Historic Rookwood Necropolis

Visitor Information Guide - Friends of Rookwood - more details call 9499 2415 or click here for their new website

Rookwood Necropolis, at 283 hectares (700 acres), is one of the largest burial grounds in the world and one of Australia’s oldest cemeteries. It has been in continual use since it was established in 1868 and over 800,000 people have been interred within the grounds. The headstones and monuments reflect the history of the colony Of New South Wales and the development of the city of Sydney. The heritage values of the cemetery are protected by an act of Parliament.

Details of the tours, please contact Robyn Hawes on 02 9499 2415

Mail:

Friends of Rookwood Cemetery

PO Box 66

Lidcombe NSW 1825

More information & photos of Rookwood Necropolis

 The word Necropolis is derived from Greek roots Nekros, meaning dead body and polis, meaning City, , hence City of the Dead —  another word for cemetery.

The original 81 hectare (200 acre) heritage area, located in the north western corner of the Necropolis, is subject to a Permanent Conservation Order and represents the largest and one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian public cemetery anywhere in the world. Rookwood was originally designed in the grand gardenesque style, fashionable in the mid to late 19th Century. The brick gutters which defined the ornate landscaping can still be seen, together with the highly decorative monuments and other features including the chapel of St Michael the Archangel and the Serpentine Canal with its elegant ponds, bridges and urns. These were set in formal gardens with rest houses to cater for mourners and visitors.

Necropolis Circuit was the focal point of the cemetery, featuring a splendid sandstone Mortuary station which was the receiving house for funerals arriving by train from Sydney between 1868 — 1948. The building was sold and dismantled in 1956 to be re-built as All Saints Church in Ainslie, a suburb of Canberra.

 

ROOKWOOD IS A PLACE OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY MUCH LOVED BY FAMILIES, HISTORIANS, ARTISTS, ENVIRONMENTALISTS AND CASUAL VISITORS ALIKE.

Many features have been restored to their former glory as part of the Federal Government’s Federation, Cultural & Heritage Program. Funding for these projects has been supplemented by the cemetery trusts, Friends of Rookwood and other interested groups.

 

Rookwood is a working cemetery, managed by 6 denominational trusts and other organizations. All trust offices employ their own staff and keep their own records. Maintenance of the cemetery is funded by these organizations which receive no direct government assistance.

Over 80 religious and cultural groups use Rookwood as a final resting place for their loved ones. Funerary customs, brought here from all over the world, reflect our multicultural society.

 

Rookwood Gardens Crematorium is the oldest operating Crematorium in Australia, covering an area of 9.3 hectares (23 acres). The first cremation took place in 1925. Over 7000 roses grow in the beautiful gardens.

 

Sydney War Cemetery & NSW Garden of Remembrance is situated near Weeroona Road entrance.

Friends of Rookwood is a community group dedicated to increasing awareness of the social, historical and cultural values of the cemetery and raising funds to assist in continuing restoration.
By becoming a member you will receive a quarterly newsletter and have the opportunity to participate in a range of meetings and other activities.

 

You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping in the restoration of this unique heritage site.

 

For more information phone (02) 9499 2415.