When the Melbourne General Cemetery accepted its first burial in 1853, it was situated on the outskirts of the City of Melbourne. A new cemetery was necessary to replace the first official Melbourne burial ground which is now under the site of the Queen Victoria Market. The cemetery is still accepting burials today. Over 300,000 people have been interned.
The 43 hectare area features three large mausoleums, Roman Catholic and Jewish Chapels, elegant Rotundas along with many historically significant and interesting graves to visit.
Maps are available at the main entrance on College Crescent.
Next to the main entrance is the Prime Ministers Garden Memorial where former PM’s Sir Robert Menzies (1894-1978) and wife rest. Along with Sir John Gorton (1911-2002) and a memorial to ill-fated Harold Holt (1908-1967), who while in office disappeared while taking a morning swim in the sea. His body was never found leading to controversial myths that he was taken by a Russian submarine or shark.
My favourite grave is the impressively original tomb for billiards player Walter Lindrum (1896 – 1973). His tombstone is a pool table complete with a cue, three billiard balls and masonic emblem.
The cemetery is also a memorial park with a large monument to the 1800’s explorers Burke and Willis. A tribute to Elvis Presley next to a cave-like grotto funded by the singer’s local fan club. And in the Jewish section of the cemetery is a Holocaust monument in the shape of a massive candelabra.
While wandering around the cemetery, I unexpectedly found an apologetic tombstone recognising the countless babies who had been buried in unmarked mass graves. These infants had died prematurely at nearby maternity hospitals in the early to mid-1900’s had been secretly passed on to the Melbourne University for “teaching purposes”. One had been my stillborn Aunt.
Three times a year there are night cemetery tours In February, during the full moon in April or May and also on Halloween. The two-hour tour provides information about notable men and woman buried here.
The Melbourne General Cemetery is not on the tourist list of things-to-do. A visit is worthwhile if you are interested in learning more about the history of Melbourne and its people. Or like to photograph monumental masonry, the Melbourne skyline from a unique angle and views across the suburbs to the Dandenong Ranges.
Where:- College Crescent, Parkville
A short walk from the centre of Melbourne or catch trams 1 or 8
When:- open 365 days of the year. 8.00am - 5.00pm