The Friends of Waverley Cemeteries are not ghoulish individuals who hang out for Halloween. They  are a group of volunteers who enjoy maintaining and promoting the cemeteries.

Our members are people who may have an interest in genealogy, social and local history and the preservation of the memories and deeds of notable Australians buried in the cemeteries. Or they may have relatives interred in either Waverley or South Head Cemetery.

Our members guide walking history tours of Waverley Cemetery every Saturday. Our guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the people, monuments and social significance of the cemeteries.

Other members volunteer as researchers, guerrilla weeders, and photographers; some have adopted a grave and regularly maintain and weed that individual allotment.

Tour fees pay for the restoration and upkeep of monuments in our two cemeteries in Waverley and help to preserve them as national icons and examples of Victorian and Edwardian era cemeteries.

To find out more about our weekly tours, or how to become a member, email FoWC or check out our Facebook page.

Walking tours

Waverley Cemetery is the resting place of over one hundred thousand people and every grave tells a story. If you’re interested in exploring this unique and historic location, walking tours are available every Saturday.

Led by the Friends of Waverley Cemeteries, learn more about the prominent writers, artists, political figures, activists and sporting heroes who are interred at the cemetery, in addition to the everyday folk whose unique stories are also shared.

  • When: Every Saturday from 9.00am – 10.30am
  • Cost: $24.18 per person
  • Bookings: Purchase your ticket via Eventbrite

Things to know:

  • Attendees should wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water and wear sunscreen
  • Refunds are not available however rescheduling tours can be arranged
  • Due to the location of the Cemetery and the walking involved, this tour is not suitable for young children or persons with mobility issues.

Friends of Waverley Cemeteries are a group of dedicated volunteers and all monies raised from the tours goes towards memorial restoration work.

For further information about walking tours or to schedule a tour during the week, email friendsofwaverleycemetery@gmail.com

by jay