Bizarre Coffins in Australia: A Colourful Farewell You Never Expected

When you think of a coffin, chances are you picture something traditional: a timber box, polished handles, maybe a satin interior. But across Australia, a quiet revolution is happening in the world of final farewells. Australians are increasingly turning to bespoke, quirky, and downright bizarre coffins to reflect their personality, passions, and sense of humour — even in death.

In this article, we dive deep into Australia’s new weird and wonderful world of unusual coffins. Whether you’re planning ahead or just curious, you’ll be surprised by how far people can go to make their final journey a truly memorable one.

Why Are Australians Choosing Unusual Coffins?

Australia has long been known for its laid-back, cheeky attitude to life. So it’s no surprise that many Aussies are now embracing the same spirit when it comes to their funeral choices.

A growing number of Australians are searching for unique coffins to:

• Celebrate their personality or passions

• Lighten the mood at their farewell

• Start conversations and bring comfort to grieving loved ones

• Honour a lifelong career or hobby

• Break away from traditional funeral norms

In fact, as people look for more personalised, meaningful farewells, custom coffins have become a bold expression of identity — even sparking smiles and laughter at funerals.

Types of Bizarre Coffins in Australia

Let’s explore some of the most extraordinary and imaginative coffins making their way into Aussie funerals.

1. Sports-Themed Coffins

For the die-hard footy fan or cricket tragic, there’s no better way to say goodbye than in a coffin that screams team pride.

Australian coffin manufacturers now create designs featuring:

• AFL team colours and logos

• Cricket bat motifs

• Rugby league themes

• Golf-themed coffins, complete with tee and ball prints

Some even go the extra mile with personalised messages, or a final “scoreboard” on the lid. It’s the ultimate send-off for sports lovers.

2. Car-Shaped Coffins

Australia’s motoring culture is legendary, from Holden vs Ford rivalries to classic utes and muscle cars. It’s little wonder that petrolheads are choosing coffins shaped like their favourite vehicles.

Imagine a bright red coffin modelled after a vintage Holden Commodore, complete with racing stripes and faux headlights. Or a coffin styled like a custom-painted Harley-Davidson fuel tank for motorcycle enthusiasts. These are not just coffins — they’re automotive tributes.

3. Eco-Friendly Bizarre Coffins

Being green, even in death, is growing in popularity. But eco-friendly coffins don’t have to be boring. Innovative Australian designers are starting to craft biodegradable coffins shaped like:

• Wicker surfboards

• Canoes and kayaks

• Leaf pods or seed shapes

Perfect for nature lovers, these biodegradable designs offer a sustainable, yet quirky, alternative to traditional coffins.

4. Cartoon and Pop Culture Coffins

From superheroes to beloved cartoons, some Aussies are opting for coffins featuring their favourite pop culture icons.

There have been reports of:

• Batman-themed coffins, complete with the Bat-Signal

• Disney princess designs for the young at heart

• Star Wars-style coffins emblazoned with “May the Force Be With You”

• Even Looney Tunes characters, to lighten the mood with classic humour

These personalised creations show that, for some, you really can take your fandom with you.

5. Food and Beverage Coffins

Yes, you read that correctly. Aussies love their food and drink — and some have chosen to make it part of their final tribute.

Examples include:

• Beer can-shaped coffins (for the proud VB drinker)

• Coffins shaped like giant Tim Tams or lamingtons

• A BBQ coffin, complete with sausages and tongs painted on the lid

It’s a cheeky nod to good times and great memories shared around Aussie staples.

6. Animal Lover’s Coffins

Animal-themed coffins are a rising trend among pet lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Designs include:

• Coffins shaped like paw prints

• Wildlife artwork, featuring kangaroos, koalas, or native birds

• Prints that resemble fur patterns, like leopard spots or zebra stripes

For someone who dedicated their life to animal welfare or simply adored their pets, these designs are a heartfelt tribute.

The Makers Behind the Magic

Australia is home to some talented coffin makers who specialise in turning unusual requests into reality.

Daisybox Australia (see image below), LifeArt Australia and Coffin World are just three examples of companies creating custom designs for families seeking something different. They use high-quality materials and eco-friendly inks to bring personalised visions to life — proving that funerals don’t have to follow a one-size-fits-all approach.

Many of these companies also work closely with families and funeral directors to ensure every detail is just right, from the shape and artwork to the final polish.

Can You Really Have a Bizarre Coffin at Your Funeral?

The short answer is: yes.

Australian funeral laws are fairly flexible when it comes to coffin design. As long as the coffin meets basic health and safety regulations (like being sealed properly and made of suitable materials), you can customise it almost any way you like.

Here are a few quick tips:

• Talk to your funeral director early. Some may have preferred suppliers for custom coffins.

• Plan ahead. Custom coffins take time to create, so allow for production and delivery timelines.

• Check with your cemetery or crematorium. Some facilities have guidelines for coffin dimensions or materials, especially for eco-friendly designs.

Why Bizarre Coffins Matter

While they might seem humorous or unusual at first glance, bizarre coffins actually play an important role in modern Australian funerals.

They allow people to:

• Celebrate life authentically

• Ease the heaviness of grief with moments of lightness

• Spark meaningful conversations about individuality and mortality

• Leave a lasting impression that friends and family will cherish

In many ways, these coffins remind us that funerals are not just about mourning a loss — they’re about honouring a life well-lived.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Farewell Unforgettable

At FuneralSmart, we believe that everyone deserves a send-off as unique as their life story. Whether you’re a sports fanatic, a nature lover, or someone with a larger-than-life personality, your choice of coffin can be a final statement of individuality.

If you’re curious about personalised coffin options — or just want to explore how to make your farewell memorable — our trusted funeral partners can help you plan a service that truly reflects your wishes.

Contact FuneralSmart today to compare funeral services and start planning a meaningful, personalised farewell.