Understanding the environmental, sociocultural, economic and legal contexts are crucial for the provision of burials in a very multicultural Australia. A range of modern-day factors are now directly influencing how we plan and provide for the deceased – some of which include the consideration of an ageing population, a pluralistic society, limited land availability for traditional cemeteries, and a sustainable framework for much of our society’s social practice. A recent global trend of ‘green burials’ has emerged in response to these factors. Green burials, [the term used in this paper] also known as organic burials, natural burials, woodland burials and bushland burials, are now being provided for in seven locations across Australia, with development proposals for more currently emerging. Despite this, there are no standard practice guidelines for those dealing with the burial location environment and the burial process itself. There is also relatively little research being conducted in this area. This paper briefly discusses the concept of death and burial practice in Australia. It defines green burials and uses a case study to showcase a NSW green burial site currently in operation. The paper argues that planning authorities and planners face real challenges with land availability for cemeteries and social practice around this burial method. Features of three of the seven Australian green burial sites are used to illustrate the legislative environmental, sociocultural, and economic aspects of the green burial concept. To be considered a feasible burial alternative there is a need to document and respond to planning challenges in order to guide existing and future green burial sites and practices within Australia.