Water cremation, also known as aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis, is a process that uses warm water and an alkaline solution to break down the body’s soft tissues, leaving only bone fragments behind. Providers report that it uses around 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces no direct air emissions.
This guide explains how it works, where it is available, what it costs, and what families can do with the ashes afterward.
What Is Water Cremation?
Water cremation speeds up the natural decomposition process that happens underground, completing it in a controlled chamber over several hours rather than decades. The body is placed in a stainless steel chamber with a solution of approximately 95% water and 5% alkali, usually potassium hydroxide.
The bone fragments are removed, dried, and processed into a fine white powder. This is returned to the family in an urn, much like traditional cremation ashes. How the liquid byproduct is managed depends on the provider and on local regulations.
How the Process Works
- Preparation: The body is collected, cared for and prepared by the provider.
- Alkaline hydrolysis: The body is placed in a purpose-built chamber with water and an alkaline solution. Heat, and pressure in some systems, break down the soft tissue.
- Separation: Once the process is complete, the bone material is separated from the liquid.
- Processing the remains: The bone material is dried and processed into a fine powder, which is returned to the family in an urn.
- The liquid byproduct: How the liquid is managed depends on the rules that apply to each facility and its location. Families should not assume any particular disposal method is permitted.
Is Water Cremation Legal in Australia?
Each state and territory has its own laws on water cremation. NSW, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory name it in their legislation. Other states don’t name it specifically, so check with your state government or a funeral director before making plans.
| State | Status |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Named in law (Public Health Regulation 2022) |
| Tasmania | Named in law (since 2024) |
| ACT | Named in law (Code of Practice 2026) |
| Northern Territory | Named in law (since 2022) |
| Victoria | Not named in law. Methods other than burial or cremation need Department of Health approval. |
| Queensland | Not specifically named in law |
| South Australia | Not specifically named in law |
| Western Australia | Not specifically named in law |
Laws can change. Confirm the current rules with your state government or a local funeral director before making plans.
What Does Water Cremation Cost in Australia?
Water cremation prices vary widely between providers and locations. The table below shows starting prices published on provider websites.
| State | Starting price | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Queensland | $2,640 to $5,999 | The Gentle Way, Gold Coast Aquamations |
| New South Wales | $2,640 (northern NSW), $6,600+ (Sydney area) | The Gentle Way, Global Funerals |
| Tasmania | $4,400 | Alluvium Water Cremations |
| Victoria | $4,400 + transfer fees | Alluvium Water Cremations (facility in Tasmania) |
| ACT / South Australia | Price on request | Contact a local funeral director |
| Northern Territory / Western Australia | No provider found | — |
Prices are from provider websites (October 2026) and may change. Contact a provider in your state for an accurate quote.
What to Do With the Ashes After Water Cremation
Water cremation returns ashes to the family in an urn, just like flame cremation. Families can keep them at home, scatter them, or place them in a memorial. You don’t need to decide straight away.
Read more: Top 6 Memorial Options After Cremation in Melbourne
Choosing a Living Legacy Tree for Ashes After Water Cremation
After a water cremation, the ashes are returned to the family. Many families then look for a permanent place to visit.
At Mornington Green in Somerville, Victoria, ashes from both flame and water cremation can be placed in a Living Legacy Tree. The ashes are treated with our Living Legacy Formula and placed in the soil around a native tree.
If a death has already occurred, families can select an established tree, some up to five metres tall. If you are planning ahead, a new tree is planted at the time of selection.
To book a visit or ask about options, contact our team.
