Content warning: This article discusses sensitive topics related to death and funeral practices, which some readers may find distressing. The content is for general information only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.
When saying our final goodbyes, most of us picture the familiar: a traditional burial in a cemetery, or perhaps a cremation with ashes scattered somewhere meaningful.
But in Australia, the landscape of farewells is changing rapidly, with many new, sometimes surprising, options emerging for those who want to leave a lighter footprint—or simply do things a little differently.
Water cremation: A gentler, greener goodbye
Inside a quiet Hobart warehouse, a woman’s body is gently undergoing what’s known as water cremation, or more technically, alkaline hydrolysis.
Over 10 to 12 hours, her body rests in a stainless steel chamber, where a warm, alkaline solution (think the opposite of acidic) slowly breaks down soft tissue—proteins, blood, and fat, leaving only bones and any metal implants behind.
The process is surprisingly gentle compared to traditional flame cremation, reaching temperatures up to 1,000°C.
Water cremation, by contrast, operates at just 93°C. The result? About 20 to 30 per cent more remains for families to keep, a process that many describe as ‘softer’ and more caring.
Luke Cripps, co-director of Tasmania’s only water crematorium, explained that the process mimics what happens naturally underground much faster.
‘It’s a way of completely unmaking the chemical bonds that exist in the body,’ he said. ‘As water streams over the body, it’s like what happens in a traditional burial, but sped up.’
But it’s not just about science or speed. Many families are drawn to water cremation for its environmental benefits—Cripps estimates a 90 per cent reduction in emissions compared to flame cremation.
The leftover liquid, stripped of DNA and RNA but rich in nutrients, can even be used to help restore overfarmed land. And above all, families say the process feels gentle.
‘That’s really the primary concern from all of the families that we work with,’ said Cripps. ‘Are you going to take care of the person I love? There’s an association with water that is gentle.’
Beyond the coffin
If you thought water cremation was as modern as it gets, think again. Australians are increasingly exploring a range of alternative farewells.
In some states, you can be laid to rest in a simple shroud or biodegradable clothing, with no chemicals or polished caskets.
Instead of a headstone, a communal marker lists the names of those beneath the soil. In Victoria’s Kurweeton Cemetery, some are buried upright, saving space and returning to the earth more naturally.
There are also mushroom suits. These futuristic suits, embedded with mushroom spores and microbes, help decompose the body, neutralise toxins, and return nutrients to the soil. While rare in Australia, they’re on the list of eco-friendly options in some states.
Although it’s not yet legal here, it is already available in several states in the United States. The human composting process—natural organic reduction—turns a body into nutrient-rich soil.
It’s a way of literally giving back to the earth, and advocates hope it will one day be an option for Australians.
For those who want to leave a legacy, donating your body to science can help train future doctors or advance medical research. Universities or hospitals usually cover the cost of cremation afterwards, though not burial.
Be aware, though, that your family may not receive your remains for several years, or at all, depending on the program.
Some choose simple cardboard boxes, which loved ones can decorate with messages and drawings, for a more cost-friendly and personal touch.
Sea burials are legal in Australia, but they require a federal permit and are reserved for specific deep-water locations.
The body is wrapped in a biodegradable shroud and weighted to sink, then released into the ocean. Scattering ashes at sea, however, doesn’t require a permit.
The environmental impact: How do the options stack up?
One of the most comprehensive studies on funeral practices found that water cremation has the lowest environmental impact, followed by flame cremation, with traditional burial having the highest.
As more Australians become aware of their environmental legacy, these findings shape their choices.
With the baby boomer generation entering their later years, Australia is approaching what experts call ‘peak death’—a period of unprecedented demand for funeral services.
This puts pressure on the industry to innovate, especially as traditional cemeteries in cities like Sydney and Melbourne run out of space.
But it’s not just about space. Cost is a growing concern, too. According to the Cost of Death 2.0 Report by Australian Seniors, one in three people over 50 who have paid for a funeral have experienced financial hardship, with many taking months to recover.
In 2023, the average cost of a burial was $11,039, while cremations averaged $8,045—both up significantly from just a few years ago.
Barriers to change
Despite the growing interest in new options, hurdles still exist. Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of water cremation, mistakenly believing the body is ‘flushed away’.
Others worry about the safety of new processes. Regulators, too, have taken time to be convinced that the byproducts of water cremation are safe and non-toxic.
As Professor Michael Arnold from the University of Melbourne’s DeathTech research team points out, tradition is powerful.
‘You only get one chance. It cannot go wrong. If something goes wrong at a funeral, the funeral director can’t turn to everybody and say, “Come back tomorrow and we’ll start again.”‘
Despite these challenges, the range of options is expanding. Brendan Cooper, co-director of Tasmania’s water crematorium, said: ‘As awareness grows about water cremation, as well as the environmental benefits and gentle nature, it will become more popular. And that’s all it is—another option.’
Have you thought about your farewell? Would you consider water cremation, a natural burial, or a mushroom suit? Or do you prefer the comfort of tradition? Share your views in the comments below. Let’s start a conversation about how we want to be remembered and the legacy we want to leave behind.
Also read: Where do unclaimed funeral ashes in the country end up?
