Discover the Melbourne General Cemetery
Established in 1852 and officially opened on June 1, 1853, the Melbourne General Cemetery was a game-changer in Victorian-era burial grounds. Unlike its predecessors, it was designed, by architect Albert Purchas, as a public park—practical and pretty.
Initially replacing the Old Melbourne Cemetery (now beneath the Queen Victoria Market), the Melbourne General Cemetery, located in Carlton North, became the main burial ground in the city. Over time, it’s witnessed some quirky changes—like being closed for new burials in 1904, only to reopen in 1927.
In 1933 the necropolis expanded by 2.5 hectares. Today, encompassing 43 hectares, it contains gardens, memorials, crypts, and heritage architecture including a heritage-listed GateHouse.
Who is Buried at the Melbourne General Cemetery?
Melbourne General has had over 300,000 burials since it replaced the Old Melbourne Cemetery in 1853. It has even been “over-buried” in about 25 sections. This means new soil was brought in and plots were resold, creating a layered effect. While “over-burying” might make early graves hard to locate, it’s an interesting look into the practicalities of cemetery management.
Here’s a look at who was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery—that we know of.
Australian Politicians
With more state premiers and governors interred here than in any other Victorian cemetery, Melbourne General Cemetery is a political Hall of Fame. Among those are Sir Isaac Isaacs, Australia’s first Jewish Governor-General, William Champ, Australia’s first Tasmanian premier, and eight Victorian premiers, including Sir John O’Shanassy and Duncan Gillies.
Burke and Wills
It's not just politicians that are buried at Melbourne General, the ill-fated explorers Burke and Wills are also memorialized here. These explorers captured the hearts of the nation during one of Australia’s most tragic expeditions. Today, their deaths attest to the unforgiving nature of Australia’s interior.
Aboriginal Heritage: Derrimut
This cemetery is also home to Derrimut, a respected tribal chief of the Bunurong people. His burial honors the Aboriginal history of the area and the often-overlooked stories of First Nations peoples.
Important Cultural Figures
Important cultural figures buried here include:
- Greg Ham: The “Men at Work” musician whose flute gave us the unforgettable tune “Down Under.”
- Walter Lindrum: A billiards genius whose tombstone is shaped like a billiard table.
- Mietta O’Donnell: A restaurateur celebrated for her significant contributions to Melbourne’s culinary scene.
- Lady Janet Clarke: A philanthropist and socialite, rests here, her name forever tied to her generous spirit.
Inside the Melbourne General Cemetery
Heritage Architecture
While walking through the Melbourne General Cemetery the bluestone buildings, wrought iron pavilions, and preserved gatehouses transport visitors to Melbourne’s golden age. Among the highlights are the Jewish chapel, built in 1854, and the Catholic mortuary chapel, constructed during the 1870s and 1880s.
War Graves
Amidst the peaceful greenery lie solemn war graves that honor 91 Commonwealth service personnel—over 30 from World War I and more than 50 from World War II.
The Elvis Presley Memorial
Yes, you read that right—an Elvis Presley memorial graces the Melbourne General Cemetery, thanks to the Elvis Presley Fan Club of Victoria. Erected in 1977, just months after his death, this monument was endorsed by Elvis’s father, Vernon Presley, and even predates the equivalent memorial in Memphis.
The memorial initially drew large crowds, with fan vigils causing the occasional traffic jam (and even disrupting a funeral procession at one point). Today, visitors can quietly pay their respects to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, often leaving flowers or tokens on the anniversary of his passing.
The Prime Ministers’ Garden
The cemetery’s Prime Ministers’ Garden features a commemorative wall listing all Australian prime ministers, past and present.
Four—Sir Robert Menzies, Sir John Gorton, Malcolm Fraser, and Bob Hawke—are buried here, with Menzies’s and Fraser’s remains interred within the garden.
Harold Holt, whose disappearance at sea remains one of Australia’s great mysteries, is honored with a symbolic memorial bearing the words “He loved the sea”.
Saint Michael the Archangel Mausoleum
Following the legalization of above-ground burials in Victoria three mausoleums were built in the 1990s. Of them, the Saint Michael the Archangel Mausoleum, designed in collaboration with Melbourne’s Italian community, is a must-see. This double-story, light-filled sanctuary with mosaics, terrazzo and bluestone tiling, is the only one of its kind in Carlton.
Project Cultivate at the Melbourne General Cemetery
Courtesy of Project Cultivate, the Melbourne General Cemetery is undergoing a transformation. The project is a groundbreaking initiative by the Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT), which focuses on revitalizing the cemetery’s landscapes with over 500,000 locally native plants and grasses and reducing herbicide use by over 70%.
Not only do these plantings improve the soil quality, but they also boost biodiversity, bringing in native bees, butterflies, and even Blue-tongued lizards. It’s no wonder the initiative bagged the 2024 Tidy Cities Sustainability Award in the environment category!
Visiting the Melbourne General Cemetery
The cemetery is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (8:00 am to 8:00 pm during Daylight Savings). Guided tours, like the “Tombstone Tour,” delve into the stories behind the sculptures, notable interments, and fascinating traditions. It’s a worthwhile visit if you’re in the area.
Community Planting Days
If you love getting your hands dirty, the cemetery regularly hosts community planting days, where volunteers team up to introduce new species to the grounds. It’s a heartwarming effort that combines community spirit with conservation, proving that many hands really do make light (and beautiful) work.
Explore Beyond the Melbourne General Cemetery with CityDays
After a beautiful, yet potentially heavy visit to the Melbourne General Cemetery, why not lighten up your afternoon with a CityDays scavenger and treasure hunts?
Our interactive tours are perfect for team-building exercises, whether you're local or visiting from afar. Not only do these tours engage you with the city’s rich history, but they also provide a fun and competitive way to explore Melbourne with your friends, family, or colleagues.
Our team-building activities aren’t limited to Melbourne either—we offer similar experiences in cities across the globe, making CityDays your go-to for unique urban adventures anywhere in the world.
So why not start your journey at Melbourne General Cemetery and let the adventure continue with CityDays?
