The 5 best cremation services in Melbourne for low-cost and unattended options
Besides the fact that having a late loved one cremated is more affordable than a traditional burial, some people do it for sentimental reasons. It may have been the deceased’s final wish, or the family wants to keep their ashes close until they’re ready to move forward.
But in the midst of grief and the overwhelming decisions that follow, there’s often a quiet wish for someone to handle it all—the paperwork, the urn, and the little things in between. Someone reliable and compassionate who can return your dearest to you with care and respect.
In other words, low-cost and unattended options, which the best cremation services in Melbourne offer. Their empathetic, well-organized approach is what many families have come to trust in honoring those they’ve lost.
How much do cremation services cost in Melbourne?
In Melbourne, cremation services typically cost between $1,595 and $1,850 for a direct (no service) option. Additional choices—such as a private viewing, a custom urn, ash delivery, or transfer fees (from a hospital or private residence)—can increase the total cost.
1. Cost Less Cremations
Address: 146 Argus St, Cheltenham
Phone: +61 428 554 947
Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 24 hours
Direct cremations at Cost Less reflect the business name, covering everything—from transfer and mortuary care to the official death certificate and delivery—for $1,895. Extra charges only come up if you request a private viewing ($495) or need the ashes sent outside Melbourne.
As affordable as the price is, the service is said to not compromise on anything. Clients share how the team was very helpful, efficient, and communicative at all times—qualities that lightened a difficult time and made the entire process stress-free.
The care and compassion are there, too, but inconsistent with customer service. While most were met with condolences and empathy during the first phone call, others reported transactional interactions, such as curt emails and unclear responses to inquiries.
On the bright side, grieving family members appreciate the convenience of filling out the necessary forms online. And because Cost Less focuses mainly on direct, unattended cremations, clients can go straight to a simple, low-cost option.
Compassion from first contact, stress-free process, and efficient team
“I recently had the experience of working with Cost Less Cremations, and I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional service provided by Deb and Renata. From the very first contact, their compassion and professionalism shone through, making a challenging time so much more bearable for my family and me. The entire process was seamless and stress-free, thanks to the efficient and caring team at Cost Less Cremations. Their affordable pricing did not compromise the quality of their service, and we felt genuinely cared for every step of the way. Deb and Renata are truly remarkable, and their kindness and expertise made all the difference for our family. Thank you for making such a challenging time a little easier.”
- Lucy Fisher, Google Review
Easy to deal with—smooth transaction, respectful, and showed great care
“If you are looking for practicality with less stress and worries, go to this company with direct cremations. Easy to deal with!! Smooth, prompt and easy transaction. The staff are highly professional doing their job and shown respect and dignity to the loved ones passed away. The staff at Cost Less Cremations special mention to Debbie, she is highly professional, respectful and with constant communication with the spouse/NOK with regards to the loved one in their care. I am extremely satisfied with the service of Cost Less Cremations and everyone involved in the cremation process of my dear loved one till I got him back to our home again. THANK YOU everyone involved for the great care you’ve shown and done to my dear husband.”
- Mona Colley, Google Review
2. Bare Cremations
Address: Level 20/31 Queen St
Phone: +61 1800 071 176
Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 24 hours
More than 40,000 families have turned to Bare—and not just for direct cremations from $2,999, but also funerals from $6,599, memorials from $5,399, and end-of-life planning at $150.79 per month over two years. Through it all, clients praise the team’s genuine kindness and support.
The caring phone calls, free grief counseling, reliable assistance with paperwork, and detailed explanations prove just how they’re well worth the price. Add to that the customer dashboard on the website, which lets relatives track their loved one’s status 24/7 online.
A couple of troubles family members had were with delivery. In one case, the ashes were left at the front door despite instructions for someone to receive them; other instances involved wrong addresses, inaccurate tracking, and dented containers upon unpacking.
It helps that you can always pick up the cremated remains yourself, as many clients have. Also, payment is only required once the service is complete, giving the bereaved time to compose themselves before settling the bill.
Very supportive, reached out to me with love, and great counselling
“My first contact to Bare was very supportive and they handled all the necessary collection and paperwork for me. They reached out to me during this time with love and kindness. Their follow up has been great and down the track their counselling will be gratefully received.”
- Gwen Woods, Google Review
Dignified unattended cremation with caring follow-up phone calls and emails
“I knew I wanted Bare Cremations for my own end of life services however when my husband unexpectedly died, I was able to use their services far sooner than I expected. Bare provided the most supportive, dignified, caring & client focused service which far exceeded expectation. Their step-by-step support, caring phone calls and follow-up emails continued beyond completion of their services. In keeping with my husband’s wishes, ours was an unattended cremation however we comforted, knowing he was in the care of the Bare Team and in very safe hands. We look forward to collecting his ashes and sharing an ale with him in our presence. I highly recommend the services of Bare Cremations.”
- Angela Taylor, Google Review
3. Fuss Free Funerals
Address: 15 Parkhurst Dr, Knoxfield
Phone: +61 411 160 299
Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 24 hours
Fuss Free Funerals’ direct cremation package comes at a fixed price of $2,400. It starts with a single phone call for the team to transfer your loved one in their care, complete the necessary legal requirements, arrange the cremation, and return the ashes to you.
Extremely professional, very caring, and providing excellent service are just some of the ways clients describe the staff. One was particularly grateful for a dignified farewell, thanks to their above-and-beyond efforts, while another felt it exceeded expectations.
Most families only want a no-service cremation, but Fuss Free’s limited options become clear on occasions when a memorial is requested. A few also wished the potential additional $67 for an interim death certificate and $360 for a secondary transfer to the coroners were lower.
The good thing is that those who’ve used their secure pre-arranged funerals vouch for how it has helped them be more prepared for the uncertain future. Plus, for an administration fee of $210, clients are assured a respectful send-off like those before them.
Dignified, hassle-free service—extremely professional and went above and beyond
“Excellent, caring service. Jasmine and staff were extremely professional, and went above and beyond to ensure a dignified and hassle-free service in every respect. Thank you.”
- Robert Armstrong, Google Review
Excellent service, very caring, and beyond what we expected
“Excellent service from Jasmine and staff. Very caring, supportive and professional. Went above and beyond what we expected. Highly recommend.”
- Sharon Weller, Google Review
4. Cheap Cremations Melbourne
Address: Unit 1/29 Westwood Dr, Ravenhall
Phone: +61 3 9982 1182
Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 24 hours
Many clients recount their experience at Cheap Cremations, highlighting the warm, professional team, great communication, and reasonable price of $1,950. Others point to the solid full service, including transfer, return of ashes, and a fresh single rose as a symbol of peace.
Those who unexpectedly lost a loved one or were feeling especially sad and stressed also expressed gratitude to the care and compassion shown to them. Clear answers to questions and easy-to-follow forms further eased the process during such a difficult time.
Although death and cremation certificates are part of the package, some mentioned delays in receiving them. In addition, the absence of viewing options left certain family members feeling they didn’t have enough closure.
Cheap Cremations’ personalized approach makes up for it, though. Clients who were once doubtful or let down by funeral homes describe a sense of relief in the staff’s steady, reassuring support and a service that truly suited their wishes.
Great support, took the time to explain any question, and a reasonably-priced farewell
“Exceptional work from Sue & the team. I was skeptical the beginning given the price being so low but they were able to change my mind so quickly from their great support & taking the time to explain any questions I had, they went above & beyond with their services. They had made my experience a memorable one even in such rough times. I would highly recommend Cheap Cremations to anyone looking for a reasonable priced farewell to a loved one.”
- Jen Simpson, Google Review
Very helpful and quality service at a reasonable price
“Unfortunately I had the misfortune of availing myself twice in 6 months of the services of cheap cremations. They were very helpful, providing a seemless quality service at a reasonable price. Would recommend them.”
- Ray Wilson, Google Review
5. Melbourne Cremation Service
Address: Princes Highway, Springvale
Phone: +61 3 9329 8277
Business hours: Monday-Sunday, 24 hours
Melbourne Cremation offers two main options: unattended cremations at $4,560 and chapel services, priced between $9,430 and $9,520. There’s also the Memorial Service package starting at $4,000, which families often use as a tribute to their cremated loved ones.
Let’s not forget the inclusions—under unattended, clients get a general medical officer, staff to oversee every aspect, death certificate, and more. Meanwhile, chapel-based bundles have thoughtful elements such as a photo slide show, guest book, and clergy.
Be it religious, traditional, or celebratory, the experienced team is noted to show commitment in caring for both the bereaved and the deceased. In fact, one of the family members they helped say they were easy to talk to, resulting in a meaningful and respectful cremation for her sister.
Clients who’d like to go further add flower arrangements, like the Native Deluxe, Autumnal Blooms, and Loving Blooms—each costing $550. Some, however, find this rate high and choose to forgo florals, much like others have with the pricier chapel alternatives.
Couldn’t have asked for better care—respectful, meaningful cremation and easy to talk to
“Michael took care of my sisters cremation in the most respectful and meaningful way! I had rang several funeral directors and kept coming back to Michael, he was so easy to talk to, no upselling, sensitive with a lovely sense of humour, he listened to the families needs, and took care of everything! I could not have asked for better care for her farewell.”
- Annie Luder, Google Review