Rookwood Cemetery
Lidcombe, NSW 2141 (The largest working cemetery in the Southern Hemisphere)
- Established
- 1867
- Operator
- Metropolitan Memorial Parks & Catholic Cemeteries
- Interment
- monumental · lawn · mausoleum · niche
- Status
- Open
- Address
- 1 Hawthorne Ave, Rookwood NSW 2141
- Grounds
- Daily 6am–7pm (to 9pm daylight saving)
- Office
- Mon–Fri 8am–4pm; Sat–Sun 9am–1pm (phone only)
- Phone
- 02 8575 8100
- Public transport
- Lidcombe Station (T1/T2) is the nearest train line; buses 408, 920 and 925 stop at the cemetery.
- Parking
- Free on-site parking throughout the grounds.
Burial costs
Right of interment, from the operator’s guide.
Headstone costs
The monument itself (indicative).
| Lawn monument | $1,500–7,000 |
| Ledger / simple | $3,000–3,500 |
| Single monument | from $12,000 |
| Double monument | from $15,000 |
Quoted by a specialist monumental mason; the final price depends on design, material and inscription.
Sections by community
Each links to a guide for that community at Rookwood Cemetery.
Cremation & ashes
Rookwood Cemetery offers options for cremated remains, with niches and memorial gardens among them. A plaque marks a niche or ashes plot; our guide sets out the choices and what they cost.
Interring or scattering ashes in Sydney →On site
Frequently asked
How much does a burial plot at Rookwood cost?
A standard monumental plot is indicatively $8,000–$15,000 for the interment right, with the burial fee charged on top. Rookwood is generally the most affordable major Sydney option. Confirm current figures with the operator.
Which religions and cultures have sections at Rookwood?
Rookwood has 90+ religious and cultural sections, including Catholic, Anglican, Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Muslim, Chinese and independent areas.
What are Rookwood's opening hours?
The grounds are open daily and the office keeps standard weekday hours. Check the operator for public-holiday variations.
Is Rookwood still open for new burials?
Yes, Rookwood General remains a working cemetery with ongoing interments across monumental, lawn, mausoleum and niche options.