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Grave and memorial location search

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Find a grave or memorial in Brisbane. Search burial records dating back to the 1800s.

Grave and memorial location at Hemmant cemetery.

Find a grave or memorial

Search more than 360,000 records of people buried or cremated in Council’s cemeteries and crematoria.

Our burial records database includes:

  • names
  • dates of birth
  • dates of death
  • ages.

Locate a grave or memorial to:

  • pay respects to someone you know
  • research your ancestry
  • check if there's a family resting place when planning a funeral.

Need help with burial options?

You can plan a funeral following our step-by-step guide. Find out about the fees and charges involved.

Graves with flowers and tributes at Hemmant Cemetery.

Before you begin your search

You need some key information to help you find what you're looking for.

Before you start your search, try to have on hand: 

  • the first or surname of the person 
  • the cemetery in which they’re buried (if known)
  • their date of birth and/or death and their age.

Don’t worry if you don’t have all this information. You don’t need to fill all the search fields to begin your search. Having as much information as possible just makes searching quicker.

tip

Tips for a successful search

  • Search by all, or part of, a name. Most of the records are transcribed from old burial books where the handwriting is illegible or hard to read. This means a name such as 'Anderson' may be spelt as 'Andersen. Trying 'Ander' would help a search.
  • Try different spellings. 
  • Try first names and middle names separately. People in the 1900s typically used their middle name as their first name.

Viewing search results 

Use the ‘Order by’ drop-down menu to sort through search results.

You can also view the results via map location and adjust your search criteria.

Click on ‘View more info’ for details of the location of the grave or memorial. 

Not all records are accurate. This is due to poorly kept records in the 1800s and 1900s. 

Council can update official burial records if you provide evidence. To do this, email Council a copy of the birth certificate, death certificate or a photograph of the headstone. You must be able to clearly read the information on the headstone.

information outline

Note

We can’t amend official burial records using newspaper clippings or family history.

Only a small number of burial records have a photograph added. A Council officer can photograph a grave for a fee and send the photo to you via email. Contact the cemetery to arrange this service.

We don’t keep records of the parents, children or relatives of the deceased. It was rare for cemeteries to record next of kin information in the 1800s and 1900s. 

While next of kin details are required these days, they are not available to the public due to privacy laws.

For more information on the burial or memorial location, contact the cemetery.

If you were unable to find a grave or memorial 

Unfortunately, not all records exist due to missing burial registers. 

Another way to find the location of a burial or cremation memorial is by viewing a death certificate. You can order a copy from Births, Deaths, Marriages and Divorces. Fees apply.

information outline

Note

We can update our records if you email a copy of the death certificate.  

Frequently asked questions

A grave is a physical resting place for someone who has passed away. It usually consists of a plot of land designated for the burial of their remains. It’s typically marked by a plaque or headstone.

A memorial is a commemorative structure that pays tribute to some who is deceased. Unlike a grave, a memorial doesn’t necessarily mark the resting place for a person’s remains. Memorials can be located in cemeteries and public spaces such as parks or memorial gardens.

Use Council’s online grave and memorial search tool to find where someone is buried in Brisbane. We keep records of people buried or cremated in our cemeteries and crematoria.

Records include the person’s name, dates of birth and death, and where their remains have been laid to rest.

Get tips for a successful search and learn what you need to get started.