Guides · Updated 12 October 2026

By , founder of Fondly · Checked against official sources · How we write our guides

Planning and paying for a funeral in Australia

What a funeral costs in Australia, your rights with funeral directors, a checklist of the decisions to make, and the ways families pay. Every fact links to the government page it comes from.

This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Last checked against the linked sources on 12 October 2026.

What a funeral costs

Moneysmart puts the cost of a funeral at around $8,000 to $20,000, depending on what you choose. Moneysmart The biggest costs are usually the funeral director's fee, the coffin, and the burial plot or cremation. A direct cremation, with no service at the time, costs far less, and you can hold a memorial later on your own terms.

Your rights with funeral directors

The ACCC says to get an itemised quote in writing, and that businesses should be open about commissions they pay for referrals, for example to hospitals, nursing homes or comparison sites. You shouldn't be forced to buy extras like a headstone from them. ACCC Some states go further:

  • NSW: funeral directors must show itemised prices and their cheapest package, on their website and at their premises. NSW Fair Trading
  • Victoria: funeral providers must display a price list online and at their premises. Consumer Affairs Victoria
  • Queensland: funeral businesses must show an itemised price list, and give you an itemised written quote within 2 days if you ask. Queensland Government

In NSW, funeral directors aren't compulsory, though most families use one. NSW Government

The decisions to make

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  • Check for wishes

    Look in the will, any prepaid funeral plan or funeral insurance, and ask close family. Some people leave instructions with their solicitor.

  • Burial or cremation

    This shapes most other choices and costs. Cremation is often cheaper, but not always once a service is added.

  • Get at least two quotes

    Ask each funeral director for an itemised quote. Prices for similar funerals vary a lot, and you can phone around before you commit. ACCC

  • Choose the kind of farewell

    A full service, a small private service, a direct (unattended) cremation with a memorial later, or a gathering somewhere that mattered to them.

  • Pick the day, time and place

    Check availability with the venue, the celebrant or faith leader, and the people who must be there. Funerals are often held within a week or two, but it varies.

  • Choose a celebrant, minister or faith leader

    The funeral director can suggest celebrants. For cultural and religious traditions, ask early, as some need things to happen quickly.

  • Coffin or casket, clothing and viewing

    Decide whether there will be a viewing, what they'll wear, and any items to place with them. The coffin is one of the biggest line items, so ask to see the full price range.

  • The order of service

    Music, readings, who gives the eulogy, a slideshow, pallbearers and any rituals. A printed or online order of service helps guests follow along.

  • Flowers, or a donation instead

    If you'd prefer donations to a cause, say so in the notice.

  • The wake

    Book the venue and catering, or ask family and friends to bring a plate.

  • A livestream for people who can’t come

    Many venues can stream. Our guide to livestreaming a funeral covers the options.

  • Tell people the details

    A death notice in the paper, and one link with the time, place, livestream and RSVPs. Make a free page.

Who pays, and how

  • The person who arranges the funeral is responsible for the bill, though the cost comes out of the estate if there's enough money. Don't sign with a funeral director you can't pay. Legal Aid NSW
  • The person's bank may release money from their account to pay the funeral bill. Ask the bank what it needs, usually the invoice and a death certificate. Moneysmart
  • Funeral insurance, a funeral bond or a prepaid plan may already cover it. Check their papers.
  • Your own super: in limited cases, you can apply to the ATO to release some of your own super on compassionate grounds to pay for a dependant's funeral. You'll need an itemised quote or invoice. ATO
  • Veterans: DVA may pay a funeral benefit toward the cost. DVA
  • Time off: employees get two days of compassionate leave when an immediate family or household member dies. It's unpaid for casuals. Fair Work Ombudsman

If you can't afford a funeral

Every state and territory has help for families who can't pay, usually a simple funeral or cremation. Ask the hospital social worker or a funeral director, or see your state's guide: NSW · Victoria · Queensland · WA · SA · Tasmania · ACT · NT.

The National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007) is free if money is worrying you.

One link for the service, wake and meals

Once the service is booked, a free page answers everyone's questions: the time and place, the livestream, RSVPs and a meal roster, texted in one link.

Make a free page