What is water cremation (The Gentle Way)? Is it available in Queensland?
What water cremation is, how The Gentle Way works, what it costs and what happens to the ashes, explained in plain words for Queensland families.
The short answer: Water cremation, also called alkaline hydrolysis, is an alternative to flame cremation. It uses warm water and natural minerals instead of fire. Afterwards, your loved one's ashes are returned to you, just as they would be after a flame cremation. Water cremation is available to Queensland families, and at Killick Family Funerals in Kingaroy we offer it as The Gentle Way, from $3,200 including GST.
Families often ask us about water cremation once they've heard of it from a friend or read about it online. It's still new to many people, so it's natural to have questions. Here's what it is, how it works, and what it means for your family, in plain words.
What is water cremation?
Water cremation, also called alkaline hydrolysis, is a gentler alternative to flame cremation. Instead of fire, it uses warm water and natural minerals to return your loved one to nature. The process takes place over several quiet hours, and at the end your loved one's ashes are returned to your family, just as they would be after a flame cremation.
At Killick Family Funerals, our water cremation service is called The Gentle Way. If you'd like to know more about any part of the process, just ask. We're always happy to explain it in as much or as little detail as you'd like.
How does The Gentle Way work, step by step?
- A conversation. We explain the process gently and fully, and answer every question you have. There's no pressure to decide on the spot.
- Into our care. We bring your loved one into our care, at any hour, and look after all the paperwork.
- The gentle process. Water and natural minerals do their work over several quiet hours.
- Ashes returned. We return the ashes to you personally, in a travel urn. They're identical to the ashes from a flame cremation.
You never have to know what to do next. That's our job, and we'll be beside you the whole way.
Is water cremation available in Queensland?
Yes. Water cremation is available to Queensland families, and Killick Family Funerals offers it as The Gentle Way to families right across the South Burnett and beyond.
Like any cremation in Queensland, the right paperwork has to be in place first. The death needs to be registered with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages within 14 days, and a doctor needs to complete the cause of death certificate. (qld.gov.au – Register a death) The Gentle Way includes all permits, certificates and paperwork, so there's nothing you need to lodge yourself.
Is water cremation better for the environment?
Many families choose The Gentle Way because they care deeply about the environment and want a farewell with a smaller footprint. It uses water rather than flame, and there are no mercury or particulate emissions from the process.
If the environment matters to your family, you can carry that through the whole farewell, for example by scattering the ashes somewhere your loved one loved, or holding a simple gathering outdoors.
Are the ashes the same as after a flame cremation?
Yes. Our Gentle Way page puts it simply: the ashes are returned to you just as with flame cremation, the same keepsake and the same dignity. You can keep them at home, scatter them, place them in a columbarium or ashes garden, or turn a small portion into a keepsake.
If you'd like to place the ashes in a council cemetery, South Burnett Regional Council has ashes gardens or columbarium walls at Blackbutt, Kumbia, Memerambi, Murgon, Nanango, Proston, Taabinga and Wondai cemeteries. Council's fact sheet also says ashes can be placed by a private citizen without a funeral director. (South Burnett Regional Council) We also arrange ashes jewellery and keepsake urns.
Can we still have a funeral service with water cremation?
Absolutely. Choosing The Gentle Way doesn't mean going without a farewell. You can add:
- a chapel service beforehand, in our Alford Street chapel or somewhere that mattered
- a memorial service later, once the ashes are home
- a scattering ceremony
- a biodegradable urn
- ashes jewellery
Each extra is priced plainly, and nothing is compulsory.
How much does water cremation cost in Kingaroy?
The Gentle Way starts from $3,200, including GST. That includes:
- transfer of your loved one into our care, 24/7, and complete mortuary care
- all permits, certificates and paperwork
- the water cremation process in full
- ashes returned to you in a travel urn
For comparison, our flame-based direct cremation is $2,950 all-inclusive, and our cremation service, with a chapel farewell, is $7,640. Every quote is itemised in writing before anything begins, and HandyPay payment plans are available (from 6.57% p.a.). See all our prices on the pricing page, or read our 2026 guide to funeral costs in Kingaroy.
Who chooses water cremation?
Every family is different, but The Gentle Way often suits:
- families who care deeply about the environment
- people who find the idea of water gentler than flame
- anyone who wants cremation with a smaller footprint
Some people choose it for themselves when they plan ahead, so their family knows exactly what they wanted.
Frequently asked questions
What is water cremation?
Water cremation (alkaline hydrolysis) is an alternative to flame cremation that uses warm water and natural minerals over several hours. Afterwards, the ashes are returned to the family, just as with flame cremation.
Is water cremation available in Queensland?
Yes. Water cremation is available to Queensland families. Killick Family Funerals in Kingaroy offers it as The Gentle Way for families across the South Burnett and beyond.
How much does water cremation cost?
At Killick Family Funerals, The Gentle Way starts from $3,200 including GST. That covers transfer and mortuary care, all permits and paperwork, the water cremation and ashes returned in a travel urn.
Do we get ashes back after water cremation?
Yes. Ashes are returned to you, just as with flame cremation, and you can keep, scatter or inter them.
Can we have a funeral service with water cremation?
Yes. You can hold a chapel service before the water cremation, or a memorial service afterwards.
Talk it through with us
If you're curious about The Gentle Way, for someone who has died or for yourself, call the Killick family on 1800 607 880 or (07) 4162 5290, any time. We'll explain everything gently, with no pressure. You can also read more on our Gentle Way page or request a written quote.
General information only, current as of November 2026.
Sources
- Killick Family Funerals, The Gentle Way and Pricing
- Queensland Government, Register a death
- Queensland Legislation, Cremations Act 2003
- Queensland Government, Supplying funeral services (Fair Trading)
- South Burnett Regional Council, Cemeteries fact sheet
