Chapel Road, Nikenbah (Natural Burial Ground)
Nikenbah Natural Cemetery is a dedicated natural burial ground, designed for those who wish to return to the earth gently and sustainably. Unlike traditional cemeteries, natural burials minimise environmental impact by using biodegradable materials and maintaining the site as a native bushland setting, free of headstones or formal landscaping. It’s a peaceful place where nature is allowed to flourish and remembrance takes a more natural form.
Nikenbah Natural Burial is a sustainable option for those who wish to return gently to the earth. Natural burials allow the body or ashes to decompose with minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Our natural burial grounds are carefully maintained to resemble a living landscape. Maintenance is limited to the removal of overgrowth, allowing native plants and wildlife to thrive.
To support the natural environment, only biodegradable materials are permitted.
Shrouds – Must be made from 100% natural fibres such as wool, silk, bamboo, hemp, linen, or cotton.
Coffins – Must be fully biodegradable, such as cardboard, wicker, seagrass, bamboo, or untreated, sustainably grown timber.
Not allowed: Synthetic materials or treated timber.
Only single burials of human remains are permitted per plot.
Ashes may be interred in an existing burial site upon request.
Council will do its best to accommodate requests for adjacent plots, depending on availability.
Individual headstones or grave markers are not permitted within the natural burial grounds.
Council provides a shared memorial at the entrance, where a standard-sized plaque (supplied by Council) can be installed.
To protect the native ecosystem:
Planting trees or vegetation on graves is not allowed.
Local native flowers may be placed on the grave on the day of the burial only. These will be removed after two weeks.
All natural burial plots measure: 1.5m wide x 2.4m long.
Graves are prepared using mechanical equipment.
Please contact Council to arrange an on-site meeting with an authorised staff member.
All burials must be arranged through a recognised funeral director. For current pricing, see our fees and charges.
