City of Newcastle - Cemetery Reservation

Cemetery Reservation

Purchase a cemetery plot or memorial space in advance.

Last updated on: 07 April 2026

In this article

Cemetery Reservation - Perpetual Interment Right
Our Cemeteries
Burial and memorial information
Related articles
Application fees
Before you begin
Submit application
Next steps
Time frames

Cemetery Reservation - Perpetual Interment Right

Many people choose to purchase a plot or memorial space in advance to spare their loved ones from making difficult decisions during an emotional time.

A cemetery reservation, known as a Perpetual Interment Right, is an agreement with City of Newcastle that gives you the exclusive use of a burial plot, niche wall, or memorial garden space. It allows you to choose who can be buried or have ashes placed in that location and arrange a memorial at the site.

Our Cemeteries

City of Newcastle manages three cemeteries

Wallsend Cemetery

Location and details

164 Sandgate Road, Birmingham Gardens. View in Google Maps.
Wallsend Cemetery map
The map depicts the sectional layout of the cemetery only.
Gates are open daily between dawn and dusk.
Open for new reservations.

Stockton Cemetery

Location and details

Fullerton Street, Stockton (access off Nelson Bay Road). View in Google Maps.
Stockton Cemetery map
The map depicts the sectional layout of the cemetery only.
Gates are open daily between dawn and dusk.
Open for new reservations.

Minmi Cemetery

Location and details

20 Minmi Road, Minmi. View in Google Maps.
Minmi Cemetery map
Map depicts the sectional layout of the cemetery only.
All areas are closed for new reservations. If it is safe to do so, burials can be still carried out in pre-reserved plots which have the capacity for further interments.

City of Newcastle does not manage

Notice - Temporary change to reservations - Muslim section of Wallsend Cemetery

Due to operational works, we are currently unable to offer future need burial reservations in the Muslim section of Wallsend Cemetery.

This arrangement is expected to remain in place until approximately November 2026.
The works underway are focused on improving accessibility and usability of the area, particularly during periods of significant rainfall, to ensure the site remains safe and suitable for families and visitors.
Pre reserved plots are not impacted, and burial services can continue as usual.

Burial and memorial information

Graves

Overview

Graves are traditional plots used for burials and ash interments. At City of Newcastle cemeteries, grave sites are arranged in sections that reflect different religious denominations as well as general areas for the wider community.

While some areas are labelled by denomination, there are no restrictions on who can be buried there, the labels are used for location and layout purposes only.

You can view the layout of each cemetery using our maps. If you have a preference, you can also request a grave near a named family member or in a specific area of the cemetery.

One person can purchase a maximum of two plots.

Availability

Available at Stockton and Wallsend cemeteries.

While Minmi Cemetery is closed for new reservations, if it is safe to do so, burials can be still carried out in pre-reserved plots which have the capacity for further burials or placement of ash remains.

Capacity

Graves plots are designed to accommodate 2 burials and 6 ash interments.

Grave types

Lawn beam burial and ash interment

City of Newcastle has developed sections within Wallsend and Stockton cemeteries which are of concrete beam construction for lawn burials. This has been developed where a monument or a grave surround is not required. Lawn beam burials are suitable for people who like the idea of a lawn setting but prefer a headstone only marking the grave site.

The Lawn Beam section has the added benefit of being maintained by City of Newcastle (mowing and whipper snipper).

Monumental burial and ash interment

These sections allow full monumental structures to be erected over the grave site normally constructed of granite, marble and concrete. Monuments must be built in line with Australian standards and City of Newcastle requirements.

We will only maintain the walkways around the grave areas.

Niche Wall

Overview

A niche wall is a specially designed wall for placement of cremated remains and a granite memorial plaque with inscription is installed on the wall. The niche wall also provides the opportunity for a 'memorial only' plaque for those who choose to scatter ashes or inter them elsewhere.

Availability

Available at Stockton and Wallsend cemeteries.

Capacity

Each niche can accommodate one person's ashes.

Memorial Garden

Butterfly Memorial

Arrange a Funeral - Order for Interment - this approves the placement of a person's remains in a grave or memorial space.
Transfer for Perpetual Interment Rights - transfer your reservation rights to another person or add additional rights holders.
Cemeteries Enquiry - for general enquiries and questions about cemeteries.

Application fees

Fees vary depending on the location you choose and the type of interment space you purchase.
No fee is charged at the time of applying. However, an invoice will be issued once the application has been processed, all required documents have been received, and the contract has been signed by all listed Rights Holders.
If you need a fee estimate prior to submitting your application, contact us on our Enquiry Page or view our Fees and Charges.

Before you begin

Decide the cemetery location and the plot or memorial space you want to purchase.
Decide who will hold the rights to the plot or memorial space. You can have up to three Rights Holders per plot. All Rights Holders must approve each burial or ash placement, and any memorial installations.
By law, one person can hold the rights to a maximum of two unused plots, including plots held jointly with someone else. Plots that have already been used (partly or fully) do not count toward this limit.
The details you provide in this application will be used to generate the contract you'll be asked to sign. Please make sure all information is accurate and complete before submitting.

Submit application

Create or sign into your account

As part of the application process, you'll be prompted to register or sign in to your account.
Your account makes it easy to submit applications and requests, track their progress, view outcomes, and make payments all in one place.
You can find more information and step-by-step guidance on creating a registered user account, as well as access to support services, on our My Services article.

Apply Now

Next steps

You'll receive a notification with your application reference number.
A Cemetery Officer will be in contact with you to discuss the NSW Contract for Perpetual Interment Rights. This includes details about fees and services.
All Rights Holders must supply two forms of ID, including one photo ID and sign the contract to confirm they understand and agree to the terms.
An invoice will be raised for the applicable fees and charges.
Once payment is received, we will issue your Perpetual Interment Rights Certificate, confirming your rights to the selected plot.
When the time comes to use your reserved space, you will need to complete an Order for Internment Application.

Time frames

Applications typically take 5 days to be processed.

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Cemetery Reservation

Cemetery Reservation

Cemetery Reservation - Perpetual Interment Right

Our Cemeteries

Wallsend Cemetery

Stockton Cemetery

Minmi Cemetery

City of Newcastle does not manage

Notice - Temporary change to reservations - Muslim section of Wallsend Cemetery

Burial and memorial information

Graves

Niche Wall

Memorial Garden

Butterfly Memorial

Related articles

Application fees

Before you begin

Submit application

Create or sign into your account

Next steps

Time frames