Nestled on a hillside just 4.7 kilometres from the heart of Ballarat, the Ballarat New Cemetery in Invermay Park, Victoria, is more than just a final resting place for Ballarat’s citizens past and present – it’s a living tapestry of history, culture, nature, and community spirit.
With its lush lawns, shady trees, and tranquil open parkland, Ballarat New Cemetery is cherished for its beauty and its enduring history. A walk through its grounds reveals not just thoughtful attention to landscape design but also a deep connection to Ballarat’s storied past.
Formally gazetted on 10 June 1867, the cemetery came into being when the Ballarat Old Cemetery could no longer meet the town’s growing needs. Today, Ballarat New Cemetery stands as a testament to over 150 years of memorialisation trends, architectural evolution, and cultural heritage.
Aspects of the cemetery’s design can be traced back to the influence of the gold-rush, with historic rotundas, an impressive set of gates at the southern entrance, statues, and fountains reflecting the grandeur of the boom years. The construction of the Crematorium and Sovereign Chapel (1959–1962) and introduction of lawn graves in 1959 further illustrate the evolution of burial and memorial practices over time.
As one of only two botanical cemeteries in Victoria, the site spans 55 hectares, including a significant expanse of memorial parkland and 14 hectares of native forest in its northeast corner. The cemetery is also home to an extraordinary rose collection – nearly 2,000 roses representing approximately 200 varieties – offering a spectacular display of colour and fragrance throughout the flowering months.
More than 12,000 trees, both native and introduced, provide not only shade and aesthetic appeal but also essential habitats for local wildlife, enhancing urban biodiversity. Contemporary plantings take into account drought tolerance, climate adaptability, and overall aesthetics, ensuring the cemetery remains an important green space for generations to come.
As well as its role as a place of remembrance, Ballarat New Cemetery offers a number of community engagement opportunities each year. In the lead up to Anzac Day, volunteers and local schoolchildren place Australian flags on the graves of service personnel, honouring those who served. Annual rose pruning workshops give gardening enthusiasts the opportunity to learn from horticultural experts while walking and bus tours explore the cemetery’s rich history and fascinating locations such as the historic Chinese section.
For visitors, the cemetery offers countless ways to connect with history and nature, through family history research, peaceful walks, or creative pursuits like photography, sketching, or painting.
Ballarat New Cemetery is more than just a cemetery – it is a significant community asset, and it serves as a place of remembrance, history, and reflection. Visit us to gain insight into local history and enjoy some of Ballarat’s most beautiful gardens.
For further information, please visit our website at https://www.ballaratcemeteries.com.au.
