Welcome to Sunbury Cemetery, nestled at the foot of Jackson’s Hill in Sunbury, Victoria. Steeped in history, our cemetery’s roots trace back to 1862 when the first 10 acres of the cemetery reserve were gazetted. This rectangular piece of land, stretching from the north-west to the south-east, marked the beginning of a sacred space that would become a final resting place for many.
On August 5, 1862, the hallowed ground witnessed its first registered burial, marking the solemn commencement of a space dedicated to honouring and remembering lives lived. Within that inaugural year, seven more burials followed, establishing a connection between the community and this sacred landscape.
In 1880, an additional 17 acres were gazetted, expanding the cemetery’s footprint and ensuring its continued role as a place of reflection, remembrance, and commemoration. As custodians of this historical site, we are committed to preserving the legacy of those who rest here and creating a tranquil environment for visitors seeking solace and connection.
We invite you to explore the stories etched in the stones, walk the pathways of history, and experience the enduring spirit of Sunbury Cemetery—a place where past, present, and future intersect in a timeless embrace.
The Sunbury Cemetery Trust respectfully acknowledges that the Sunbury Cemetery is situated on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, who have cared for this land for countless generations.
We extend our deepest respect to their enduring connection to country and recognize the profound significance of this landscape in Australian first nations peoples’ experiences surrounding a spiritual connection with life and the afterlife.
In honouring the rich cultural traditions of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, we pay our sincere respects to their Elders—those who have guided us in the past, those who walk with us in the present, and those who will lead the way into the future. May our endeavours within this sacred space be conducted with mindfulness and appreciation for the interconnectedness between the living, the departed, and the land on which we gather.