HOW MUCH DOES LANDSCAPING COST IN AUSTRALIA IN 2026?
And why your garden deserves more than the leftover reno budget! 🌿
So, you've just had your dream kitchen installed. You've splurged on the statement cooker, chosen gorgeous flooring, added custom joinery and installed those to-die-for timber bifolds that open your living area to the sunshine and that view of...
Oh.
THAT view. 😬
A barren backyard, sad-looking fence, dated pavers and a rusty old Hills Hoist.
Not quite what you pictured when you started planning your reno, was it?
We spend SO much time planning our interiors, but the garden? That's often relegated to the bottom of the renovation wishlist. Something we'll get around to when the house is finished. By which time, the budget is often exhausted.
But when you've invested in beautiful windows, generous glazing and doors that open onto the outdoors, what you're looking at on the other side matters. A LOT.
Which brings us to the big question: How much does landscaping cost in Australia in 2026?
A modest garden refresh might cost $5,000 to $15,000, while a complete outdoor transformation with extensive paving, retaining walls, structures and a pool can climb well into six-figure territory.
Yep, gardens can get expensive.
So let's break down what landscaping actually costs, where the money goes and how to create an outdoor space you'll LOVE without blowing the budget.
IN THIS GUIDE
How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Australia in 2026?
How Much Does a Garden Makeover Cost Per Square Metre?
How Much Does a Landscaper Charge Per Hour in Australia?
What Should You Include in Your Landscaping Budget?
What Are the Biggest Costs in a Landscaping Project?
What Hidden Landscaping Costs Should You Budget For?
How Can You Save Money on Landscaping?
Is Professional Landscaping Worth the Money?
HOW MUCH DOES LANDSCAPING COST IN AUSTRALIA IN 2026?
The short answer? It depends on what you're planning.
Giving a tired garden some TLC with fresh lawn, plants and mulch is a very different proposition from installing a swimming pool, retaining walls and a beautiful alfresco entertaining area.
Here's a guide to what you might budget for landscaping in 2026.
| Type of landscaping | Indicative 2026 cost |
|---|---|
| Small garden refresh | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Garden makeover with some hard landscaping | $15,000–$40,000 |
| Substantial professional landscaping | $40,000–$80,000+ |
| Comprehensive premium outdoor transformation | $80,000–$200,000+ |
| Luxury landscaping with pool and major structures | $200,000+, potentially much higher |
These are broad budgeting allowances rather than national averages. Costs depend on your garden's size, location, materials, site access and the amount of construction involved.
And remember, some of the biggest expenses are things you'll never actually see once the garden is finished.
Excavation, drainage, retaining walls and site preparation can chew through a sizeable chunk of your budget before you've planted a single hydrangea.
HOW MUCH DOES A GARDEN MAKEOVER COST PER SQUARE METRE?
Unlike flooring, where you can calculate a fairly straightforward square-metre cost, gardens aren't quite so predictable.
A square metre of lawn costs considerably less than a square metre of bluestone paving. And a landscaped courtyard with mature trees, custom seating and architectural lighting?
That's another price bracket altogether.
So rather than applying one square-metre rate to your entire garden, break your budget into individual components.
LANDSCAPING COST BREAKDOWN FOR 2026
| Landscaping feature | Indicative 2026 cost |
|---|---|
| Natural turf, supply only | $7–$30 per m² |
| Concrete paving, supplied and installed | $100–$180 per m² |
| Brick paving, supplied and installed | $110–$200 per m² |
| Bluestone paving, supplied and installed | $200–$400+ per m² |
| Treated pine decking, supplied and installed | $200–$400 per m² |
| Composite decking, supplied and installed | $350–$800 per m² |
| Basic landscape design | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Detailed landscape design | $3,000–$10,000+ |
| Automated irrigation, small garden | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Automated irrigation, medium garden | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Automated irrigation, large or complex garden | $6,000–$15,000+ |
| Professional landscaping contractor | $65–$125 per hour, per person |
A little heads-up on pricing! These figures are a guide, not a guarantee. Turf prices are for supply only, while paving and decking costs assume a fairly straightforward install. Irrigation prices include professional installation but will depend on your garden size, watering zones, equipment and access to water and power. And if your block needs extra excavation, drainage or tricky site work? Expect the budget to creep up!
HOW MUCH DOES A LANDSCAPER CHARGE PER HOUR IN AUSTRALIA?
For experienced landscaping contractors working on higher-cost metropolitan projects, allow approximately $65 to $125 per hour, per person as a starting point.
Some contractors charge less, while specialist work or difficult sites can cost more.
And here's where you need to pay attention.
Does the hourly rate cover one landscaper or an entire crew? Is machinery included? What about travel, equipment and GST?
OUR TIP: Always ask for an itemised quote. One contractor might include excavation and drainage in their paving price, while another is quoting purely to lay the pavers. Make sure you're comparing apples with apples.
WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE IN YOUR LANDSCAPING BUDGET?
There's more to landscaping than the backyard.
Your front garden, side boundaries, courtyards and smaller outdoor spaces all have a job to do. We like to think about landscaping in four zones.
THE FRONT GARDEN: FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT!
Your front garden is the first thing visitors see and the view that welcomes you home every day.
Think driveways, pathways, fencing, gates, garden beds, lighting and all those details that contribute to great street appeal.
And don't forget the practical stuff. Where will the bins live? Is there enough parking? Can visitors actually FIND the front door?
Our recent Cottage Exterior Renovation is a perfect example of how much difference a considered front garden can make.
The original cottage was cute as a button, but the lacklustre garden and bland facade weren’t exactly screaming, “Come on in for an Aperol Spritz!”
Beautiful new fencing and gates, thoughtful planting, a considered colour palette and a recycled brick pathway brought warmth, character and a much more welcoming first impression.
Same cottage. Completely different street appeal.
WHAT TO BUDGET FOR: Driveways, pathways, fencing, gates, lighting, lawn, planting, drainage and irrigation.
OUR TIP: You don't necessarily need a huge budget to make a great first impression. A beautiful pathway, well-chosen planting and an attractive front gate can work wonders.
THE SIDE BOUNDARIES: DON'T FORGET THESE!
The narrow strip down the side of your house probably isn't taking pride of place on your Vision Board. But don't underestimate it. These little spaces work HARD.
Not only do they provide access and house all the not-so-pretty essentials (hello, bins!), they often need to deliver privacy and security, too.
And sometimes, they're on full display! The rise of the glass kitchen splashback (basically a big window where your tiles would normally be) suddenly put side fences in the spotlight, leaving homeowners scrambling to make the view a little prettier. Hellooo, heliconias!
Kitchen Window Splashback – Reno Schooler, Emma Leeming
Kitchen Window Splashback – Reno Schooler, Kelly Allen
Then there's the growing popularity of granny flats, making side access more important than ever. A clear pathway, good lighting and easy access to the backyard can make all the difference.
The good news? You don't need to go overboard. A simple pathway, lockable gate, some clever screening plants and a little lighting where needed can turn this hardworking strip into something that's practical AND pretty.
WHAT TO BUDGET FOR: Boundary fencing, gates, pathways, drainage, lighting, privacy screening and storage.
OUR TIP: Sort out drainage and underground services BEFORE planting. Digging up a newly landscaped garden to install something you forgot isn't anyone's idea of a good time.
THE BACKYARD: WHERE THE WISHLIST GETS BIG!
Swimming pool? Yes please.
Outdoor kitchen? Absolutely.
Alfresco dining, lush lawn, beautiful planting and perhaps a wellness retreat complete with sauna?
We can see how this budget might get out of hand. 😬
The trick is to prioritise how you actually want to use the space.
Love entertaining? Invest in an alfresco area connected to the kitchen.
Got young kids? A lawn with good visibility from the house might be more important.
Or perhaps you'd prefer a private garden retreat where you can escape with a book and a glass of chilled rosé.
WHAT TO BUDGET FOR: Paving, decking, outdoor kitchens, pools, lawn, planting, retaining walls, fencing, lighting, irrigation and drainage.
At House 18: Maison Soleil, the outdoor spaces weren't an afterthought.
We positioned the swimming pool BEFORE designing the kitchen because we wanted that beautiful pool and garden visible from the kitchen, dining and living areas.
The result? A gorgeous outlook from almost every angle, with sunlight reflecting off the water and dancing across the living room ceiling.
The pool isn't just somewhere to swim. It's part of the home's design.
OUR TIP: If a pool or major outdoor structure is on your wishlist, plan its location early, even if you won't be building it straight away.
THE LITTLE OUTDOOR MOMENTS: COURTYARDS AND GARDEN RETREATS
Sometimes it's the smallest outdoor spaces that make the biggest impression.
A leafy courtyard outside a bedroom. A sunny breakfast nook. A beautiful tree framed perfectly through a bathroom window.
At House 18, we used courtyards and carefully positioned windows to bring natural light and garden views into spaces that might otherwise have felt enclosed.
Not every garden needs to be somewhere you sit. Sometimes its job is simply to make the view from inside more beautiful.
WHAT TO BUDGET FOR: Courtyard paving, feature trees, screening plants, pots, lighting, seating and irrigation.
OUR TIP: In small spaces, think UP. Climbing plants and slender trees create privacy and greenery without taking up precious floor space.
WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST COSTS IN A LANDSCAPING PROJECT?
Choosing plants and beautiful paving is the fun part. But there's plenty of work to consider before your garden starts looking gorgeous.
SITE PREPARATION, EXCAVATION AND DRAINAGE
A flat, accessible block is generally cheaper to landscape than a steep, rocky site with limited access.
Excavation, soil removal, levelling and drainage can take a substantial bite out of your budget. They're not glamorous expenses, but getting them right matters.
RETAINING WALLS AND STRUCTURAL WORKS
Retaining walls can turn a sloping backyard into usable outdoor space, but engineering, drainage and difficult access can make them expensive.
Get professional advice early and factor any necessary approvals into your budget.
PAVING, DECKING AND OUTDOOR SURFACES
Natural stone might be gorgeous, but it comes with a very different price tag from concrete or brick paving.
The same goes for decking.
Consider where you want to splurge and where an affordable alternative will work just as well.
PLANTS, TREES AND GARDEN BEDS
Mature trees and established screening plants can be expensive, particularly when you're buying large quantities.
Younger plants cost less, but you'll need patience while they grow.
And choose plants suited to your local climate, soil and sunlight. Replacing plants that don't survive is an expense nobody wants.
AUTOMATED WATERING SYSTEMS: KEEP THOSE PLANTS ALIVE!
You've spent thousands on beautiful trees, flowering plants and lush garden beds.
The last thing you want is for them to turn crispy brown the first time a summer heatwave rolls through. 🥵
Unless you've got plenty of time to spend watering your garden, an automated irrigation system is a very wise investment.
A properly designed system can deliver water where it's needed, when it's needed, without relying on someone remembering to turn on the hose.
Drip irrigation is particularly useful for garden beds, while pop-up sprinklers can cover lawn areas. Add a programmable controller, rain sensor or smart watering system and you can adjust watering to suit the weather and your garden's needs.
For budgeting, allow approximately $1,500 to $3,500 for a small garden, $3,000 to $6,000 for a medium garden and $6,000 to $15,000+ for larger or more complex systems.
These are broad professional-installation allowances. The actual price depends on your garden layout, watering zones, pipework, controller, water supply and site access.
OUR TIP: Plan irrigation BEFORE laying paving and establishing garden beds. And don't assume automated means maintenance-free. Your system still needs seasonal adjustments, occasional checks and sensible watering settings.
POOLS, OUTDOOR KITCHENS AND LUXURY EXTRAS
A swimming pool alone can cost tens of thousands before you factor in surrounding paving, fencing and landscaping.
Add an outdoor kitchen, spa, sauna or custom pergola and the budget can climb quickly.
Our advice? Decide which features will genuinely improve the way you live and which ones can wait.
WHAT HIDDEN LANDSCAPING COSTS SHOULD YOU BUDGET FOR?
Before you sign off on your landscaping quote, make sure you know EXACTLY what's included.
Commonly overlooked costs include:
Landscape design, approvals and engineering
Excavation, soil removal and waste disposal
Drainage and stormwater connections
Electrical work and outdoor lighting
Automated irrigation and water connections
Soil preparation, mulch and garden edging
Delivery fees and difficult site access
Pool fencing and safety requirements
Ongoing garden and irrigation maintenance
Depending on your plans, you may need approvals for retaining walls, pools, decks, tree removal, certain fences or drainage changes.
And don't forget your contingency.
We recommend allowing an additional 10% to 20% for unexpected expenses, depending on your project's complexity.
Because discovering a giant rock beneath your proposed swimming pool isn't exactly the surprise you were hoping for.
OUR TIP: Ask your landscaper what's included, what's excluded and what could trigger additional charges.
HOW CAN YOU SAVE MONEY ON LANDSCAPING?
A beautiful garden doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are five ways to make your budget work harder.
KEEP WHAT'S ALREADY WORKING
Before ripping everything out, look at what you've already got. An established tree, existing paving or a perfectly good fence might be worth keeping.
CHOOSE SMALLER PLANTS
Mature trees make an instant impact, but boy, can they be exxy! Our trick? Splurge on a couple of big beauties, then save your money with smaller plants everywhere else. They'll grow!
MIX BOUGIE WITH BUDGET
Fallen in love with a gorgeous natural stone? Use it in your main entertaining area and choose more affordable paving or gravel elsewhere.
You don't need the most expensive material on every surface.
GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY
Planting, mulching and general garden preparation can be great DIY projects.
But leave structural landscaping, major excavation, drainage and electrical work to appropriately qualified professionals.
PLAN THE WHOLE GARDEN, EVEN IF YOU BUILD IT IN STAGES
You don't need to complete everything at once, but you DO need a plan.
If your budget only stretches to the front garden this year and the backyard next year, that's fine.
Just make sure the overall design is considered from the beginning so you're not paying twice for work that could have been coordinated.
And for more smart spending ideas, check out our guide to Where to Splurge and Where to Save on Your Reno.
IS PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING WORTH THE MONEY?
A beautiful garden can make your home feel like a whole new place. More privacy, better entertaining spaces and street appeal for days.
But do you need to spend six figures? Heck no!
Some landscaping jobs are easier to DIY than others. Take laying turf. We rolled up our sleeves and did it ourselves back at House 1 (photographic evidence and all!).
Painting is another great way to save. Fences, pergolas and other outdoor structures can often be given a fresh coat of paint yourself, without paying for a professional.
Our advice? Save on the jobs you can tackle yourself and invest in the pros for the trickier stuff.
The secret is knowing where to splurge, where to save and what matters most to YOU.
OUR THREE BIRDS ADVICE? PLAN YOUR GARDEN FROM DAY ONE!
When you're putting together your renovation Vision Board, don't stop at the back door.
Think about the views from your windows, where the sun falls and how you'll move between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Consider privacy, practical access, garden maintenance and, yes, how you're going to keep those beautiful plants watered.
And if the budget doesn't stretch to everything right now?
A clear landscaping plan means you can tackle the work in stages without compromising on the bigger vision.
Because after all that time, effort and money spent creating a beautiful home, the last thing you want is to open those gorgeous bifolds and find yourself staring at someone’s knickers pegged to the old Hills Hoist.
FAQS: LANDSCAPING COSTS IN AUSTRALIA IN 2026
How much does landscaping cost in Australia?
A small garden refresh might cost $5,000 to $15,000, while substantial professional landscaping can cost $40,000 to $80,000 or more. Premium outdoor transformations with pools and major structures can exceed $200,000.
How much does a garden makeover cost per square metre?
There's no single rate for an entire garden makeover. Turf supply might cost $7 to $30 per m², installed concrete paving $100 to $180 per m² and installed bluestone paving $200 to $400+ per m². Other construction and preparation costs are additional.
How much does a landscaper charge per hour in Australia?
For higher-cost metropolitan projects, allow approximately $65 to $125 per hour, per experienced landscaping contractor. Confirm whether quotes include equipment, travel and GST.
How much does an automated garden watering system cost?
As a broad guide, professionally installed automated irrigation might cost $1,500 to $3,500 for a small garden, $3,000 to $6,000 for a medium garden and $6,000 to $15,000+ for a larger or more complex property. Costs vary with watering zones, equipment and installation requirements.
What is the cheapest way to landscape a backyard?
Keep existing features where possible, choose younger plants, use affordable materials strategically and tackle suitable DIY jobs. Planning the entire garden before starting can also help avoid expensive rework.
How much should I budget for landscaping when renovating?
Price each component separately, including design, construction, planting, lighting and irrigation. Obtain itemised quotes and allow a 10% to 20% contingency for unexpected expenses.
Does landscaping add value to your home?
Good landscaping can improve street appeal, functionality and buyer interest. However, the financial return depends on your property, local market and the amount spent.
Should landscaping be done before or after a renovation?
Plan your landscaping alongside the renovation, even if the finishing work happens afterwards. Pools, excavation, drainage, irrigation pipework and underground services should be coordinated early to avoid damaging completed work.
READY TO GET YOUR GARDEN GLOWING? 🌿
Got grand garden plans but no idea where to start? Before you race off to the nursery and fill your trolley with plants (we've ALL been there 😉), a little planning goes a LONG way.
Inside our Reno School, the Glorious Gardens lesson will help you turn those garden dreams into a well-considered plan, so you can create an outdoor space that's just as gorgeous as the home you've worked so hard on.
Because beautiful gardens don't just grow on trees. Well, you know what we mean! 🌳
Disclaimer: These 2026 landscaping prices are a guide, not a guarantee! What you'll actually pay depends on where you live, your block, materials, labour and the work involved (including any approvals). Every garden is different, so always get detailed quotes from qualified professionals before locking in your budget.
