Waverley Cemetery opens up 100 coveted spots
The seaside burial ground is opening up previously unoccupied space to be leased for new graves, but it will set you back a pretty penny.
NSW
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It’s the “best cemetery in the world” that’s home to some of our most iconic historical figures.
Now a glut of at least 100 coveted spots at Waverley Cemetery are up for grabs following some impressive space saving measures.
The seaside burial ground is using some as yet unoccupied isle space and unused and abandoned allotments to allocate 25-year leases of plots.
They are not digging up any remains to make new space.
A plot at the picturesque eastern suburbs location will cost you $27,000 – allowing space for three corpses and six ash interments.
The Sydney average is about $15,000.
“The cemetery has found additional allotments that have never been available before,” tour guide Gregory Ross said.
“They have discovered quite a few where rights of tenure have expired after 50 years.”
The availability of more space has also been made possible by the digitisation of the more than 100,000 souls that call the seaside spot between Bronte and Clovelly home.
There is also the installation of a new sandstone wall on the western side of Quinn Rd which will hold several hundred ash internments.
Today marks the 100-year anniversary of iconic Australian poet Henry Lawson’s burial at Waverley Cemetery.
Lawson’s 1922 farewell was then the first state funeral for a writer.
His grave recently got a $6000 makeover to fix cracked stone, ensuring it will remain in top condition for the next century.
Dorothea Mackellar, Henry Kendall and Jules Archibald, founder of The Bulletin and benefactor of the Archibald Prize, are also buried there.
“It is the best cemetery in the world with a view that is so beautiful,” Waverley councillor and former mayor Sally Betts said.
“And you are also being buried in such good company.
“People choose these plots because they want to give their families a nice view when they come and visit.”
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