Melbourne General Cemetery

Opened in 1852, Melbourne General Cemetery covers 42 acres in Parkville, a short distance north of Melbourne’s CBD. Its gardens and historic graves offer a quiet place to walk, with memorials to Australian prime ministers near the main entrance and a large Elvis memorial elsewhere on the grounds. You can also see mausoleums and sections marked by religious denomination. Pick up a map at the entrance office, where staff can help locate a grave; plan for a long visit if you want to explore beyond the main paths.

A cemetery opened in 1852

Melbourne General Cemetery opened in 1852 and covers 42 acres in Parkville. Its grounds hold graves more than a century old, along with gardens and mausoleums. The cemetery is divided into sections by religious denomination, with the divisions marked on site boards. Gravestone inscriptions that record family origins in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland may be of interest to family historians. The cemetery’s scale is part of the visit. A map from the main entrance office can help you find particular graves and navigate between sections. Staff there can assist with grave locations. Toilets are available near the entrance and elsewhere on the grounds.

Memorials and gardens

Near the main entrance, a memorial garden honours Australian prime ministers, alongside a rose garden. A newer mausoleum has a reflective glass facade, while other mausoleums are maintained in light stone. The grounds also include a large memorial to Elvis. Gardens and planted areas provide a setting for a quiet walk and reflection. Native grasses have been planted as part of efforts to support local wildlife and birds. Some areas are densely filled with graves and have little shade, so an umbrella or sun protection can be useful. The entrance office has umbrellas available to borrow.