Your Guide to Natural Burials on the Gold Coast

A natural burial is a resting place generally in a bushland or regenerated area, where no toxic materials are used, including for the coffin, memorial stone or items buried with the body. Here’s What you need to know…

Natural burials, also known as eco burials or green burials, are a popular alternative to traditional burials. On the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, there are several options for natural burials.

A natural burial is a burial that is done without the use of embalming fluids, metal caskets, or concrete burial vaults. Instead, the body is placed in a biodegradable container such as a shroud or a simple wooden casket, and buried directly in the earth. The idea behind a natural burial is to allow the body to decompose naturally and return to the earth.

Compared to traditional burials that may, at times, involve embalming fluids, metal caskets or concrete burial vaults, natural burials are much more environmentally friendly. They tend to be less expensive, as there is no need for expensive caskets or embalming. Many people also find natural burials to be a more meaningful and personal way to say goodbye to a loved one.

There are a number of natural burial grounds available in South East Queensland and surrounding areas, and our green burials and eco funerals consider every step of the process, educating you on the most environmentally-friendly alternatives from caskets to flowers to transport and more. 

There are some rules around natural burials on the Gold Coast. For example, the burial site must be located in a designated natural burial ground, and the body must be buried in a biodegradable casket or organic cotton shroud. It is also important to make sure that the burial site is not located near a water source, to avoid any potential contamination. On the Gold Coast, Alberton Cemetery has a natural burial area.

If you are considering a natural burial on the Gold Coast, it’s important to do your research and find a funeral director who specialises in natural burials, like Rite of Passage Funerals. We can help with all aspects of the burial, including finding a suitable burial site, helping you find a natural casket or shroud, and providing support and advice to you and your family. We can also help with any legal requirements and paperwork.

Our Eco Burial Packages start from $2500 and include the essentials you need for a ‘no service, no attendance’ eco burial. This includes transportation from place of death* to our mortuary partner and onto the burial ground on Gold Coast region, bathing, dressing and encasketing at the mortuary, hearse transport to the natural burial ground, a complimentary cardboard burial casket, and filing of all paperwork, including the death certificate with Births, Deaths and Marriages.

Additional add-ons include a casket upgrade to one of our many eco-friendly caskets, shroud and shroud bearer, ceremony curation, flowers, recycled paper service sheets, live streaming, live music and more.

In conclusion, natural burials are a great way to honour your person while also being environmentally conscious. There are several options for natural burials on the Gold Coast, and we can help you through the process of creating an unforgettable eco funeral that doesn’t cost the earth.