Driveway Cost Calculator.Know what it should cost.

A new driveway in Australia typically costs between $3,500 and $22,000 in 2026, with most projects landing around $9,500. Pricing varies with size, finish level, complexity and your location. Use the calculator above for a range tuned to your project.

A typical concrete driveway is 2–4 days work plus 5–7 days cure before vehicle use. Paver driveways take longer to lay but are usable sooner.

Replacing an existing driveway typically does not require approval. A new crossover (kerb cut) almost always requires council approval and inspection.

Most quotes cover excavation, road base, formwork, reinforcement mesh and the pour or laying itself. Common exclusions are removal of the old driveway, council crossover fees, drainage and sealing, so ask each contractor to itemise these before you compare. Quotes that look cheaper often simply leave more out.

A steep block, tight access for trucks and machinery, or soft and reactive soil all add significant cost. Sloped sites need more excavation and usually drainage to keep water away from the house, while soft ground needs a deeper compacted base or a thicker slab. Have contractors inspect the site before giving a fixed price.

A well-built concrete driveway typically lasts 30 years or more, and pavers can match that with occasional re-levelling. Asphalt is shorter-lived, usually 15 to 20 years with periodic resealing. Longevity mostly comes down to base preparation: premature cracking is usually caused by a poorly compacted subgrade, not the surface material.

Site preparation and concreting are physically demanding and unforgiving, since a bad pour or poorly compacted base cannot be easily fixed. Most homeowners use licensed concreters or paving trades, and any crossover work on council land must be done by an approved contractor. DIY is realistic only for small paver projects on flat, stable ground.