Brighton General Cemetery

20/11/2025

As you walk the heritage paths of Brighton General Cemetery, you'll find the resting places of many who shaped our culture.

One of the most visited is that of Adam Lindsay Gordon, often called the "national poet of Australia."

A gifted horseman and parliamentarian, Gordon's true legacy is his poetry. He was one of the first to capture the unique spirit and character of the Australian landscape, laying the groundwork for the bush ballad tradition.

Though his life was tragically short, his words endured. His monument, a striking obelisk, was unveiled in 1902 and remains a point of pilgrimage for literary lovers. We are honoured to be the custodians of his memorial, preserving the story of a man who gave Australia its own poetic voice.

Photo credit: S. Milbourn - http://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+2729/2.

03/11/2025

Join the Brighton Cemetorians for a special Remembrance Day Walk.

In honour of Remembrance Day, take a guided walking tour to hear the stories of the brave men and women resting at Brighton Cemetery who served their country in various wars.

We honour and remember them.

Event Details:
Date: Sunday 16 November
Time: 2pm
Location: Meet near the Office at Brighton Cemetery

Bookings are essential for this free tour. Please call Lois on 9558 4248 or email info@brightoncemetorians.org to reserve your place.

28/10/2025

What a celebration! We were thrilled to mark 170 years of Brighton General Cemetery with the incredible Brighton Cemetorians.

The day was filled with history, featuring special tours and even a horse-drawn hearse. Our wonderful volunteers and SMCT team members truly brought the past to life, dressing in 1855 attire (with a sensible dash of modern sunscreen!).

While Brighton has certainly changed in 170 years, we know the founders would be proud of the care, community, and dedication to honouring our shared history that continues today.

22/10/2025

Visitor Weather Update
High winds are predicted across our sites today. Your safety is our priority. If you are planning to visit us, we kindly ask you to please take extra care when walking through the grounds, and be mindful of your surroundings, particularly near trees.
We are dedicated to maintaining our cemeteries as safe and welcoming places for our community.

15/10/2025

Today, on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, we join our community in honouring the precious lives of babies gone too soon. Today is a chance to pause, reflect and acknowledge the quiet grief carried by so many parents, families and friends.

At Bunurong Memorial Park, we offer a place of quiet remembrance at our Butterfly Garden - a dedicated memorial for those affected by early pregnancy loss. It's a gentle space to reflect and remember in your own way.

This evening, many people will take part in the global , lighting a candle at 7pm to remember lives lost too soon. Whether you choose to join or simply take a quiet moment of reflection, we're thinking of you.

05/10/2025

Save the date! We are delighted to be supporting the Brighton Cemetorians in celebrating the 170th anniversary of the opening of Brighton General Cemetery on Sunday 19 October.
Explore one of Melbourne's most distinguished historical cemeteries and hear the fascinating stories of the people of the cemetery drawn from the Cemetorians' decades of dedicated research. Enjoy historical displays, self-guided walks and a very special walking tour with a horse-drawn hearse.
Please click on the link to register for this event
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/170th-year-anniversary-of-brighton-general-cemetery-tickets-1613877885199

23/05/2025

The loss of a family member or loved one can be a difficult and painful experience. The initial shock and grief are often compounded by the need to make time-sensitive decisions and practical arrangements.

Our 10 Steps guide is based on the most frequently asked questions by families when planning a burial, funeral or memorial service. Contact us for further information about the considerations, options, and support services available to help you honour your loved one in the most special and meaningful way for your family.

Read the guide here:

Download this practical guide for families planning a funeral or memorial service for a loved one. It contains useful information and links.

20/05/2025

Join the Brighton Cemetorians for a guided walk through the annals of the law with Law Week Walk - Mishap or Murder?

Meet at the Brighton General Cemetery front gate on North Road on Sunday 25 May at 2.00pm to join the Cemetorians on this walk and listen to an array of fascinating local crime stories and then as an informal jury decide: was it a mishap or was it murder?

Walk entry price is $15 and bookings are essential – ring Lois on 9558 4248 to RSVP.

01/05/2025

🌼 Graveside flower delivery now available at more locations 🌼

We are excited to announce that our graveside flower delivery service is now available at all SMCT metropolitan cemeteries. This service allows you to honour and remember your loved ones with beautiful floral arrangements, delivered directly to their resting place.

Whether it's for Mother's Day, a special occasion or just to show you care, our team is here to help you express your sentiments with grace and beauty.

For Mother's Day graveside delivery, please place your order by Wednesday, May 7th.

📞 Call or place your order online today
https://www.smct.org.au/flowers

13/03/2025

March is Women’s History Month, and in celebration we are taking the time this month to acknowledge the histories of some of the Australian women whose achievements advanced the rights and visibility of women in the city of Melbourne, and who are now taking their eternal rest in our cemeteries.

These three selected women greatly influenced the spheres of the arts, science, women’s rights, sports and cultural life in our city. By looking back at the innovative women of the past, we can use their successes and their places in history to help us envision what women’s rights and gender equality looks like to us in 2025 and beyond.

Read about their accomplishments here: https://smct.org.au/blog/womens-history-month-celebrating-the-women-of-our-cemeteries

06/02/2025

The Brighton Cemetorians host regular guided walks exploring Brighton Cemetery throughout the year, led by knowledgeable history enthusiasts.

On Sunday 16 February join the Cemetorians for their Rogues and Revolutionaries walk to discover the stories behind some of Brighton General Cemetery's most intriguing people including Caroline Lynch and Squizzy Taylor. To book or make enquiries, please call Lois on 9558 4248 or email info@brightoncemetorians.org.

Learn more about the activities of the Brighton Cemetorians: https://www.brightoncemetorians.org.au/

24/12/2024

Wishing our community a safe and peaceful Christmas and holiday season filled with connection and warmth. Today, we think of those we love, both here with us and in our hearts. From our family to yours, happy holidays!

If you are in need of support during this period please visit our resources page: https://smct.org.au/grief-resources