Rookwood Necropolis, Victorian era cemetery in Cumberland City Council, Australia
Rookwood Necropolis is a cemetery covering 286 hectares (705 acres) in Cumberland City Council, containing over 915,000 burial and cremation sites across several denominationally organized sections. The grounds are maintained by three different administrations and stretch across expansive landscaped green spaces with pathways, memorial gardens and four ceremonial chapels.
The grounds opened in 1867 and were connected to central Sydney by a dedicated railway line that transported mourners and coffins. The operation of this line ended in 1948, but the site has continued to expand since then and has been recognized as a significant state heritage site.
Separate sections for different denominations and communities shape the grounds and reflect the diverse makeup of Sydney's population. Visitors can discover monuments and gravestones in different architectural styles that show the cultural roots of those buried here.
Pathways are wide enough for pedestrians and vehicles, and visitors can explore the grounds by car or on foot. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, as the site is very extensive and a thorough visit requires several hours.
The grounds contain 704 Commonwealth war graves as well as memorials for victims of the Holocaust and the merchant marine. The Circle of Love offers a space of remembrance for stillborn children and shows a particular form of grief care.
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