10 Body Disposal Options in Australia

10 Body Disposal Options in Australia

For such a technologically and economically advanced country, Australia really doesn’t like to take great leaps of change without watching other countries test the waters first. And when it comes to any legal matter regarding death, our stereotyped adventurous spirit flies out the window. However, we do still have a few options, so let’s talk, body disposal options in Australia.

1.Cremation

It is thought that around 65% of Aussies are now choosing to be cremated. Cremation involves sending the body, along with the casket, into a 1000°C cremator for around 90 minutes. Once reduced, any remaining bones are pulverized before the ashes are placed in a container and returned to the loved ones.

2.Casket Burial

Often called traditional burial, this involves being interred in a plot for a fixed term of usually 25-50 years. The costs can vary greatly depending on the location and type of plot, but the plot alone can range from $3000 to $50,000, excluding additional burial costs.

3.Mausoleum

Mausoleums are above-ground burial options often used by Italian and Croatian families. They are grand structures with niches for individual or family interment. Embalming is required for mausoleum burials.

4.Green Burial

Also known as natural burial, this involves not embalming the body and using a biodegradable outer cover. The burial must take place in a legally defined green cemetery, with options like wicker coffins and cotton burial shrouds available.

5.Burial on Private Property

This option requires cooperation with local councils and adherence to specific regulations, such as having land larger than 5 hectares and maintaining a distance of at least 20 meters from any structure or water well. An application to the local government is also necessary.

6.Burial at Sea

A sea burial requires a permit and costs around $1600. The body must not be embalmed and must be sewn into a weighted shroud to ensure rapid sinking and permanent submersion. The burial must take place in waters deeper than 3000 meters.

7.Water Cremation

This environmentally friendly option involves dissolving the remains in a hot chemical liquid bath. Only one company in Australia offers this service, which costs around $6000. The process creates "ashes" similar to traditional cremation.

8.Cryonics

Australia's first cryonics facility opened this year, offering the preservation of the human body at -196°C for future medical technology to potentially restore health. This option costs $150,000 plus an ongoing $350 annual fee.

9.Donating Your Body to Science

Donating to science requires pre-registration and adherence to specific steps. Accepted bodies are usually sent to universities for medical research, not for military training. Donating to the University of Technology Sydney could potentially place your body in a body farm for forensic research.

10.Repatriation

Returning a body to the home country can cost between $5000 and $50,000. The body must be embalmed and sealed in a zinc-lined coffin or metal casket, and travel insurance is highly recommended to cover these costs.

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