The Southern Hemisphere’s largest cemetery is opening its gates for a free day of history, hidden stories and a little something spooky. Explore Rookwood’s historic grounds, go behind the scenes of a working crematorium and discover the famous and infamous figures laid to rest here.
Did you know Sydney is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest cemetery? Established in 1867, Rookwood General Cemetery spans 780 acres and is the final resting place of more than one million people.
This Sunday, Rookwood is opening its gates for a free day of tours, demonstrations and discovery, offering a rare chance to explore the historic necropolis and uncover the stories hidden within its grounds.
Rookwood Heritage Day will invite Sydneysiders to discover more than 150 years of history at one of Australia’s most significant cemetery landscapes.
Highlights of the day include a live grave-digging demonstration (we’re so intrigued), a Dead Famous Tour uncovering the most famous and infamous figures laid to rest at the cemetery, and a ride on a trackless train through the historic grounds.
At first glance, visitors might be more inclined to head to Bondi Beach than a sprawling cemetery. But for those who prefer their weekend plans a little less conventional (and a lot more spooky), this is a wonderfully unorthodox day out that is sure to be more memorable than a beach trip.
Metropolitan Memorial Parks CEO Denise Ora said Heritage Day was an opportunity for people to experience Rookwood in an entirely different way.
“People don’t necessarily think of spending a Sunday exploring a cemetery, but Rookwood is an extraordinary place. There are more than 150 years of Sydney’s stories here, told through the people, monuments, architecture and landscape,” Ora said.
“Heritage Day is about opening those stories up. You can visit the resting places of people who helped shape Australia, see craftsmanship that has survived for generations and go behind the scenes of places most people would never normally see.
“We want to showcase Rookwood as a place of history, culture, community and memory, and there is an enormous amount here to discover.”
What’s on for Rookwood Heritage Day?
Rookwood Heritage Day brings the cemetery’s incredible history to life through a program of free tours, talks, activities and displays. It’s a chance to explore the grounds, discover the stories behind them and learn more about one of Sydney’s most fascinating historic sites.
There are four tours to choose from, but the Dead Famous Tour sounds like the one to join. Led by Real Sydney Walking Tours, it takes you to some of Rookwood’s most fascinating headstones, including those of bushranger Captain Moonlite, retailer David Jones, newspaper proprietor John Fairfax and biscuit maker William Arnott.
If you’re really looking to expand your knowledge of the site, head to one of the three talks that will take place across the Sunday: History of Mortuary Station 1 and Rookwood Railway, History of Frazer Mausoleum or Rookwood History Museum.
Rounding out the day, visitors can step inside St Michael the Archangel Chapel, uncover the story of the railway that once carried coffins and mourners into Rookwood, and see traditional stonemasons at work as Metropolitan Memorial Parks launches its Masters of Stone Exhibition.
There will also be a biodegradable mushroom coffin on display, alongside contemporary urns, memorial jewellery, and traditional stonemasonry. Visitors can join weaving workshops, peruse heritage exhibitions, and even enjoy live music and food.
Rookwood Heritage Day
Where: Rookwood General Cemetery & Crematorium, Rookwood NSW 2141
When: Sunday, September 13, 9am-3pm.
Price: Free entry.
Rookwood Heritage Day is suitable for people of all ages. You can register for entry to the free Heritage Day here.
