A tour group gathers beside an old stone cemetery monument topped with a Celtic cross, listening in bright sunshine amid palms and trees.

Thousands celebrate history at Rookwood Heritage Day

Metropolitan Memorial Parks

26 May 2026

Metropolitan Memorial Parks, in partnership with Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria, welcomed the community to Rookwood Necropolis on Sunday, 13 September, for Rookwood Heritage Day, presented as part of NSW History Week. This year’s theme was ‘Keeping Stories’. More than 3,500 people attended throughout the day, with over 2,200 visitors taking part in guided tours, talks, workshops and behind-the-scenes experiences across one of Australia's most significant heritage landscapes.

The sights, sounds and stories of Rookwood came to life as the event opened with a smoking ceremony conducted by Aunty Julie, a proud Dharug woman. Families, history enthusiasts and community members of all ages came together to explore the stories, traditions and remarkable places that have shaped Rookwood Necropolis for more than 150 years.

Visitors browse an environmental exhibition in a historic hall, examining green information boards and a central table; the atmosphere is lively and curious.

Opening the gates to hidden history

Rookwood Heritage Day offered visitors rare access to some of the most fascinating places and stories of this vast necropolis. From the Frazer Mausoleum and Mortuary Station to behind-the-scenes crematorium tours, attendees explored areas that are not usually accessible to the public.

Displays from the Rookwood Museum and gallery showcased a collection of artefacts, photographs and archival material, telling stories of the people, traditions and communities that have shaped Rookwood Necropolis for more than 150 years.

Three screenings explored different aspects of Rookwood’s history and heritage, including Dead Famous Season 2, the history of Rookwood Necropolis, and a Dying to Know Day panel, in which industry experts highlighted the importance of open conversations about death, dying and end-of-life planning.

Exploring Rookwood one story at a time

A program of Dead Famous tours provided visitors the opportunity to experience Rookwood from a new perspective.

The sold-out tours attracted hundreds of visitors eager to learn about notable Australians laid to rest at Rookwood, including David Jones, William Arnott and Louisa Lawson. Through expert storytelling, the tours uncovered the lives, achievements and legacies of some of the nation's most influential figures.

A Metroparks worker in a yellow shirt and wide-brimmed hat carefully chisels a mark into a white plank at an outdoor worksite.

Learning through hands-on experiences

Visitors were invited to step beyond observation and experience heritage in action through a range of demonstrations and interactive activities.

Live stonemasonry and grave digging demonstrations highlighted the expertise and skill involved in cemetery operations. Metropolitan Memorial Parks' Stonemasonry and Monuments Team showcased the specialised craftsmanship involved in creating and restoring memorials, offering visitors a rare insight into the trade. The demonstration also marked the launch of the Masters of Stone Exhibition 2027, a competition celebrating excellence, creativity and craftsmanship within the stonemasonry industry.

Karleen Green, a First Nations weaver, shared her knowledge of traditional basket weaving during a First Nations weaving workshop. Throughout the day, guests also tried their hand at lace gilding, wrote messages to loved ones by contributing to a community coffin artwork with Beautiful Farewells, and explored end-of-life planning resources at the My Wishes Café.

A bustling outdoor event lines a sunlit path with white and green vendor tents. Shoppers browse and chat beneath autumn trees, creating a lively, welcoming mood.

A day shaped by community

The success of Rookwood Heritage Day was made possible by the many organisations, community groups, volunteers and heritage advocates who helped bring the program to life. Throughout the day, people from diverse cultures and faiths came together to share knowledge, celebrate traditions and preserve the stories that connect us to our past. The enthusiasm and generosity of the community helped create an event that was welcoming, educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.

Visitors gather among historic gravestones at a sunny cemetery, framed by palm trees and pink blossoms, creating a lively yet reflective scene.

More than a heritage event

As spring blooms across the grounds, many people visit Rookwood to remember loved ones. However, Rookwood also holds a unique place in Australia's cultural and social history. Events such as Rookwood Heritage Day create opportunities to explore that history, uncover hidden stories and build a deeper connection with one of the nation's most significant heritage landscapes.