Collaborative partner
Conservation burial at Walawaani Way
Funeral Commons works in collaboration with Walawaani Way to help families from Greater Sydney choose conservation burial on Yuin Country in Bodalla on the NSW South Coast.
Together, we provide a connected pathway from the first conversation and care in Sydney through to burial among native trees and regenerating bushland in Bodalla.
Founder Olivia Andrews introduces a journey to Walawaani Way.
About the site
Australia’s first 100% natural conservation burial site
Located on an 18-hectare property on Yuin Country in Bodalla, Walawaani Way combines natural burial with the long-term restoration and protection of the land. Burials take place in biodegradable coffins or natural-fibre shrouds, allowing the body to return naturally to the soil.
The former agricultural land is being regenerated into native forest and habitat for local wildlife. Plantings across the site support glossy black cockatoos and form part of a wildlife corridor for koalas living in the nearby Bodalla State Forest. The property also adjoins established bushland containing spotted gums estimated to be hundreds of years old.
Walawaani is a Dhurga word meaning “safe journey”. Walawaani Way works with Traditional Owners in the continuing regeneration of the site.
Conservation burial ground
An 18-hectare property on Yuin Country in Bodalla, being regenerated into native forest and wildlife habitat rather than run as a traditional cemetery.
No embalming, no synthetics
Bodies are returned to the earth in biodegradable coffins or natural-fibre shrouds, free of embalming chemicals, plastics or concrete vaults, so the soil can regenerate.
Open for families to visit
A memorial certificate with GPS coordinates is provided after burial, so families are always welcome to return to the site.
How our collaboration works
Two organisations, one connected pathway
Funeral Commons
Funeral Commons supports each family and coordinates the arrangements from the first conversation in Greater Sydney or the NSW South Coast through to burial at Walawaani Way. This may include:
- Bringing the person who has died into care
- Mortuary care and accommodation
- Helping the family understand their choices
- Arranging a biodegradable coffin or shroud
- Coordinating transport from Sydney to Bodalla
- Arranging and leading a funeral or memorial service in Sydney
- Creating, leading or coordinating the burial ceremony at Walawaani Way
- Liaising with Walawaani Way and other service providers
- Supporting family participation throughout the arrangements
A dedicated Funeral Carer remains with the family through each stage.
Walawaani Way
Walawaani Way provides and manages the conservation burial ground. This includes:
- The right of interment
- Grave opening and closing
- Burial registration and statutory records
- Detailed mapping of the grave location
- A memorial certificate with GPS coordinates
- Native planting and ongoing care
- A contribution to the Perpetual Care Fund
- Continuing conservation and regeneration of the site
Funeral Commons invoices its funeral services separately from Walawaani Way’s interment and burial-ground charges.
From Sydney to Bodalla
Approximately 4.5 hours from Sydney
Families may choose to:
- Hold a funeral or memorial service in Sydney before the journey south
- Gather at Walawaani Way for the burial and ceremony
- Hold a private burial followed by a memorial at another time
- Include religious, cultural or spiritual practices
- Participate in carrying or lowering the coffin or shrouded body where possible
The funeral may take place in Sydney, at Walawaani Way, or across both locations. Funeral Commons explains what is possible and coordinates the practical and ceremonial arrangements between them.
Natural burial requirements
Protecting the soil and surrounding ecosystem
To protect the soil and surrounding ecosystem, Walawaani Way requires that:
- The body is not embalmed
- Coffins are made from biodegradable natural materials
- Shrouds are made from natural fibres such as cotton, linen, hemp, muslin or silk
- Floral tributes contain no plastic, wire, foam or other non-biodegradable materials
- Clothing and any personal items buried with the body are made from natural, biodegradable materials
A coffin is not compulsory. For a shroud burial, the body is placed on a purpose-designed shroud carrier so it can be safely transported, carried and lowered. Funeral Commons can arrange the shroud and carrier and coordinate any required approval in advance.
Pricing
Two organisations, two invoices
Funeral Commons and Walawaani Way invoice separately so families can see clearly what each organisation provides.
Direct conservation burial
Burial at Walawaani Way without a funeral service in Sydney
Conservation burial with a Sydney funeral service
A funeral or memorial service in Sydney, followed by burial at Walawaani Way
These are starting prices. Choices such as the coffin or shroud, ceremony, venue, additional mortuary accommodation and transport requirements may affect the final cost. Funeral Commons provides a clear, itemised estimate before arrangements proceed.
Planning ahead
Recording your choices in advance
A right of interment at Walawaani Way can be purchased in advance directly from the burial ground.
Funeral Commons can help you consider body care, transport, ceremony and family participation, and record your choices before they are needed.
Prepaid funeral arrangements are also available, with payments held independently through a registered funeral fund. A funeral bond may be another way to set money aside for future funeral costs. We can explain how these options work, including the fees and which costs are fixed, before you enter any arrangement.
Plan your visit
Visiting Walawaani Way
Fiona at Walawaani Way offers tours for people who would like to see the burial ground and understand how conservation burial works. A tour gives you the opportunity to walk through the landscape, ask questions and learn about the burial ground and its conservation work.
If you would prefer to begin closer to home, a Funeral Commons Funeral Carer can meet with you in your home or at another location of your choosing to discuss conservation burial or planning ahead.
Start with a conversation
Reach out to learn more about Walawaani Way and whether a conservation burial is right for your family.
- Community
- Compassion
- Connection