Established in 1867, Rookwood Necropolis is only 18km from the centre of the city and covers 699 acres, one of the largest burial grounds in the world. The older sections have a 19^th century landscape, and with the newer sections to the south represent Australia’s social, cultural and religious communities since 1867. It is a unique genealogical resource with headstones and monuments going right back to colonial times (some relocated). Among prominent citizens buried there are Jack Lang, Bea Miles, Anthony Hordern, Roy Rene, Louisa Lawson and many others.

Our guided tour will cover aspects of the railway connection and its trip from Mortuary Station Redfern (up until 1948), stories of Irish convicts and settlers, and stories of murder, robbery, rape, hangings and death by misadventure. The tour concludes at the war graves.

Lunch will be at the nearby Auburn-Lidcombe RSL Club where they have an outstanding self serve buffet. Enjoy everything from roast pork to barbecued chicken to beef and black bean to lasagne to grilled fish to Singapore noodles and a wide selection of Asian food. Finish up with bread and butter custard, apple crumble, Black Forest cake, cream caramel etc, and tea or coffee.

Transport will be by own vehicle. Meet at West Epping Panthers Bowling Club at 9:00am to arrange car pools, or meet at Necropolis Circuit, near William Drive, Rookwood at 9:45am. Enter the cemetery from East Street, Lidcombe.

Cost for the day is $25 per person.