Important Notes
When visiting Waverley Cemetery, please be respectful of the site and other visitors. Remain on marked paths and avoid disturbing gravestones or memorials. Be mindful of privacy and help ensure the cemetery remains well maintained and respected.
About Waverley Cemetery
Waverley Cemetery is a heritage-listed cemetery located on Sydney’s coastline, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was opened in 1877 and is well known for its dramatic coastal setting, historic graves, and ongoing exposure to harsh marine weather conditions. During a recent visit, clear differences in how various gravestone materials have weathered over time were easy to observe throughout the cemetery, including the grave of aviation pioneer Lawrence Hargrave.
This EarthCache examines the geological origins of the cemetery’s gravestones and how different rock types weather over time. The stones used for gravemarkers were quarried, transported, and shaped before being placed here, making them an excellent example of how human activity interacts with natural geological processes, particularly in a coastal environment.
What is Weathering?
Weathering is the process by which rocks and materials break down over time due to exposure to natural environmental conditions. There are three main types:
Chemical Weathering
This occurs when minerals in the stone react with water, oxygen, or acidic substances, gradually altering and weakening the rock. At Waverley Cemetery, salty air and moisture can accelerate these chemical reactions.
Physical Weathering
Physical weathering is caused by temperature changes, water, wind, or pressure. These forces can lead to cracking, flaking, or fragmentation of the stone without changing its chemical composition.
Biological Weathering
Biological weathering involves plants, animals, or microorganisms breaking down rock. Examples include roots growing into cracks or lichen producing weak acids that dissolve minerals.
Different gravestone materials respond to these processes in different ways, which is what you will observe at this EarthCache.
Comparing Gravestone Materials & Their Weathering Patterns
The cemetery contains gravestones made from sandstone, granite, marble, and other materials. Some of these stones have remained intact for over a century, while others show clear signs of deterioration.
Sandstone
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that is relatively soft and porous. It tends to weather quickly due to water absorption and salt exposure. Many sandstone gravestones show erosion, surface loss, rounded edges, and fading inscriptions.
Marble
Marble gravestones were originally smooth and polished. Over time, older marble stones often develop a rough, crystalline surface through a process known as sugaring, where minerals slowly dissolve.
Granite
Granite is a hard, crystalline igneous rock that is highly resistant to weathering. Granite gravestones generally remain clear and readable, with far less damage than sandstone or marble.
Iron
Some older cemetery markers or fences are made of iron. Over time, iron reacts with oxygen and moisture to form rust, which can cause weakening and flaking. In coastal environments, this corrosion can occur more rapidly.
Concrete
Concrete is commonly used for gravestone bases and simple markers. It may crack, pit, or discolour as moisture and salts move through the material. Lichen and moss growth can further accelerate deterioration.
Bronze
Bronze is typically used for plaques and memorials. Over time, it develops a greenish patina due to oxidation. While this patina can be protective, prolonged exposure to salty air may cause surface pitting or corrosion.
Logging Tasks
To claim this EarthCache, please answer the following questions based on your observations at Waverley Cemetery:
Sandstone Observation
Describe the sandstone gravestones you observe. What colour are they, and how would you describe their texture? Do you notice signs of weathering such as erosion, flaking, rounding, or surface loss?
Comparison of Materials
Examine gravestones made from different materials. Identify some of the older gravestones and compare how sandstone, marble, and granite have weathered. Which material appears to be the most affected, and why do you think some stones are more eroded than others?
Environmental Factors
Consider Waverley Cemetery’s coastal location. How do wind, rainfall, salt spray, and temperature changes contribute to the weathering patterns you observe?
Photo Task
Take a photo of yourself or a personal item at the main entrance to Waverley Cemetery, with the sandstone entrance pillars and the entrance gate visible, so it is clear the photo was taken at the cemetery entrance.
References
Waverley Council – Waverley Cemetery
Official information on Waverley Cemetery, including its history, location, and management.
• https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/cemeteries
Spade & The Grave – The Geologic Composition & Weathering of Gravestones
An article discussing common gravestone materials and the processes that cause them to weather over time.
• https://spadeandthegrave.com/2019/05/05/the-geologic-composition-weathering-of-gravestones/
It’s Raining Caches (IRC) Project
Information about the It’s Raining Caches community initiative and coordinated geocache releases.
• https://irc-gc.com/
Logging Instructions
You may log your find immediately to maintain your statistics and trackables. Please send your answers via email or GC Messenger (do not include them in your public log) within 10 to 14 days. Failure to provide answers may result in the deletion of your log. If clarification is required, I will contact you.
GC Project: It’s Raining Caches 2026
This geocache was part of the GC Project: It’s Raining Caches 2026.
The project’s aim was to create a rain of new geocaches released simultaneously across Australia on 14 February 2026 at 9:00 AM.
Many legendary cache owners came together to generously contribute their finest geocaches, helping to build excitement, connection, and community spirit for all finders to enjoy long after the event.
This geocache helped make it rain.