A Guide to Unique and Alternative Funeral Venues Around Brisbane
One of the questions I’m asked quite often is, “Where can we hold the funeral?”
For many families, a church or crematorium chapel is exactly the right choice. They offer familiarity, tradition and a space that feels right for the person being remembered.
But they’re not the only option.
Sometimes, during a conversation with a family, someone will say, “Mum loved being in the garden,” or “Dad was happiest down by the bay.” That’s usually the moment we stop thinking about where funerals are traditionally held and start thinking about where this funeral should be held.
Because the best venue isn’t necessarily the fanciest one. It’s the one that feels most like your person.
Choosing the Right Place
When you’re choosing a venue, try thinking less about the building and more about the person. Ask yourself:
- Where did they love spending time?
- Did they enjoy being outdoors or indoors?
- Was there somewhere they returned to again and again?
- Would they have preferred something formal or relaxed?
- Would they have wanted everyone to stay afterwards, share a meal and tell stories?
There are no rules that say a funeral has to look a certain way. If a venue is willing, and the practicalities can be worked through with your funeral director, there are often far more possibilities than people realise.
Here are a few Brisbane funeral venues that I think are worth considering.
Loop Growers, Draper
I love Loop Growers because it doesn’t feel like a traditional function venue. Surrounded by flowers, gardens and open green space, it has a calm, relaxed atmosphere that immediately puts people at ease.
It feels like somewhere you can slow down, take a breath and simply be together. The gardens provide a beautiful backdrop without feeling staged, and there’s plenty of opportunity for guests to stay afterwards and continue talking.
Perfect for: someone who loved flowers, gardening, food, nature or sustainability.
Elm House, Mount Glorious
Driving up to Mount Glorious already feels like you’re leaving the busyness of everyday life behind. Elm House is tucked amongst the trees and has a peacefulness that’s difficult to describe until you’re there.
Rather than feeling like you’re attending an event, it feels like you’ve gathered in a beautiful place to honour someone.
Perfect for: someone who loved the bush, the mountains or found peace in nature.
Officers Mess, New Farm
I think this venue strikes a lovely balance between elegance and warmth. The Brisbane River provides a beautiful backdrop, while the heritage character gives it a sense of occasion without feeling overly formal.
One of the things I like most is that guests don’t have to rush off afterwards. They can stay, enjoy a meal together and let conversations unfold naturally.
Perfect for: someone who loved Brisbane, appreciated beautiful architecture or enjoyed bringing people together.
Hillstone, St Lucia
Hillstone is one of those venues that seems to suit almost any style of funeral. The gardens are beautiful, the function spaces are flexible, and it has a quiet elegance without feeling intimidating.
It’s easy to personalise, whether you’re planning something simple or something more elaborate.
Perfect for: someone who enjoyed beautiful surroundings and loved celebrating life’s important moments with family and friends.
Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co.
Not everyone wants a formal setting, and that’s what I like about Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. The views across the bay create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages people to linger rather than leave.
I can imagine a ceremony here flowing naturally into lunch, where stories are shared, glasses are raised and memories continue long after the formal part of the day has ended.
Perfect for: someone whose happy place was by the water, who loved a beer, boating, fishing or simply watching the tides come and go.
Bramble Bay Bowls Club
Community venues are often overlooked, but they can make wonderful places for a funeral. Bramble Bay Bowls Club has a relaxed, welcoming feel and beautiful views across the bay.
Sometimes the best venue isn’t somewhere grand. It’s somewhere that feels comfortable, familiar and easy for everyone to gather.
Perfect for: someone who loved their local community, enjoyed bowls or simply appreciated a relaxed afternoon overlooking the water.
Mount Cotton Rainforest Gardens
There’s something special about holding a ceremony surrounded by trees and gardens. At Mount Cotton Rainforest Gardens, nature becomes part of the experience.
It’s peaceful without feeling isolated, and the gardens create a beautiful setting throughout the year.
Perfect for: someone who loved gardens, birds, rainforest or quiet places to reflect.
A Few Practical Things to Consider
Once you’ve found a venue that feels right, there are a few practical questions to ask:
- Is the venue happy to have the coffin present?
- Is there suitable access for the hearse and coffin bearers?
- Is there enough seating for your guests?
- Are there accessible toilets and parking?
- Can everyone stay afterwards if they wish?
Some of the venues on this list regularly host funerals. Others don’t, but are open to the idea. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation.
If you’re wondering whether a particular venue might work, I’d encourage you to ask. You might be surprised by what’s possible.