Landscaping Cost Calculator.Know what it should cost.
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Landscaping in Australia typically costs between $6,500 and $75,000 in 2026, with most projects landing around $22,000.
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What goes into the number.
We scale a typical landscaping range by scope, garden size, finish and complexity. Add-ons cover specific inclusions like turf or lighting.
- Garden size and scope — soft vs hard vs structural landscaping.
- Slope of the block — retaining walls multiply structural cost.
- Site access — small backyards with no rear access are harder to mobilise.
- Plant maturity and species choice.
- Whether a designer is involved (typically 5–10% of build cost).
Frequently asked questions
How much does landscaping cost in Australia?
Landscaping in Australia typically costs between $6,500 and $75,000 in 2026, with most projects landing around $22,000. Pricing varies with size, finish level, complexity and your location. Use the calculator above for a range tuned to your project.
How long does landscaping take?
A small soft-landscaping project takes 1–2 weeks. Larger projects with retaining walls, paving and structures can take 6–12 weeks.
Do I need a designer?
Not strictly — but for projects over $20k, a designer typically saves more than they cost by avoiding rework and ordering correctly.
Do I need council approval for landscaping?
Planting, turf and garden beds generally don't need approval. Retaining walls above a height threshold (commonly 600 mm to 1 m depending on your state), significant cut and fill, and structures like pergolas or decks often do. Check with your council before work starts — retrospective approval is slow and expensive to obtain.
What's typically included in a landscaping quote?
Most quotes cover site preparation, materials, labour and rubbish removal for the scope described. Common exclusions are soil disposal from excavation, drainage upgrades, electrical and plumbing connections for lighting or irrigation, and ongoing maintenance. Ask each contractor to itemise inclusions so you're comparing like for like.
How do site conditions change the job?
Slope, soil type and access matter more than garden size. A sloping block usually needs retaining and drainage work before anything decorative starts, and rocky or reactive clay soils add excavation time. Tight access means machinery can't get in, so material is moved by hand — which adds significant labour cost.
Which parts of a landscaping job need licensed trades?
In most states, structural retaining walls above the exempt height must be engineered and built by a licensed contractor. Any electrical work for garden lighting must be done by a licensed electrician, and connecting irrigation to mains water requires a licensed plumber. General planting, turfing and paving don't require a licence, though many states require landscape contractors to hold a building licence once the job value passes a threshold.
See local pricing for your city
Each city page includes a local pricing adjustment, assumptions and FAQs.
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