Kangaroo Ground Public Cemetery

Kangaroo Ground Public Cemetery

Kangaroo Ground Public Cemetery lies on the lower north-eastern slopes of Tower Hill in the heart of the Nillumbik Shire. The cemetery occupies a site on an ancient riverbed comprising a rare exposure of Nillumbik sands — a landscape feature that distinguished it from the surrounding black volcanic soil typical of the district, and the only place in the area where the soil was soft enough to easily dig a grave.

Established in 1851, the cemetery is one of the first established in the region, even predating Melbourne General Cemetery by two years. Nine-year-old Judith Furphy is recorded as the first person known to have been interred, on 17 May 1851.

Kangaroo Ground Public Cemetery is proud to welcome people of all communities, cultures, and faiths. Reflecting the diverse backgrounds of those who have called the Nillumbik region home across generations, the cemetery is a place where everyone is honoured with dignity and respect. We understand that every family is unique, and that the ways in which loved ones are memorialised are deeply personal. With this in mind, we offer a range of diverse interment options to ensure that families can farewell and remember those they love in a manner that is meaningful to them.

The cemetery spans two sites, offering a setting of quiet natural beauty. The pioneer site is nestled amongst established trees in a beautiful bush setting, where garden areas blend seamlessly with the surrounding rural landscape and traditional native flora and fauna of Kangaroo Ground, creating a tranquil and reflective environment. A second site is set to open in mid-2026, designed with deep sensitivity to its surroundings. The use of sympathetic materials and considered plantings have been carefully chosen to blend with and complement the natural landscape, ensuring a seamless continuation of the cemetery's bush character. The Nillumbik arts community has also been engaged to contribute artistic pieces that complement the landscape, reflecting the region's rich creative spirit and adding a distinctive and meaningful dimension to this beautiful new space.

The cemetery is administered by a Trust drawn from members of the local community, dedicated to developing and maintaining the grounds in keeping with the cemetery's unique character and environment.

LOCATION

545 Eltham – Yarra Glen Road, Kangaroo Ground VIC 3097

ABOUT US

Community Facility

CONTACT

Secretary

kgcemetery@gmail.com

www.kangaroogroundcemetery.com.au

HOURS

Visitor access open every day

8.00am – 6.00am

POSTAL ADDRESS