The Upper Yarra Public Cemetery has been at the site in Wesburn since 1893. It was not the first cemetery to service the Upper Yarra area. The first cemetery was at Old Warburton, a gold mining and timber area established in the 1860s by the Yankee Jim’s Creek.
In September 1889 as the population grew and began to move away from Old Warburton, a request was made by the newly-formed Shire of Upper Yarra for an area of land, not less than 10 acres for a cemetery.
The present day site was determined by the Lands Department. Copies of the rules and regulations were duly signed and sent by the then Shire Secretary, William Cowan, to the Health Department in Melbourne and on the 9th of June 1893 the Government Gazette published details of location, rules and regulations applying to the cemetery.
Since that day the cemetery has undergone a number of name changes, each reflecting the movement of population. Situated on the border of the Warburton Village Settlement, it was first known as Warburton. It was subsequently changed to West Warburton, then Wesburn and finally Upper Yarra.
https://upperyarracemeterywesburn.org.au/9-general?start=12#sigProIdb7edbaa6c0
Photography by Natalie Delaps 2011 and Sonsie Studios 2017
The cemetery operates under the direction of the Victorian Department of Health and is administered by a Trust of seven members, in accordance with the Cemeteries & Crematoria Act of 2003 and Regulations of 2005. The Trust is governed by its Rules of Association; it meets regularly to oversee finances, Occupational Health and Safety procedures and to plan and implement policies.
Regulations unique to the cemetery provide information about what size and type of memorial can be used in specific sections of the cemetery. Also outlined are procedures for maintaining grave sites and observing safety and aesthetic requirments, for the benefit of all visitors to the cemetery.
The Vegetation Management Plan outlines the arrangements for planting and vegetation management in the bushland burial areas of the cemetery. Download the VMP here.
Any questions about the Regulations or Vegetation Management Plan should be directed to the Cemetery Trust - see Contact Us for contact details.
Monumental Section
Grave sites for all denominations are available. Memorializations (plaques, headstones) in this area are at the cost of the client, subject to the approval of the Trust. Monumental works are normally carried out by a monumental mason. Each grave can accommodate two burials.
Right of Interment (site only) $1105.00
Interment of Bodily Remains $1145.00 each interment
Lawn Section
In this area, known as the Ben Cairn Lawn, each site is supplied with a concrete block and vase subject to a regulated size plaque for memoriliazation. Plaques purchased through the cemetery include permit fees and installation costs. Each grave can accommodate two burials.
Right of Interment (site only) $1065.00
Interment of Bodily Remains $1105.00 each interment
Children’s Lawn
Graves in this area measure 1.5m. x 1m and allow only one burial.
Plaques can be purchased through the cemetery and include permit fees and instalment costs.
Right of Interment ( site only) $310.00
Interment of Bodily remains $485.00
Updated July 2013
Standards and specifications apply. Please contact the Secretary on 59672572 to discuss your requirements or click here to view standards and specifications.