Considering Scattering Ashes in Australia? Here's What to Think About

More and more Australians are choosing cremation when saying goodbye to someone they love. In fact, recent figures show that over 65% of deaths in Australia now end in cremation. 

After the cremation of your loved one, there's often a really personal question: what is the best way for you to honour their memory with their ashes? This is a deeply personal decision, one that naturally carries significant emotional weight.

In Australia, around two-thirds to three-quarters of people who choose cremation think about scattering the ashes in a special place, rather than keeping them in an urn. 

Many people choose to scatter ashes because it provides a sense of comfort and allows for a meaningful farewell. It can symbolise freedom and a return to nature, offering a feeling of peace and release. For others, scattering ashes offers freedom from the permanence of a fixed grave, allowing a loved one's memory to be connected with a wider, unfixed space.

If you're considering scattering ashes here in Australia, this blog post is here to help you think through what's involved.

Things You Should Know Before Scattering Ashes in Australia

If you're considering scattering ashes, there are a few important things to know.

Regulations and Permissions

Generally, in Australia, scattering cremation ashes is permitted in many natural public spaces like beaches, rivers, and the ocean without needing specific permits.

However, if you have a private location in mind, such as a private garden, it's important to obtain permission from the landowner. Similarly, if you plan to scatter ashes at sea from a boat, you'll need to get approval from the vessel's master.

Also, sometimes our local councils have guidelines for scattering cremation ashes in the places they care for, like local parks or special beaches. In these cases, you might need to make a simple application beforehand.

Environmental Considerations

When we think about scattering ashes, it feels like a natural return, but it's also good to be aware that ashes can have a subtle effect on the environment. Because they're quite alkaline, like a mild version of bleach, large amounts in one spot can sometimes affect plant growth. They also contain salts that might affect plant growth. In this case, some famous places do not allow the scattering of ashes. For example, the Royal Botanic Garden.

To care for the places we choose, there are some thoughtful ways to scatter cremation ashes. You can spread the ashes lightly over a wider area. If you want to float the ashes, choosing a biodegradable urn is a really kind option, as it will softly break down.

Here are gentle ways to reduce impact:

• Scatter lightly over a wide area.

• Use biodegradable urns if you want to float the ashes.

• Consider scattering during calm, damp weather. This helps ashes stay in place.

Cultural Sensitivity

When choosing a public location, it's vital to be mindful of other people who may be using the space. Scattering ceremonies should be conducted with discretion and respect.

Australia has a rich Indigenous heritage, and many sites hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. It is paramount to respect these sensitivities and avoid scattering cremation ashes in or near sacred sites. For example, scattering ashes at Uluru is not respectful to the Aṉangu people, the traditional owners.

 If you are unsure, it's always best to seek guidance from local authorities or Indigenous representatives.

Scattering cremation ashes at or near Uluru is not permitted.

5 Ways to Scatter Ashes in Australia

Beyond the important considerations we've discussed, there are many different ways you might choose to scatter ashes in Australia. Here are five ways you might consider:

1. Scatter in your own garden

For some, the most comforting place is their own home. Scattering a loved one's ashes amongst the flowers or beneath a favourite tree can create a living memorial. It allows you to feel close to them as you tend to the garden. 

If you choose this option, remember that ashes can affect the soil's pH, so you might want to mix them with compost or scatter them thinly. 

2. Scatter ashes in a public place

Australia offers many beautiful public spaces where you might consider scattering ashes. This could be a favourite beach, a scenic walking trail, or a park that holds significance. Scattering in a cherished public spot can feel like returning your loved one to a place they enjoyed.

When choosing a public place, it's important to be mindful of others. Choose a discreet location and time to ensure the ceremony doesn't disturb or inconvenience anyone else using the space. 

3. Scatter cremation ashes through a charter boat

For those who loved the ocean, a charter boat scattering can be a fitting tribute. Many services along the Australian coastline offer the opportunity to take a small group out to sea to release the ashes. This can be a peaceful and symbolic farewell, with the ashes carried away by the water. For example, several companies, such as Water Taxis, provide ash scattering services on Sydney Harbour, typically offering journeys of 45 minutes to an hour.

4. Scatter ashes in a cemetery garden

Many cemeteries now offer dedicated scattering gardens. These provide a peaceful and well-maintained environment for the scattering of ashes. Often beautifully landscaped with flowers and memorial features, they offer a formal yet natural setting.

Choosing a cemetery scattering garden can provide a sense of permanence and a place for family and friends to visit and remember their loved ones. There are usually specific guidelines provided by the cemetery regarding the scattering process. 

5. Scattering in the air

Scattering ashes from the air offers a unique and visually symbolic way to say goodbye. This can be done from a small plane or helicopter, allowing the cremation ashes to drift gently over the land. This can feel like the liberation of a soul. 

The vastness of the sky can evoke a sense of peace, where ashes scattered into the air can feel like the liberation of a soul.

Ultimately, the most suitable way to scatter ashes is one that feels deeply meaningful to you and respectful to your loved one's memory.

Scattering Ashes: Remembering Without a Memorial

While scattering ashes offers a beautiful way to return a loved one to nature, or in a cherished home garden, it's also true that this choice has some drawbacks. Once all the ashes have been scattered, some people may experience feelings of frustration and emptiness, feeling like the deceased has 'disappeared completely’. 

Fortunately, there are now many ways to create a lasting memorial from a small portion of a loved one's cremation ashes. In this way, you can scatter most of the ashes while still keeping a very beautiful memento. 

In Australia, cremation diamonds stand out as a remarkable choice among these options. 

Turning Ashes into A Diamond: A Unique Memorial

A cremation diamond is grown from the carbon in ashes. It doesn't need a large amount of ashes; just 150 grams is enough to create a beautiful and eternal one-carat diamond.

The diamonds are formed under laboratory-created high-temperature, high-pressure conditions that replicate the natural diamond-formation process. The cremation diamond has the same brilliance, hardness, and structure as a natural diamond. 

Carrying the idea of eternal love and remembrance, the approach to turning ashes into diamonds blends advanced technology with deep sentiment.

A cremation diamond offers several benefits:

• Tangible Tribute: Unlike scattering all the ashes, which can leave a sense of emptiness, turning ashes into a cremation diamond offers a tangible connection to your loved one. It offers comfort and remembrance throughout your life.

• A Cherished Heirloom: By choosing to retain a portion of the ashes rather than scattering the entirety, you will have a cherished heirloom, passed down through generations as a lasting symbol of remembrance.

• Personalised and Unique: Each cremation diamond is unique, reflecting the individuality of the person it represents. With options for different shapes, colours, and sizes, you can create a truly personalised memorial that ensures their memory shines brightly for years to come.

For those considering this unique memorial, choosing a reputable and compassionate provider is key. LONITÉ, headquartered in Switzerland, is a world-leading specialist in crafting memorial diamonds. Drawing on Swiss precision engineering and advanced HPHT technology, the company transforms ashes into exquisite diamonds, providing families with a timeless, tangible tribute to their loved ones. Their commitment ensures that each diamond is not only a scientific marvel but also a deeply personal work of art.

LONITÉ also offers a wide array of memorial jewellery styles featuring diamonds made from cremation ashes. You can even personalise your own unique design from scratch. This bespoke approach ensures your memorial is as unique and cherished as the memories it holds.

Conclusion

Scattering ashes can be a beautiful way to return a loved one to the places they cherished, yet it often leaves nothing tangible to hold onto. For many, a thoughtful approach is scattering the majority of the ashes while perhaps preserving a small portion to create a diamond.

If you’d like a lasting keepsake alongside that meaningful farewell, LONITÉ’s Swiss-crafted memorial diamonds transform ashes into an elegant, enduring tribute. When you’re ready to create your timeless keepsake, contact us to begin the journey of turning ashes into a diamond.