Ash Scattering & Memorial Charters on Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour offers a peaceful and meaningful setting for families wishing to scatter ashes or hold a private memorial on the water. BookMyWave has 24 vessels available for private memorial charters, starting from $700. Every booking is private — your group has exclusive use of the vessel for the duration of the ceremony.
24 Vessels Available
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Motor Yacht
Sailing Yacht
Sailing Yacht
Sailing Catamaran
Sailing Catamaran
Motor Yacht
Power Catamaran
Motor Yacht
Power Catamaran
Sailing Catamaran
Motor Yacht
Sailing Yacht
Motor Yacht
Motor Yacht
Motor Yacht
Motor Yacht
Sailing Yacht
Sailing Catamaran
Sailing Yacht
Sailing Yacht
Motor Yacht
Motor Yacht
Sailing Yacht
Sailing YachtAbout These Charters
Ash scattering at sea is legal in Australian waters beyond 3 nautical miles from shore, or in approved harbour locations with appropriate permits. BookMyWave operators are experienced with memorial charters and can advise on logistics, timing, and harbour authority requirements. Charters can be arranged for small family groups or larger gatherings, with catering, flowers, and music available on request.
Planning Tips
- →Book a morning slot for calmer harbour conditions — wind typically picks up in the afternoon
- →Notify your operator of the memorial nature at enquiry — experienced operators will prepare accordingly
- →Biodegradable flower petals can be scattered alongside ashes as a beautiful tribute
- →A 2–3 hour charter allows time for the ceremony, reflection, and a quiet gathering afterwards
- →Ask about a quiet inner-harbour anchor spot for the ceremony itself before returning to the wharf
- →Some families choose to play a favourite song during the scattering — confirm the vessel audio setup
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ash scattering legal on Sydney Harbour?
Yes. Ash scattering at sea is permitted in Australian waters beyond 3 nautical miles from shore under the Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981. Some inner-harbour locations may have specific permit requirements — your operator can advise on the appropriate location and any permits required for your ceremony.
How much does a memorial charter on Sydney Harbour cost?
Private memorial charters on Sydney Harbour start from $700 on BookMyWave, with an average of around $2,058. Pricing depends on vessel size, duration, group size, and any additional services such as catering, flowers, or music. Most families book a 2–3 hour private charter.
How many people can attend an ash scattering charter?
Vessel capacity on BookMyWave ranges from 6 to 100+ guests. Most memorial charters are intimate — 10 to 30 family members — but larger gatherings can be accommodated on bigger vessels. Choose a vessel based on your expected group size and the atmosphere you want to create.
Can we have flowers, music, and catering on a memorial charter?
Yes. Most operators on BookMyWave can accommodate flowers on deck, background music or a live musician, and catering ranging from light refreshments to a full afternoon tea. Discuss your requirements at the enquiry stage so the operator can prepare the vessel appropriately.
Do we need a permit to scatter ashes on Sydney Harbour?
For open-water scattering beyond 3 nautical miles, no permit is required under the Sea Dumping Act. For inner-harbour locations, some operators work with harbour authorities to arrange appropriate permissions. Your operator will advise on the best location and any administrative requirements for your specific ceremony.
How far in advance should I book a memorial charter?
We recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks in advance to ensure your preferred vessel and date are available. For weekend dates during peak season (October–March), earlier is better. Operators are sensitive to the nature of memorial bookings and will work with you on timing.
Can the charter depart from a location of our choosing?
Yes — most operators can arrange departure from Circular Quay, King Street Wharf, Rose Bay, or other harbour wharves depending on vessel and logistics. Discuss your preferred boarding location at the enquiry stage.
Visit our dedicated memorial page for guidance on ash scattering ceremonies, permit requirements, and how to arrange a respectful private charter on Sydney Harbour.
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