The Mausoleum Tradition
The tradition of above-ground entombment in a mausoleum has existed for thousands of years. In many countries around the world, mausoleums are popular for their ability to commemorate and honour the dead in a place specifically designed for dignified repose.
The Metropolitan Cemeteries Board (MCB) has built five beautiful public mausoleums, each with its own unique style and character, which allows the Western Australian community access to this distinguished form of final rest.
This website provides a brief introduction to our mausoleums but for more detailed information please contact our Client Services staff on 1300 793 109 for a copy of our Mausoleums Information Guide. We invite you to visit our mausoleums at your leisure or you can download the Mausoleum Information Guide here.
Information about our mausoleums is also available in an Italian version, and a Croatian version.
Our Mausoleums
The first Karrakatta Mausoleum and Ossuary is a building inspired by traditional Mediterranean architecture. It has a variety of crypt locations including shaded garden terraces and the more intimate private chapels. Comprising five stages in total, Karrakatta’s first mausoleum is now completed in its entirety. Only crypts in stages four and five remain available for purchase.
Families wishing to secure a crypt within the first mausoleum are advised to pre-purchase to avoid disappointment.
Karrakatta’s second mausoleum, the All Saints Mausoleum, was blessed on 6 November, 2011. The new mausoleum offers a variety of crypts housed through intimate Mediterranean terraces and an enclosed chapel.
The Fremantle Mausoleum is a building of timeless architectural design. It incorporates two chapels as well as a number of terraces and garden crypts. Set amidst landscaped gardens, the Fremantle Mausoleum is a fitting place for final rest.
The Swan Region Mausoleum takes the form of Mediterranean-style, open-air garden crypts. Set within the natural surrounds of Guildford Cemetery, it provides a welcoming and uplifting environment and a serene location for the final resting place of a loved one.
Located at the historic Midland Cemetery, the Midland Mausoleum consists of 48 crypts all housed within a furnished, private chapel. This intimate space is perfect for quiet contemplation and remembrance.
Having reached full capacity, there are no remaining crypts available for purchase at the Midland Mausoleum. There are no current plans to extend the mausoleum or construct a second facility. There are available crypts at the mausoleums at Karrakatta, Fremantle and Guildford Cemeteries.
Purchasing a Crypt
Crypts at all mausoleums can be purchased at the time of bereavement (at-need) or can be purchased prior to bereavement (pre-need). To ensure a reservation in a preferred location, pre-purchasing is advised. Please contact Client Services on 1300 793 109 to arrange a complimentary selection appointment.
Pre-Need Purchases
Crypts may be purchased prior to the time of need and will be reserved by the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board until required. Pre-purchasing gives your family the peace of mind of knowing that your crypt is available for the future in a safe and secure facility. The entombment fees may be pre-paid or otherwise the fee will be payable at the time of entombment. If you are interested in securing a crypt for the future, our Client Services staff will be pleased to show you the available options.
Certificate of Entitlement
Each crypt or ossuary compartment is sold with a certificate of entitlement. This provides you with exclusive entitlements to the crypt.
Grant of Right of Entombment
The Grant of Right of Entombment is granted for a period of 25 years and can be extended to 50 years on application. The 25-year tenure will commence upon purchase of the Grant of Right of Entombment.
Flower and Ornament Policy
The Metropolitan Cemeteries Board is committed to maintaining its cemeteries and memorial gardens to a high standard.
We thank our visitors for observing the guidelines described in the Flower and Ornament Policy regarding the placement of flowers and ornaments within the mausoleums, which are as follows:
- Vases, receptacles or figurines are not permitted on the ground in the mausoleums and will be removed without notice.
- One small picture of the deceased and one artificial flower can be affixed to the crypt shutter prior to the inscription being finalised. Once the crypt facing is completed, these items are no longer permissible.
- Care should be taken when using adhesive tape or re-usable adhesives (e.g. blu-tack) as these may mark the granite if excessive quantities are used or left on the crypt shutter for extended periods. Families using these adhesives need to do so with the knowledge that it may permanently mark the granite.
- Artificial flowers may be placed in the vase on the granite facing of the crypt.
- Fresh flowers are permitted in your crypt vase at the time of the funeral. These will be removed within five days or when withered. For hygiene and safety reasons, fresh flowers are not permitted in the vases from this point forwards.
- Fresh flowers are permitted in all mausoleum areas at the time of the funeral, Christmas, Easter, All Souls Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or the deceased’s birthday or anniversary. These will be removed by Board staff after five days or when withered.
The Flower and Ornament Policy can be downloaded in full here. Alternatively, please contact Client Services on 1300 793 109 if you would like to have a copy mailed to you.