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Rookwood Cemetery Tours

Travel back in time through 150 years with a Rookwood Cemetery Walking Tour.

Rookwood Cemetery is recognised as the most historic working cemetery in Australia. It was established in 1867 after the Sydney colony outgrew its previous two cemeteries at the site of the current Sydney Town Hall and near Central Station.

Learn about Rookwood’s fascinating history, the story behind its development and evolution, and its significant link to our nation’s heritage – by attending one of our history talks or tours.

The History Tours include a guided tour throughout Rookwood’s most historic and captivating areas, from its vast landscape and culturally specific gardens, through to its heritage buildings and memorials.

Tours Include:

  • The historic footings of Mortuary Station Number 1: Discussing the link between Mortuary Station and Rookwood Cemetery, the first railway line that transported the deceased from Sydney’s city to Rookwood
  • The Circle of Love: A beautiful area that honours children interred in unmarked graves within Rookwood during the late 19th Century, as well as children interred within the children’s lawn
  • Martyrs Memorial: A moving tribute to those who lost their lives in Holocaust
  • The Greek Church: Saint Athanasios Church: Australia’s only Greek Church located within a cemetery
  • Chapel and Mausoleum of Eternal Rest: Rookwood’s newly refurbished mausoleum that boasts amazing views across the cemetery
  • The Cottage: The original office of the former Independent Trust
  • Notable Gravesites: A visit to some the gravesites of some of some of Sydney's notables, including: John Fairfax, Bea Miles, The Gypsy Sterio Family
  • Fascinating Facts: Describing how burial practices have changed throughout history
  • Captivating Traditions: Outlining the different religious and cultural burial practices

Tours can be arranged for individuals that are interested but minimum numbers apply, or private group tours can be arranged for groups.

To organise a tour or talk, please email or call on 02 8575 8100.

For a more extensive tour, the Friends of Rookwood offer weekend tours. The Friends of Rookwood are a not for profit organisation made up of volunteers who are passionate about Rookwood Cemetery. They raise funds for restoration projects within the cemetery, and one way they do this is by conducting guided tours. For more information, click here.