Landscaping transforms your outdoor space and can add 10-15% to your property's value when done well. The average residential landscaping project in Australia costs $5,000 to $30,000, with simple projects like turf and garden beds starting from $2,000 and comprehensive makeovers exceeding $50,000.
The cost depends heavily on the scope: are you laying turf and planting a few shrubs, or building retaining walls, paving an entertaining area, and installing irrigation? Material choices also have a huge impact — natural stone paving costs 3-4× more than concrete pavers.
This guide breaks down the cost of every common landscaping element so you can plan your outdoor project.
Landscaping Cost Breakdown — 2026 Pricing
| Item | Low | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turf Supply & Lay | $15 | $30 | /m² |
| Garden Bed (plants + mulch) | $50 | $120 | /m² |
| Concrete Paving | $60 | $120 | /m² |
| Natural Stone Paving | $120 | $250 | /m² |
| Timber Decking | $200 | $400 | /m² |
| Retaining Wall (timber) | $200 | $350 | /m² |
| Retaining Wall (block) | $300 | $500 | /m² |
| Irrigation System | $1,500 | $5,000 | total |
| Garden Lighting | $1,000 | $4,000 | total |
| Artificial Turf | $60 | $120 | /m² |
| Landscape Design | $1,500 | $5,000 | total |
| Bobcat / Excavation | $80 | $150 | /hr |
What Affects the Cost?
Project Scope
A simple turf and garden bed project costs $2,000-$5,000. A full backyard makeover with paving, retaining walls, and planting costs $15,000-$30,000+.
Material Selection
Concrete pavers ($60-$120/m²) vs natural stone ($120-$250/m²). Treated pine retaining walls ($200-$350/m²) vs concrete block ($300-$500/m²).
Site Conditions
Sloping sites need retaining walls and more earthworks. Rocky soil increases excavation costs. Poor drainage requires additional work.
Access
Rear yards with limited access require manual handling of materials, adding significant labour cost. Crane or bobcat access reduces labour but needs space.
Plant Selection
Native plants are typically cheaper and require less maintenance. Mature trees and specimen plants can cost $500-$2,000+ each.
Cost by City — 2026
| City | Price Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $8,000 – $40,000 | Highest costs |
| Melbourne | $7,000 – $35,000 | Competitive |
| Brisbane | $5,000 – $28,000 | Year-round work |
| Perth | $6,000 – $30,000 | Sandy soils |
| Adelaide | $5,000 – $25,000 | Most affordable |
| Gold Coast | $6,000 – $30,000 | Tropical plants |
Expert Tips
Start with a landscape design plan — it saves money in the long run
Choose native and drought-tolerant plants for lower maintenance
Install irrigation before laying turf or planting — it's much cheaper
Get retaining walls over 1m engineered — it's required by law
Consider staging your landscaping over 2-3 phases to spread costs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does landscaping cost in Australia?
Landscaping in Australia costs $5,000-$30,000 for a standard residential project. Simple projects (turf, garden beds) start from $2,000. Full backyard makeovers with paving, retaining walls, and planting cost $15,000-$30,000+.
How much does turf cost per square metre?
Turf costs $15-$30 per square metre supplied and laid, including soil preparation. The turf itself costs $8-$15/m². Popular varieties include Sir Walter Buffalo ($10-$15/m²), Kikuyu ($8-$12/m²), and Couch ($8-$12/m²).
How much does a retaining wall cost?
Retaining walls cost $200-$500 per square metre of face area. Timber sleeper walls are $200-$350/m². Concrete block walls are $300-$500/m². Walls over 1m high require engineering certification ($1,000-$2,000).
Is landscaping worth the investment?
Yes, quality landscaping can add 10-15% to your property's value and significantly improve your quality of life. Focus on low-maintenance, drought-tolerant designs for the best long-term value.
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