Cemeteries in Western Australia: And the Work of Forever Shining

Western Australia is home to a rich and varied history, with stories of pioneers, explorers, and adventurers who helped shape the region into what it is today. One way to explore this history is by visiting the many cemeteries throughout the state. These cemeteries offer a glimpse into the past, with fascinating stories and insights into the lives of those who have gone before us.

The following are just a few of the cemeteries that are worth visiting in Western Australia:

1. Fremantle Cemetery Located in the heart of Fremantle, this cemetery has been in operation since 1898 and is the final resting place of many notable Western Australians, including war heroes, politicians, and artists. The cemetery features a range of beautiful and historic graves, and guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about its history. Forever Shining has done so many wonderful memorials in Fremantle Cemetery. Which Includes Headstones in Freemantle , Full Monuments in Freemantle.
2. East Perth Cemeteries Comprising three separate cemeteries (the Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Jewish cemeteries), this historic site dates back to the early 1800s and offers a fascinating glimpse into Perth’s colonial history. Many of the graves are beautifully preserved, and guided tours are available to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the cemetery’s rich history.
3. York Cemetery Located in the historic town of York, this cemetery is home to some of the region’s earliest settlers, with graves dating back to the 1830s. The cemetery features a range of interesting and unique graves, including several that are beautifully decorated with intricate ironwork.
4. Coolgardie Cemetery This cemetery is a testament to the harsh and challenging conditions faced by early settlers in the Goldfields region. Many of the graves are simple and unadorned, reflecting the difficult and often short lives of those who lived and worked in the area.
5. Karrakatta Cemetery Opened in 1899, Karrakatta Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in Australia and is the final resting place of many of Western Australia’s most notable citizens. The cemetery features a range of beautiful and historic graves, and guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about its rich history.

Visiting cemeteries can be a powerful and moving experience, offering a unique glimpse into the past and providing a sense of connection to those who have gone before us. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a quiet and reflective place to visit, the cemeteries of Western Australia offer something for everyone.

Installed Headstone and Base Packages for Perth Metropolitan Cemeteries

Karrakatta, Fremantle, Pinnaroo Valley, Rockingham Regional, Midland and Guildford cemeteries are all managed by the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board (MCB). For these cemeteries we offer three fixed price packages that include the headstone, a matching granite base, laser etched artwork and installation by an MCB approved monumental mason. The MCB monumental work application fee of $381 is paid to the cemetery and is included in the totals below.

Package	Headstone	Base	Installed price	Total incl. MCB fee
MCB Deal 1	850 x 850 mm premium black granite	1220 x 300 x 150 mm with 2 flowerpots	$7,280	$7,661
MCB Deal 2	760 x 760 mm premium black granite	1050 x 300 x 150 mm with 2 flowerpots	$6,490	$6,871
MCB Deal 3	650 x 650 mm premium black granite	1050 x 300 x 150 mm with 2 flowerpots	$5,530	$5,911

What every MCB package includes

• Premium black granite headstone in your choice of our standard shapes
• Laser etched artwork with two images and your inscription, plus one artwork proof and two minor modifications
• Standard black granite base with two flowerpots in gold, silver or black inserts
• Installation on the existing concrete beam by an MCB approved monumental mason
• The MCB Authorisation for Monumental Work application lodged on your behalf. The grant holder or their representative signs the form and we handle the rest

Good to know

• Accessories such as metal crosses and statues, coloured images and additional granite plaques are available at an additional cost
• Packages are priced for sections with an existing concrete lawn beam. For cemetery areas or sections without a concrete lawn, an Australian Standard footing is required and will incur an additional cost
• The site must have clear access. If access is restricted, additional heavy machinery hire may be required and will incur an extra charge
• Surname, verse or MCB grave number on the base adds $200. Extra laser images are $100 each
• Orders take around 12 to 18 weeks from artwork approval. A 50% deposit starts your order and a 12 month payment plan is available
• Prices are current for the 2025 to 2026 financial year

How the monument is built and installed

These drawings show how we secure every headstone and base. The base sits on a concrete overlapping footing with 150 mm piers driven as deep as the ground allows, and the headstone is pinned to the base with 10 mm stainless steel dowel fixings. Full monuments with kerbs, ledger panel and socket follow the same principle.

Design your headstone online and choose the MCB package size that suits, or book a free weekend home visit and we will bring samples and drawings to you. See the dedicated Karrakatta and Fremantle pages for more on each cemetery, and our Pinnaroo Valley page for lawn plaque sizes. Each cemetery and section has its own rules, listed on those pages.