How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Melbourne? (2025 Guide)

Melbourne Landscaping Costs in 2025

Landscaping in Melbourne can range from a $300 garden tidy-up to a $30,000+ full backyard transformation. Here's a breakdown of common projects.

Common Landscaping Projects & Costs

Garden Clean-Up

A one-off garden tidy — weeding, pruning, and rubbish removal — typically costs:

Small garden: $200–$400
Medium garden: $400–$800
Large garden: $800–$1,500+

Lawn Installation

Type	Cost per m²
Instant turf (Sir Walter, Kikuyu)	$25–$45/m² installed
Turf + soil preparation	$40–$65/m²
Synthetic grass	$50–$90/m² installed

Garden Design

Professional garden design fees in Melbourne:

Basic concept plan: $500–$1,500
Detailed landscape design: $2,000–$5,000
Design + construction: $10,000–$50,000+

Retaining Walls

Timber sleeper wall: $250–$350 per lineal metre
Concrete block wall: $400–$600 per lineal metre
Natural stone wall: $600–$1,000+ per lineal metre

Paving & Decking

Concrete paving: $80–$150/m²
Sandstone/travertine: $150–$300/m²
Hardwood decking: $300–$550/m²
Composite decking: $250–$450/m²

What Affects Landscaping Costs in Melbourne?

Site Access and Slope

Difficult access (narrow side gates, steep slopes) significantly increases labour costs. Melbourne's hilly suburbs like Kew, Hawthorn, and Eltham often see higher quotes for this reason.

Soil Conditions

Melbourne's clay-heavy soils often need amendment before planting. Budget an extra $500–$2,000 for soil improvement on clay sites.

Material Selection

Locally sourced Australian stone and timber can be cheaper than imported materials, and they're better suited to Melbourne's climate.

Tips for Melbourne Homeowners

Get 3 written quotes — landscaping prices vary wildly between operators
Specify your budget upfront — good landscapers will design to your budget
Consider staging the work — spread costs over 2–3 seasons
Ask about council permits — decks over 800mm and some retaining walls may need a permit in Melbourne

Find a Melbourne Landscaper

Browse verified Melbourne landscapers on Tradiely and get free quotes from local professionals.