There is no rush to decide what to do with a loved one’s ashes. You may keep them at home, inter them, scatter them in a meaningful place, or place a small amount in a keepsake. In NSW you can generally scatter ashes on your own land, and on public or Crown land or waterways with the landowner’s or council’s permission. Always check first, and choose what brings your family comfort.
After a cremation, the ashes are returned to the family. Deciding what to do with ashes is a deeply personal choice. There is no right or wrong answer, and no need to decide quickly. Some families keep the ashes close, others scatter them somewhere special, and many do a little of both. This guide explains the options, the rules for scattering ashes in NSW, and some meaningful ways to remember. It is general information, and our team at Keith Logue & Sons is always happy to help you think it through.
Can You Scatter Ashes Anywhere in NSW?
One of the first questions families ask is where you can scatter ashes. Reassuringly, ashes are sterile and pose no health risk, so the rules are mostly about permission and respect rather than safety. As a general guide in NSW:
- On your own property, you may scatter ashes freely.
- On public land, parks or beaches, you usually need permission from the local council or land manager.
- In national parks, you should seek approval from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
- On waterways or at sea, permission may be required, and there are guidelines to follow.
- On private land you do not own, always ask the landowner first.
It is wise to check with the relevant authority before scattering, as rules vary between locations. Your funeral director can help point you in the right direction.
Meaningful Places to Scatter Ashes
Many families choose a place that held special meaning for their loved one, such as:
- A favourite beach, headland or stretch of coast
- A garden, bushland or a quiet spot in nature
- A memorial garden at a cemetery or crematorium
- A place tied to a treasured memory or pastime
Some families hold a small, informal ceremony when scattering ashes, perhaps with a few words, a favourite song or a moment of quiet reflection.
Other Ways to Lay Ashes to Rest
Scattering is just one option. You may also choose to:
- Keep the ashes at home in an urn chosen to reflect your loved one.
- Inter the ashes in a memorial niche, garden or family grave, with a plaque to mark the place.
- Divide the ashes so several family members can each keep a portion.
Here in Coffs Harbour, the Hogbin Drive Memorial Gardens offer peaceful garden and niche settings where ashes can be interred close to home, and our team can help you arrange a scattering wherever feels right.
Memorial Keepsakes: Keeping a Loved One Close
For families who like the idea of keeping their loved one near, memorial keepsakes offer a beautiful, lasting connection.
For many people, a keepsake becomes a quiet source of comfort in the months and years that follow. There is something deeply reassuring about knowing that a small part of your loved one stays close, especially on harder days, birthdays and anniversaries. Keepsakes can also be shared, so each family member, including children and grandchildren, has something personal to treasure. Some prefer something they can wear every day, while others keep theirs quietly at home, and there is no right or wrong choice. What matters most is that it feels meaningful to you.
Popular options include:
| Keepsake | What it is |
|---|---|
| Memorial jewellery | A pendant or ring holding a small amount of ashes |
| Keepsake urns | Smaller urns so several family members can share |
| Memorial glass or diamonds | Ashes incorporated into glass art or gemstones |
| Fingerprint jewellery | A loved one’s fingerprint set into a keepsake |
These gentle reminders can bring comfort for years to come, turning love into something you can hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need permission to scatter ashes in NSW?
On your own land, no. On public land, in parks or on waterways, you generally need permission from the council, land manager or relevant authority. It is always best to check before you scatter.
Is it legal to scatter ashes at the beach?
In many cases yes, but you should check with the local council that manages the beach, as some require permission or have guidelines about when and where.
How long can you keep ashes before deciding?
As long as you like. There is no time limit, and many families keep ashes at home for months or years before deciding, or choose to keep them permanently.
Can ashes be split between family members?
Yes. Ashes can be divided so each family member keeps a portion, often in keepsake urns or memorial jewellery. It is a common and comforting choice.
Here to Help You Remember
Whatever you choose to do with a loved one’s ashes, it should bring your family comfort and peace. As a fourth-generation, family-owned funeral home, Keith Logue & Sons can guide you through the options and help with keepsakes and memorials. If you would like to talk it through, our caring team is here. You are welcome to call us any time on (02) 6652 1999 or send an online enquiry whenever you are ready.
This article was written by the team at Keith Logue & Sons, a fourth-generation, family-owned funeral home that has cared for families across Coffs Harbour and the Mid North Coast for over five decades.
[REFERENCES]
- Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW, https://www.cemeteries.nsw.gov.au/
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/
