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NDAN Natural Burial Grounds

NDAN Natural Burial Ground (NBG) Members Map

The map above shows NDAN-member Natural Burial Grounds only. These are burial grounds that have formally joined the NDAN Natural Burial Grounds (NBG) membership program and have committed to meeting NDAN’s requirements for natural burial practice.

To be listed as an NDAN NBG Member, burial grounds must sign up and agree to:

Further information about NDAN Natural Burial Grounds membership, including conditions of registration, is available here:

Natural Burial Grounds (NBGs) in Australia

“Natural burial is the practice of burying a human body in the earth in a way that allows for natural decomposition while minimising impact on the surrounding ecosystem.”  Natural Death Advocacy Network (NDAN)

Across Australia, a growing number of cemeteries and councils now offer natural or bushland burial options. While this is a positive development, these offerings can differ significantly in practice. In many cases, natural burial areas are sections within conventional cemeteries, and what is permitted may vary in relation to grave depth, body preparation, materials used, environmental impact, and the level of family involvement.

NDAN has been working to clarify what best-practice natural burial looks like in an Australian context. As there is currently no single, nationally agreed definition, we encourage individuals and families to familiarise themselves with the principles that underpin natural burial before making decisions.

When exploring natural burial options, we also encourage you to review NDAN’s guidance on what makes a natural burial, which outlines the core principles and practices that define this approach.

Comparing natural burial grounds

The resource below brings together information from burial providers across Australia to help you understand how different natural burial options operate in practice.

To create this resource, NDAN developed a questionnaire and invited cemeteries and burial grounds that advertise natural burial options to respond. The questions focus on practical considerations such as grave depth, materials, body preparation, environmental practices and whether families can participate in the burial process.

Why did NDAN create this questionnaire?

Natural burial means different things in different places. NDAN created this questionnaire to reduce confusion and provide clear, comparable information, so individuals and families can make informed choices that align with their values.