FAQ's & Policies

The Beechworth Public Cemetery Trust encourages public access to the Cemetery for those wishing to visit deceased loved ones, relatives and for family and historical research and educational purposes.

It must be remembered that the Cemetery is a place of peace and respect and although a public facility, it is not to be used for commercial purposes, i.e. money making tours etc. To provide clarity regarding tours etc. please contact the Trust.

Conditions of Entry

For those entering or using The Beechworth Public Cemetery

  • Authorised vehicles only are permitted to enter the Cemetery.
  • Flowers, shrubs, and plants in the Cemetery are not to be cut or removed.
  • Those entering the Cemetery must respect the graves and always keep to the designated paths and walkways.
  • Rubbish bins for the collection of general and recycled refuse are located at strategic sites within the Cemetery. Persons using the Cemetery are requested to use these accordingly.
  • For reasons of Occupational Health & Safety, and Risk Management, a flowers, vases, ornaments & breakable items policy has been adopted by the Trust.

For further information, please contact the Cemetery Trust.

Snakes and Visitors

All who enter and visit the Beechworth Public Cemetery are warned and are to be aware of the existence of snakes.

Cemeteries are a natural setting for snakes as they provide ideal conditions and habitat for their ongoing existence. This includes limited human traffic, plentiful shelter (decaying monuments etc), food, breeding sites and warmth (grave covers etc). Australian snakes do not hibernate, and they are with us all year round. In the colder months, their metabolism slows, and they seek shelter only to reappear to pursue warmth from the sun on milder days.

It is strongly recommended that visitors avoid snakes by remaining vigilant and always keep to the designated pathways.

Strategic Plan

Cemetery Policies

Useful Websites

Beechworth Cemetery Chronicle
Visit website

PROV
Visit website

NAA (National Archives of Australia)
Visit website

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I prepurchase a plot at the Beechworth Public Cemetery?

    There are plots available in the Lawn Cemetery both Desktop and Headstone sections, General Cemetery, Memorial Wall, and Memorial Garden. Contact the cemetery for availability and costs. A site visit will be arranged.

  • Can I place cremated remains in a gravesite plot?

    Yes. Cremated remains may be placed in any of the available gravesite options, not just being limited to the Memorial Wall or Garden. Contact the cemetery for availability and costs.

  • Can cremated remains or burials be interred in existing relatives’ gravesites?

    Yes. This is a possibility if there is room in the existing gravesite. The Holder of The Right of Interment to the burial site (or if that person is the deceased, their executor, administrator, or authorised person) is the only person who has the authority to inter ashes or a deceased person in the gravesite.

    Where a person who is not the Holder of the Right and has no proof that they are acting on behalf of the Holder of the Right or the original Holder cannot be contacted (i.e. they are overseas or they are deceased), the Trust may be willing to accept a Statutory Declaration from the applicant, in addition to the completed application form.

    Contact the cemetery for details, forms, and costs.

  • Who may place a memorial on a gravesite?

    The Holder of The Right of Interment to the burial site (or if that person is the deceased, their executor, administrator, or authorised person) is the only person who has the authority to place a memorial on a burial site or cremation memorial site. Contact the cemetery first as prior approval will be required.

    Where a person who is not the Holder of the Right and has no proof that they are acting on behalf of the Holder of the Right or the original Holder cannot be contacted (i.e. they are overseas or they are deceased), the Trust may be willing to accept a Statutory Declaration from the applicant, in addition to the completed application form.

  • Can the family construct the memorial themselves or attach a plaque?

    No. In all cases the memorial must be constructed by an approved monumental stonemason who will apply for a permit to erect the monument to the cemetery’s specifications. Contact the cemetery for details and a list of Monumental Stonemasons.

  • Are cars allowed in the cemetery?

    No. Only authorized vehicles are allowed to drive in the cemetery.

  • Are leisure activities allowed in the cemetery?

    The Beechworth Public Cemetery Trust encourages visitors to the cemetery to visit family graves, explore historical gravesites, admire the heritage listed trees and buildings, observe the native flora, and follow the historical walk. Brochures are available for a gold coin donation at the front entrance.

  • Are dogs allowed in the cemetery?

    Dogs are allowed in the Cemetery providing that:

    • Dogs remain on a leash at all times.
    • Owners show courtesy to others and clean up after their dogs. Disposable dog excrement bags are supplied within the Cemetery.
    • Dogs do not relieve themselves on or near graves, memorials or historic sites.
    • Dogs do not bark excessively.
    • Dogs are not overly boisterous towards visitors or other dogs.

    These conditions are to ensure the comfort and safety of all who use this historic cemetery.

  • Are there restrictions on what items I can place on a family, friend, or loved-one’s grave?

    Yes, as items that may pose risks to users of the facility are banned. A comprehensive listing of these items can be found on the Flowers, Ornaments & Breakable Items on graves Policy.