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Earthmoving Prices Australia
Prices include GST. Minimum callout fees of $150–$300 are common for smaller machines. Always get a written quote specifying machine size, hours, and whether soil disposal is included.
Earthmoving Prices by Service Type — Australia
Prices include GST. Minimum callout fees of $150–$300 are common for smaller machines. Always get a written quote specifying machine size, hours, and whether soil disposal is included.
| Service | Unit | From | Average | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚜Mini Excavator Hire (1–3t, with operator) Compact excavator suitable for tight-access residential work including trenching, post holes, and small site preparation | /hr | $80 | $110 | $150 |
| 🚜Standard Excavator Hire (5–8t, with operator) Mid-size excavator for residential and light commercial earthworks including site cuts, footings, and drainage | /hr | $120 | $165 | $220 |
| 🚜Large Excavator Hire (12–20t, with operator) Heavy excavator for large-scale site preparation, deep excavation, rock breaking, and commercial projects | /hr | $180 | $260 | $350 |
| 🚜Bobcat / Skid Steer Hire (with operator) Versatile skid steer for levelling, backfilling, material spreading, and light grading on residential sites | /hr | $85 | $120 | $160 |
| 📏Site Cut / Levelling (per m²) Cut and fill to create a level building pad or yard area, including compaction of the finished surface | /m² | $8 | $15 | $25 |
| ⛏️Trenching (per linear metre) Excavate trenches for drainage, plumbing, electrical, or footings to specified depth and width | /lm | $20 | $38 | $60 |
| 🧱Bulk Excavation (per m³) Large volume excavation for basements, swimming pools, dams, or major site preparation projects | /m³ | $15 | $25 | $40 |
| 🚛Soil / Rock Removal (per m³ incl. tip) Load, transport, and dispose of excavated soil or rock at a licensed tip facility including tipping fees | /m³ | $30 | $50 | $80 |
| 🧱Retaining Wall Excavation Excavate and prepare the foundation trench and drainage provisions for a retaining wall installation | /job | $500 | $1,100 | $2,000 |
| 🏊Pool Excavation Complete excavation of a swimming pool hole to engineered specifications including soil removal and site access | /job | $2,500 | $4,500 | $8,000 |
| 🚗Driveway / Pad Preparation Excavate, level, compact, and prepare sub-base for a new driveway, garage pad, or concrete slab | /job | $1,500 | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| 🌳Land Clearing (per m²) Clear vegetation, small trees, and debris from a site ready for earthworks or construction | /m² | $5 | $12 | $20 |
Earthmoving Prices by City
Click a city for detailed local pricing and tips
Sydney
New South Wales · 5.3M
From $10
Newcastle
New South Wales · 320K
Pricing available
Wollongong
New South Wales · 310K
Pricing available
Central Coast
New South Wales · 340K
Pricing available
Melbourne
Victoria · 5.1M
From $9
Geelong
Victoria · 270K
Pricing available
Ballarat
Victoria · 115K
Pricing available
Bendigo
Victoria · 100K
Pricing available
Brisbane
Queensland · 2.6M
From $5
Gold Coast
Queensland · 680K
From $5
Sunshine Coast
Queensland · 350K
Pricing available
Cairns
Queensland · 160K
Pricing available
Townsville
Queensland · 195K
Pricing available
Adelaide
South Australia · 1.4M
From $7
Mount Gambier
South Australia · 30K
Pricing available
Perth
Western Australia · 2.1M
From $7
Mandurah
Western Australia · 100K
Pricing available
Bunbury
Western Australia · 75K
Pricing available
Hobart
Tasmania · 240K
From $14
Launceston
Tasmania · 90K
Pricing available
Canberra
ACT · 460K
From $9
Darwin
Northern Territory · 150K
Pricing available
Alice Springs
Northern Territory · 25K
Pricing available
Browse by Region
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Earthmoving prices in Australia range from $5 for basic services to $8,000 for large-scale excavation and pool excavation. Prices include GST. Minimum callout fees of $150–$300 are common for smaller machines. Always get a written quote specifying machine size, hours, and whether soil disposal is included.
The most common earthmoving services in Australia include mini excavator hire, standard excavator hire, large excavator hire, bobcat hire, site cuts and levelling, trenching, bulk excavation, soil removal, retaining wall excavation, pool excavation, driveway preparation, and land clearing.
The most effective savings come from having a clear scope before quoting, ensuring good site access for the most efficient machine, batching multiple tasks into one visit, and scheduling during quieter periods. Always get 2–3 quotes for jobs over $2,000. Prices include GST. Minimum callout fees of $150–$300 are common for smaller machines. Always get a written quote specifying machine size, hours, and whether soil disposal is included.
Most local councils or authorities in Australia require permits for major earthworks such as deep excavation, work near boundaries, or changes to drainage patterns. Minor works like garden levelling typically do not require a permit. Always check local requirements before starting. Prices include GST. Minimum callout fees of $150–$300 are common for smaller machines. Always get a written quote specifying machine size, hours, and whether soil disposal is included.
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