Services → Cremation
Cremation only · Direct cremation from $2,640Cremation in Mackay
Mackay Gentle Way Funerals arranges cremations for Mackay and Whitsunday families. A direct cremation, with no funeral service, is $2,640 inc GST and includes transfer into our care in business hours, all paperwork and permits, the cremation, an official death certificate and the ashes returned in an urn. A funeral service followed by cremation is $5,500 inc GST. Every cremation we arrange is a gentle, flame-free water cremation, carried out locally in Proserpine, and the ashes are usually returned within 24 hours. Payment plans available (interest applies), ask us for details. We’re locally owned, with offices in Mackay and Proserpine, and we answer the phone 24/7 on (07) 4881 0491.
We’re Mackay Gentle Way Funerals, an independent, locally owned funeral home in Mackay and Proserpine. You’re welcome to walk in to our Evans Avenue office in North Mackay, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and we’ll always give you a full, itemised quote with no obligation.
Cremation options in Mackay
Every cremation we arrange is a water cremation. Learn how water cremation works →
Direct cremation (cremation only)
$2,640 inc GST
Our Simple Farewell: a private water cremation with no formal service. The ashes are returned to you in an urn, so you can gather in your own way and your own time.
See what’s included →Cremation with a funeral service
$5,500 inc GST
Our Gentle Funeral Service: a full service with a celebrant, casket, flowers and printed booklets, followed by water cremation.
See the itemised price →Memorial service later
Tailored quote
Hold a celebration of life days or weeks after the cremation, wherever suits your family, with the ashes present if you wish.
About memorial services →Direct cremation in Mackay: $2,640 inc GST
- ✓Transfer into our care (business hours)
- ✓All documentation and permits, including the $75 doctor’s cremation permit
- ✓The water cremation
- ✓Official death certificate
- ✓Return of ashes in an urn
No hidden extras. An after-hours transfer fee of $400 + GST applies only if your loved one comes into our care outside business hours. See our full pricing.
How direct cremation works
Call us any time
Call (07) 4881 0491, day or night. A real person answers.
We bring your loved one into our care
From hospital, an aged care home or your home, gently and respectfully.
We handle the paperwork
Death registration, the death certificate and the cremation permits are all arranged for you.
Ashes returned to you
After the water cremation, the ashes are usually returned to you within 24 hours, in an urn, ready for whenever you wish to gather.
Water cremation and flame cremation: the difference
Water cremation is a gentle, flame-free process. Instead of fire, it uses warm water and a mild alkaline solution to return the body to its natural elements. The ashes are returned to you in an urn, in the same way as after a flame cremation. Read more in what is water cremation?
We offer water cremation only, so every cremation we arrange is a water cremation. Read about water cremation in Mackay →
Where the cremation takes place
Every water cremation we arrange is carried out locally in Proserpine, not at a Mackay crematorium. Your loved one stays in the care of our local team the whole time.
The ashes are usually returned within 24 hours of the cremation.
Paying for a cremation, or planning ahead
Payment plans available (interest applies), ask us for details.
You can also record your wishes and pre-pay a direct cremation at today’s price. See funeral pre-planning in Mackay or read about pre-paid funerals.
After the cremation: urns and ashes
Ashes can be kept at home, scattered somewhere meaningful, buried in a family plot or placed in a council columbarium wall. We arrange the council paperwork for you.
Arranging a cremation in Mackay
Our phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by our own local team on (07) 4881 0491. You’re also welcome to walk in to our funeral home at 1C/17 Evans Avenue, North Mackay, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, or we can come to you at home.
A clear cremation quote, with no obligation
Before you decide anything, we’ll give you a full, itemised quote with no obligation, so you can see exactly what a cremation in Mackay will cost. If you’re planning ahead, a pre-planning chat is free and there’s never any pressure to commit.
Scattering ashes around Mackay and the Whitsundays
After a cremation, many Mackay families scatter ashes at the Bluewater Quay, Town Beach, along the Pioneer River or at a place that mattered to the person they’ve lost. In the Whitsundays, we arrange scattering of ashes at sea from Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and Abell Point Marina. We’ll help you understand any permits and options, and there’s no rush to decide.
We also care for families in Airlie Beach, Bowen and on the Whitsunday islands, with no travel surcharge anywhere in the Whitsunday region. Read about funeral services in Mackay and funerals in the Whitsundays.
Why Mackay families choose Mackay Gentle Way Funerals
- ✓You’ll speak with Nathan Boyle, our lead funeral director, or a member of our local team
- ✓Locally owned, with offices in Mackay and Proserpine
- ✓A real person answers 24/7 on (07) 4881 0491
- ✓Clear, itemised prices with no hidden extras
- ✓No travel surcharge anywhere in the Whitsunday region
- ✓Walk-ins welcome at our Evans Avenue office, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
- ✓Free, no-obligation pre-planning chats
- ✓5-star Google rating
Cremation across Mackay & the Whitsundays
We arrange cremation for families in Mackay, Sarina, the Whitsundays, Bowen and Airlie Beach, the Whitsunday islands, and the suburbs and towns in between. Every cremation is carried out locally in Proserpine, and there is no travel surcharge anywhere in the Whitsunday region.
Cremation in Mackay: frequently asked questions
How much does a cremation cost in Mackay?
A direct cremation with no service is $2,640 inc GST. A funeral service followed by water cremation is $5,500 inc GST. The only extra is a $400 + GST transfer fee if your loved one comes into our care after hours. See our full pricing.
What is direct cremation, or “cremation only”?
Direct cremation, sometimes called cremation only, is a cremation with no funeral service and no attendance. It is our simplest and lowest-cost option. Many families hold a memorial or gathering later, in their own time.
Where is the cremation done? Is there a crematorium in Mackay?
Every cremation we arrange is a water cremation, carried out locally in Proserpine rather than at a Mackay crematorium. Your loved one stays in the care of our local team throughout.
How long until the ashes are returned?
Usually within 24 hours of the cremation. We’ll call you as soon as they’re ready to collect, or arrange delivery.
Do you offer flame cremation?
No. We offer water cremation only, a gentle, flame-free process that uses warm water and a mild alkaline solution instead of fire. The ashes are returned to you in an urn, in the same way as after a flame cremation. Read more in what is water cremation?
Are there any extra costs?
There are no hidden extras, and our prices are all-inclusive. The only surcharge is $400 + GST if a transfer happens after hours.
Can I pre-pay a direct cremation?
Yes. You can pre-pay a direct cremation at today’s price and record your wishes at the same time. Read about pre-paid funerals and funeral pre-planning.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Payment plans available (interest applies), ask us for details.
Do you arrange cremations in Sarina, Bowen and the Whitsundays?
Yes. We care for families across Mackay, Sarina, the Whitsundays, Bowen and Airlie Beach, and there is no travel surcharge anywhere in the Whitsunday region.
Can I call in to talk about a cremation?
Yes. You’re welcome to walk in to our funeral home at 1C/17 Evans Avenue, North Mackay, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, with no appointment needed. Outside those hours, our local team answers the phone 24/7 on (07) 4881 0491, and we can also come to your home.
Can I get a cremation quote before deciding?
Yes. We’ll always give you a full, itemised quote with no obligation, so you know exactly what’s included before you decide anything.
Can we scatter the ashes around Mackay or at sea?
Yes. Families often choose the Bluewater Quay, Town Beach, the Pioneer River or a place that mattered to them, and we arrange scattering at sea from Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour. We’ll help you understand any permits and options.
What if someone dies on one of the Whitsunday islands?
We coordinate with island staff, ferry and barge operators to bring your loved one into our care respectfully and as quickly as conditions allow.
Talk to us about cremation
Direct cremation from $2,640 inc GST. Call any time — a real person answers.