The 5 Best Funeral Services in Melbourne That Make Saying Goodbye More Peaceful
It’s already hard enough to lose someone you love. No one should have to go through the pain of sitting through a funeral where the flowers look wilted, and the sound system keeps cutting out.
We’ve also heard stories of people being hurried along before they are ready to say their final goodbyes.
All of these things made us realise how much a funeral service can either help or hurt the grieving process. We wanted to help everyone have the chance to grieve peacefully, so we set out to find Melbourne’s best funeral services.
After talking to Melbourne families and reaching out to funeral services, here are the ones we found that actually support families and make saying goodbye a little easier.
How much do funeral services cost in Melbourne?
Basic funeral services cost at least $3,000 in Melbourne. This is just an estimate. The actual price will depend on the coffin choice, venue, florals, and more.
1. Bare Cremations
Address: Level 20/31 Queen St, Melbourne
Contact Details: +61 1800 071 176
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
What really set Bare apart for us was how everything could be done from home—calls, video chats, and online forms. They don’t force people into a rigid timeline or a venue they don’t want.
One family appreciated that Bare’s arranger patiently guided them through the paperwork over Zoom, allowing them to grieve privately without the stress of travel or endless appointments.
We also like that Bare isn’t tied to a single location. Their team can coordinate memorials or services just about anywhere—beaches, gardens, or even at someone’s home.
One couple shared that on the day of their parents’ funeral, the arranger and concierge quietly handled everything in the background. This allowed them to focus on their goodbyes instead of guiding guests and making arrangements.
Cost-wise, Bare doesn’t charge an upfront down payment. But we did hear that their monthly payments can sometimes catch people off guard due to the limited reminders.
That aside, Bare has an awesome aftercare team. A family was grateful that they helped them close social media accounts and notify Centrelink (social security), which saved hours of frustration.
They even offer free grief counselling.
Everyone was lovely to deal with
“I was so happy with Bare. The whole process of organising my husband’s cremation and memorial was very streamlined. Everyone was lovely to deal with and I loved how I was kept up to date with everything with either emails or phone calls. I had so many comments on how lovely my husband’s service was and I couldn’t have done it without the help of the wonderful staff. I thoroughly recommend Bare for any funeral arrangements you need.”
- Christine O’Donnel, Google Reviews
This company is truly dedicated and exceptional
“Heartfelt thanks to all staff at Bare Funerals. My father passed away recently and the beautiful staff at this company were not only exceptionally professional, but also extremely sympathetic and genuine in all their dealings with our family. They were also very quick to act when another company had picked up my dad’s body without consent. Gia in particular was amazing , but including all staff, this company is truly dedicated and exceptional at what they do. I will never choose anyone else, Bare Funerals/Cremations are true proffesssionals.”
- Anthea Michelle, Google Reviews
2. Tobin Brothers Funerals
Address: 189 Boundary Rd, North Melbourne
Contact Details: +61 3 9328 3999
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Tobin Brothers covers everything from Italian funerals to Greek and Cantonese services. They even arrange Auslan funerals for deaf families.
At one service, the interpreter signed every part of the ceremony, and the chairs were arranged so everyone had a clear view of her.
We also appreciate that they actually listen and make every custom request happen. One family told us they wanted their son’s casket carried in a motorcycle sidecar, and Tobin Brothers made it work.
Their online tribute pages also stood out to us. Families can watch the service live or catch a replay, light virtual candles, and post memories.
At one funeral, a woman mentioned that the livestream never glitched, and the photo tribute looked like someone had actually taken the time to get it right.
Parents who lost a child said the “Remembering our Angels” service gave them a gentle space to grieve their baby.
We also like that they help bring loved ones home from overseas when families need repatriation services.
The only real drawback is that sometimes the staff seem stretched thin, especially when several services are happening at once.
The entire service ran perfectly
“My family and I were so grateful for the kind and sensitive manner in which Tobin Brothers North Melbourne managed the funeral service for our daughter Meredith. Nothing was too much trouble whenever we had a request or a question. The entire service ran perfectly with no glitches. Stephen Tobin was always available for us and his advice was invaluable. I would highly recommend Tobin Brothers North Melbourne to anyone who may be in the sad position of having to organise the funeral service of a loved one.
Antonette Guy”
- Atoinette Guy, Google Reviews
Compassionately made all the necessary arrangements
“A big thank you to Tobin Brothers and Mandy, who have promptly, professionally and compassionately made all the necessary arrangements for my late dear Mother’s transfer from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast for burial with her darling husband, my wonderful Father. Your reassurance, empathy and experience has been so important with this more complex interstate process. Very well done.”
- Rosemary Peters, Google Reviews
3. Kingston Funerals Melbourne
Address: Head Office, 146 Argus St, Cheltenham
Contact Details: +61 3 9585 2822
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Kingston Funerals is for anyone who needs payment plans or wants eco-friendly options.
What we liked immediately was how open Kingston was about costs, with cremation packages starting at $2,495. Their payment plans are flexible, and their funeral and cremation packages come with almost everything people need.
For example, their premium cremation services include the use of their chapel, a teak coffin, and more. It even comes with a complimentary livestream setup for loved ones who are far.
One woman who lost her husband told us she appreciated how they tailored the music, photo tributes, and even floral arrangements to match her wishes. They didn’t stick to a set template, unlike others.
We also appreciate their green burial option. One family shared how Kingston helped them choose a biodegradable coffin and a natural burial ground.
Their ability to organise open casket funerals or women-only services is another plus. We like how planning is made simple thanks to their top-notch 24-hour customer care.
That said, while we like that Kingston offers plenty of venues, their chapel seats only 60. This can be a challenge for larger funerals.
So caring and compassionate in their approach
“Kingston funerals were so caring and compassionate in their approach to the family. At a very stressful and emotional time they were simply wonderful. The whole process was seamless and I can’t recommend them highly enough.”
- Julie Kirby, Google Reviews
Exceptionally good at helping our family during this difficult time
“Kingston Funerals were exceptionally good at helping our family during this difficult time. Their kindness, coupled with their efficiency and understanding were very much appreciated. The passing of a loved one is never easy, but thanks to Kingston Funerals, they helped us cope well with our loss.”
- G08, Google Reviews
4. Browne Brothers Funerals Melbourne
Address: 146 Argus St, Cheltenham
Contact Details: +61 3 9585 2622
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Browne Brothers help families with everything from traditional Greek burials to simple, unattended cremations. Their funeral directors break down each step in plain language and make it easy to compare options without any pressure.
One family told us Browne Brothers took care of every detail for their Greek Orthodox service (from the music to guiding guests through the customs), so everyone felt comfortable and included.
Another family mentioned that the flexible payment plans made it possible for them to choose a premium service.
We like that their approach to cremations feels just as personal, with time for reflection and private viewings if families want a quiet goodbye.
The only catch is that their most affordable cremation options are only available during business hours, which can be tricky for those who need to arrange something on a weekend or holiday.
Besides that, they’re quick to respond, even outside regular hours. One woman told us she was able to finalise everything late on a Sunday night, which saved her a lot of stress.
The funeral ran smoothly with no issues
“Browne Brothers was professional in their approach to our funeral requirements and the funeral ran smoothly with no issues. Their cost was slightly cheaper to other providers. I would recommend their services to anyone.”
- Adrian De Santis, Google Reviews
Professional,caring and expedient
“Browne Brothers were professional , caring and expedient in the caring for my mother after she passed. The whole process was carried out just as mum had planned.”
- Peter Blackbourn, Google Reviews
5. Gardenia Funerals
Address: 55 Boundary Rd, North Melbourne
Contact Details: +61 3 9329 4024
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Gardenia Funerals handles Catholic, Orthodox, Asian, and Italian funerals. We found them really good at weaving in the traditions that matter for each.
One family shared how they held an intimate Orthodox celebration of life event as a goodbye to their mum: 30 people, champagne in hand, swapping stories in a room with no set schedule—just time to be together.
Gardenia also offers various cremation and burial packages that include everything from the venue to paperwork and more.
A couple mentioned how the Gardenia team took care of everything, from dressing their mum to making sure there were fresh flowers and a slideshow ready. We liked that they set up a live stream so relatives overseas could join in.
Their 24/7 support is amazing. One man who lost his father told us how the team answered his late-night calls, talking him through what would happen next and what he needed to do. He said it made a tough time a little less overwhelming.
The only con we found was that people will need to arrange a more structured service with a funeral celebrant or priest for larger funerals. These services aren’t always included.
My dad’s farewell was beautiful
“Mitch, thank you from bottom of my heart for everything you are a legend! My dad’s farewell was beautiful and to the very last detail you had it all covered. I am blessed to have had you as funeral director. Thank you you beyond words. God bless you, Courtney and Gardenia Funeral Services.”
- Riantha Naidoo, Google Reviews
Mitch and his team were perfect
“Needless to say, my 14 year old daughter’s sudden death earlier this year was the worst thing that could happen. Mitch and his team were perfect. They helped us make the perfect funeral for our baby girl and handled everything with dignity, respect and love. We could barely breathe, and they ensured we had a celebration fitting our young and bubbly daughter. I can’t recommend them enough and having it at the Flagstaff bowls club was perfect. Thank you so much.”
- Sharon Gourlay, Google Reviews