards. This includes selection and installation of plaques. Bellbrae Cemetery has a No Glass / No Ceramics Policy and no planting of any sort is permitted without prior approval of the Trust.

Please refer ‘Guide for Selecting a Site & Installing a Plaque‘ for permitted use of each site and ‘Schedule of Services & Fees‘ for pricing.

CREMATED REMAINS

At Bellbrae Cemetery we offer a number of options for the interment of cremated remains / ashes. Callistemon is our premium memorial garden, offering a terraced native garden overlooking the cemetery grounds. The cemetery also offers several other natural garden options, as well as more traditional rose gardens.

All our memorial gardens permit one person’s ashes per position. As an alternative, there are a selection of plots designated for cremated remains only due to proximity to trees or space restrictions, which allow up to 4 sets of ashes.

BURIAL GRAVESITES

To fulfil the diverse wishes of our community, Bellbrae Cemetery supports a variety of burial options situated throughout our peaceful grounds. These range from lawn gravesites and headstone only options, each designed to respect both family preferences and the local environment. There are limited opportunities for full monumental graves.

Our lawn sections offer open landscape characterised by sweeping green lawns. Instead of large upright monuments, these sites feature plaques placed on continuous concrete beams integrated into the lawn, allowing the natural surroundings to take centre stage.

For families who prefer a more traditional vertical monument without the footprint of a traditional grave, our rock headstone-only sections provide the perfect balance and are a very popular option.

To preserve limited land resources, all standard full size burial plots must include a minimum of one bodily interment. The plot must not be used solely for cremated human remains.

OTHER MEMORIALISATION OPTIONS

In some cases, people may choose to be buried, or have their ashes placed elsewhere, but families may be seeking an alternative way to commemorate their loved ones. Many of our Memorial Gardens offer a ‘Plaque Only’ option and we also offer the opportunity of dedicating a Rock or Bench Seat. For further details regarding Rock and Bench seat dedications please refer to our Rock & Bench Seat Fact Sheet.