Can we scatter human remains in Australia?

Question

My father died some years ago and my mother has very recently passed away, it was their wish to have their remains scattered in the botanical gardens in Cairns, Australia. The problem is that my parents (and brothers and sister) live in the UK, are we allowed to take the ashes to Australia and scatter them on public land?

Answer 1

We spread them here on memorial gardens and people always spreading them down our beach.I reckon 100 percent yes and if not who will stop you,?

If your loved one was an Aussie it is your duty to return them home.

Answer 2

Don't do it.

Answer 3

if you dont tell anyone you can scatter the ashes anywhere you want.

Answer 4

Yes, you can scatter their ashes in Australia, it's quite legal.  And it's also OK to bring them in through Australian Quarantine, provided the containers aren't made of wood.  If they are then you will need to declare the containers for inspection.

You might want to contact the Cairns Botanical Gardens beforehand, just to make sure their OK with what your doing.

Answer 5

ask at the Aussie embassy if you can bring them here

i have scattered ashes of friends a few times & have had no problem

Answer 6

haha I live in Cairns Australia. But yeah probably ring like a customer service and ask. I don't really know the laws.

Answer 7

http://www.anbg.gov.au/chabg/bg-dir/044....

You can send an email to the cairns city council and check with them. I've never heard of a problem scattering ashes anywhere in Australia people do scatter ashes in all sorts of places. I sent my husbands ashes to England . And the funeral parlour who did the cremation got for me a document for customs stating they where ashes . Which I think is important as I'm sure the customs people would not want to go through them and test them for drugs so they would need to be sealed and the proper documentation to go with them. What a beautiful place to finish up at. Hope you can go there to Cairns during the dry season april to September.

Answer 8

I'm sure you would be allowed to bring them into Australia but it is something that would have to be declared to customs.  It may be worth contacting Australian customs before you try it to find out the process.  As for scattering them in a public garden, I don't think it is sanctioned officially but I know lots of people scatter ashes in various public gardens around Australia.  Just find a quiet spot where no-one is around and do it.