Landscaping cost in Australia

What moves your quote#

• 01Project scope: simple maintenance versus a full redesign with hardscaping
• 02Material choice: natural versus synthetic turf, timber versus concrete sleeper retaining walls
• 03Site access for machinery such as a bobcat or mini excavator
• 04State: NSW and VIC rates typically run higher than WA or TAS
• 05Whether a garden design plan is commissioned before work begins

Common questions#

How much does a basic backyard landscaping project cost?

A basic backyard makeover with turf, garden beds and simple hardscaping typically costs $5,000 to $20,000. More complex redesigns with retaining walls and paving cost more.

Is natural or synthetic turf cheaper to lay?

Natural turf supply and lay costs $15 to $40 per square metre, which is cheaper upfront than synthetic turf, though synthetic needs no mowing or watering afterwards.

What drives the price of a retaining wall?

Retaining walls run $150 to $500 per square metre for timber sleeper construction, with concrete sleeper walls pricing higher again due to material and engineering requirements.

Do landscapers charge by the hour or by the job?

Most landscaping work is quoted as a fixed project price rather than hourly, though hourly rates for a qualified landscaper run $55 to $110 per hour for smaller tasks like mulching or clean-ups.

City editions#