Over the past two decades, the way Australians approach farewells and remembrance has changed dramatically. Cremation, once a less common choice, has become the dominant preference—rising from under 50% in the 1990s to more than 70% nationwide today.
Yet recent data suggests that this trend is beginning to level off, as more people turn toward sustainable and deeply meaningful alternatives to both traditional burial and cremation.
This transformation mirrors what is happening around the world. In the United States, for instance, the 2025 National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) report projects a cremation rate of 63.4% in 2025, with expectations that it will reach 82.3% by 2045.
These figures reflect a broader cultural change—one that highlights evolving values about how people wish to be remembered and the growing desire for simplicity, sustainability, and personal meaning in end-of-life decisions.
Why Australians Are Rethinking Tradition?
Several practical and environmental factors are driving this shift. In major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, available cemetery space is becoming increasingly scarce. At the same time, the cost of burial has risen sharply, now averaging more than $19,000.
There is also greater awareness of the ecological impact of traditional practices, including embalming fluids, concrete vaults, and the carbon emissions released during cremation. As environmental consciousness grows, these concerns are reshaping how families choose to say goodbye.
To meet these changing needs, new frameworks are being introduced to support sustainable burial options. The 2025 Cemeteries and Crematoria Regulations in Victoria, for example, aim to modernize the system and encourage natural and green burials that align with both cultural traditions and environmental values.
The Growth of Natural Burial Grounds
Across Australia, the number of natural burial grounds has more than doubled since 2020. Today, there are over 30 eco-conscious sites that give families the chance to create lasting, living memorials within native bushland and protected landscapes.
These spaces offer something profoundly different—an opportunity for remembrance that also nurtures renewal, allowing loved ones to rest in harmony with nature.
Why Families Are Flocking to Eco-Friendly Memorials?
Natural memorials, such as those at Mornington Green, transform ashes into flourishing native forests. These living legacies nurture biodiversity, support local wildlife, and help restore Australian ecosystems.
They typically cost is $8,000 significantly less than traditional burials, which often exceed $17,000—and importantly, they do not carry ongoing plot fees.
According to the 2025 Australian Bureau of Statistics, ecosystem services such as carbon storage and climate regulation provided by natural memorial forests are valued at over $43 billion. Families who choose green burials therefore make a positive environmental contribution while creating a peaceful and lasting tribute to their loved ones.
Real Families, Real Legacies
Families who have chosen Mornington Green’s natural memorials often describe their experience as deeply healing. One client shared how visiting their loved one’s Legacy Tree brought comfort and a sense of connection through the changing seasons, transforming grief into celebration.
These living memorial spaces offer emotional solace by connecting mourners to the natural cycle of life. They embody modern Australian values—respect for loved ones combined with care for the environment. Experts and industry leaders praise these memorials as a reflection of a new, sustainable legacy mindset.
Is a Natural Memorial Right for You?
Answer these key questions:
- Do you want to honor your loved one with an environmentally sustainable memorial?
- Are you looking to manage funeral and ongoing costs effectively?
- Would a living memorial that grows and changes over time support your grief and remembrance?
- How important is a protected, conserved space that respects cultural diversity and legal standards?
Natural burial planning in Australia today is made simple by clear legal frameworks and the expert guidance offered by providers like Mornington Green.
Comparing Traditional Burial and Natural Memorials
| Feature | Traditional Burial | Natural Memorial (Mornington Green) |
| Cost | $17,000+ including cemetery fees | $8,000 no ongoing plot fees |
| Environmental Impact | Embalming chemicals, concrete vaults | Biodegradable materials, supports ecosystem restoration |
| Space Use | Fixed grave plots, limited space | Living forests conserved indefinitely |
| Legacy | Static headstones | Living trees that grow and support wildlife |
| Accessibility | Limited visiting hours | Open garden spaces year-round for family visits |
| Maintenance | Cemetery upkeep fees | Horticultural and conservation care by experts |
| Legal & Cultural Compliance | Regulated under traditional norms | Supported by modern laws with cultural inclusivity |
Read more: The Cost of Funerals in Australia 2025 Update
Why Mornington Green Is the Right Choice for Your Natural Memorial?
Mornington Green Legacy Gardens offer a uniquely meaningful way to honor your loved ones while contributing positively to Australia’s environment. Unlike traditional cemeteries, Mornington Green provides a living legacy through specially nurtured native trees grown from treated ashes—creating a personal and lasting memorial.
1. Innovative Ash Treatment
Your loved one’s ashes are infused into tree nutrients through a patented process, allowing the tree to grow directly from them. This turns a memorial into a living tribute that supports native wildlife and local ecosystems.
2. Forever Protected Natural Sanctuary
The Memorial Gardens are permanently conserved and maintained by expert horticulturists. This ensures your tree’s wellbeing for generations, without ongoing fees common in traditional cemeteries.
3. Emotional and Psychological Comfort
Research shows that memorial trees help reduce stress, promote healing, and provide meaningful spaces for reflection and connection. Families find comfort visiting their trees throughout the seasons, experiencing renewal along with their living legacy.
4. A Beautiful Place for Family Gathering
The gardens offer serene natural surroundings that invite families for ceremonies, picnics, and remembrance throughout the year, fostering community and healing.
5. Transparent and Affordable Pricing
Compared to traditional burials averaging over $17,000, Mornington Green provides cost-effective, all-inclusive pricing typically around $8,000, with no hidden or ongoing plot fees.
6. Culturally Sensitive and Personalized Options
Mornington Green respects diverse spiritual and cultural traditions, offering a variety of native tree species chosen for their symbolism and meaning, allowing families to create a memorial that feels personal and authentic.
7. Guided Support Through Every Step
Compassionate experts guide families from the first inquiry through planting and aftercare, ensuring a thoughtful and supported experience at every stage.
As Australia embraces more sustainable ways of honouring life, natural memorials like Mornington Green are redefining what it means to say goodbye. They offer a gentle alternative that celebrates renewal rather than finality, where remembrance grows, seasons change, and legacies live on through the beauty of nature. For many families, it’s not just a farewell, but a continuation of life’s cycle in its most peaceful and enduring form.
