Where Can I Scatter Ashes In Melbourne? A Complete Guide
Where can I scatter ashes in Melbourne? You can scatter ashes in Melbourne at some locations like Port Melbourne Beach, Elwood Beach, and other beaches where many boat charters offer memorial charters for scattering ashes at sea. You can also scatter ashes in memorial parks and gardens such as Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy North, Queens Park in Moonee Ponds, Albert Park Lake, Merri Creek, and even turn ashes into Living Legacy Trees at Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens. We will help you further about that in this article.
Let me walk you through all these public locations and considerations to help you make this choice.
Can I Scatter Ashes At A Park, Beach, or Lakes In Melbourne?
Before scattering ashes on public land in Melbourne, be sure to obtain written permission. It is also advisable to check with your local city or county offices for any other local regulations that may apply.
The challenge with public spaces is that the ashes weigh 3 kg and have the same pH as bleach so they are harmful to the environment and at 3kg most likely get swept away or moved. Public spaces often change their use over time so a park may become a road or car park over time.
Public Locations To Scatter Ashes in Melbourne
Beaches To Scatter Ashes In Melbourne
Here are beaches that you can scatter ashes in Melbourne with permission from council:
1. Port Melbourne Beach – Just a few kilometres from the south-western end of Melbourne’s CBD. With many pubs and restaurants nearby to celebrate the memory of your loved one.
2. Sandridge Beach, Port Melbourne – Located in Port Melbourne, just 5km from Melbourne’s CBD, Sandridge Beach is a relatively quiet and flat beach. This beach is surrounded by piers.
3. St Kilda Beach – One of Melbourne’s most iconic beaches, also known for its resident penguin colony
4. Half Moon Bay in Black Rock – An intimate cove ideal for those who loved boating or fishing
5. Elwood Beach, Elwood – Ideal for honouring those who had an active lifestyle, Elwood Beach is a popular bayside beach for walking, windsurfing, cycling and cricket.
6. Middle Park Beach, Middle Park – It’s one of the sandy, swimming beaches on the bay which are close to central Melbourne. With playgrounds as well as walking and bicycle paths, they make up a series of favourite ‘top of the bay’ beaches. Some areas allow off-leash dog walking and Middle Park is also a popular spot for kitesurfing and beach volleyball. With plenty of activity going on, this beach is perfect for honouring the life of a loved one who lived an active and social lifestyle.
Local boat charter services in these beaches provide memorial services at sea.
Dedicated Parks And Gardens To Scatter Ashes In Melbourne
Here are parks and gardens that you can scatter ashes in Melbourne:
1. Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens – Located in The Mornington Peninsula, the ashes of your loved ones will be treated to become tree nutrients that the soil and trees love, then the ashes will be infused into a tree of your choice. Here you loved ones can live on in nature and literally become beautiful trees such as Jacaranda, Cherry Blossom, Oak Tree, and other options. Unlike public parks these gardens are protected in perpetuity as a memorial park, each tree has its own plaque and services and ceremonies.
2. Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy North – Located in the heart of North Fitzroy, just north of Brunswick Street, Edinburgh Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most popular gardens. There’s something happening here every weekend, from sports and music to social gatherings and BBQs. This vibrant place is a beautiful location to scatter the ashes of a loved one.
3. Maroondah Reservoir Park – Features stunning native gardens and walking tracks
4. Yarra Bend Park – Melbourne’s largest natural bushland park
5. Queens Park in Moonee Ponds – A beautiful Edwardian-style park with lakes and art pieces
6. Woolinghill Estate – Wooling Hill Memorial Estate is a premier provider of cremation memorial spaces, as well as a beautifully presented venue for funerals, memorial services, and family celebrations at a stunning location in the Macedon Ranges Barringo Valley on the edge of Melbourne
Lakes and Waterways To Scatter Ashes In Melbourne
Here are lakes and waterways that you can scatter ashes in Melbourne:
1. Albert Park Lake – A beautiful urban oasis
2. Blackburn Lake Sanctuary – One of Melbourne’s few remaining natural bushland reserves
3. Coburg Lake Reserve – A family-friendly spot with walking tracks
4. Merri Creek – Home to diverse native wildlife including platypuses
How To Scatter Ashes in Melbourne: Important Considerations
Before scattering ashes, keep these points in mind:
1. Get Permission First: Always check with local authorities or property owners before scattering ashes in public spaces
2. Choose the Right Time: Pick a calm, quiet day without strong winds. For example you scatter ashes at the ocean, a strong windy day can make the ashes quite messy.
3. Consider Accessibility: Select a location that family members can easily visit in the future
4. Mind the Environment: Ashes at their raw form has the same PH level as bleach, so they may harm the environment. Consider Living Legacy Trees at Mornington Green, where ashes are turned into potassium and nitrogen, beneficent for tree growth
Understanding The Effects of Scattering Ashes
Here’s something many people don’t realize – cremated ashes can actually impact the environment. They have a high pH level similar to bleach and contain concentrated minerals that might affect plant life. Chemicals and pollutants released during the process can harm plants, animals, and water sources. If you’re concerned about environmental impact, consider Living Legacy Trees or Flower Memorial Garden at Mornington Green where you can turn ashes into nutrients for soil and seedlings.
Alternative Options Of Scattering Ashes In Melbourne
If you’re unsure about scattering ashes, there are other meaningful alternatives such as Living Legacy Trees and Memorial Flower Gardens At Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens.
Located in Melbourne’s picturesque Mornington Peninsula, their patented process transforms cremated remains into beneficial nutrients that support healthy soil and nourish beautiful memorial trees and flower gardens.
This alternative offers benefits beyond usual scattering. Your loved one’s memory lives on through a growing, living memorial that strengthens with each passing season. Families can gather in a protected garden, sharing stories and creating new memories beneath the branches of their Living Legacy Tree.
The Process Of Living Legacy Trees
The process of turning ashes into Living Legacy Trees begins with the treatment of the ashes with a special formula that converts the ashes from potentially harmful materials into life-giving nutrients such as potassium and nitrogen. You can choose from a range of beautiful tree species, from flowering cherry blossoms to majestic red gums, each with unique characteristics that may reflect your loved one’s personality.
You Can Also Infuse Multiple Ashes Into One Same Tree
Perhaps most meaningfully, Living Legacy Trees can become one memorial and final resting place for the whole family. Multiple family members’ ashes can be infused in one tree, creating a family tree that provides sanctuary and connection for generations to come. The gardens are protected in perpetuity by the staff at Mornington Green, ensuring your memorial stays as a peaceful gathering place for years to come.
Legal Requirements For Scattering Ashes In Melbourne
While Victoria doesn’t have a central authority for ash scattering permits, some locations have specific rules:
1. The Royal Botanic Gardens prohibits ash scattering
2. The MCG doesn’t allow ash scattering on the grounds
3. National parks may require permission
4. Private properties need the owner’s permission
Need help planning a memorial service or learning more about your options? Local funeral directors at Melbourne can provide guidance and support. Here is the list of funeral directors that we recommend.
Remember, whether you choose a garden, a peaceful beach, or a dedicated memorial space, the most important thing is creating a meaningful tribute that brings comfort to you and your family.
