How Much Does Landscaping Cost in Melbourne?

Landscaping cost is one of the most searched questions in our industry, and one of the hardest to answer honestly, because it genuinely depends. But vague answers don't help you budget. This guide gives you real cost ranges for the most common landscaping projects in Melbourne, based on what we actually quote and build.

What drives landscaping costs in Melbourne?

Before the numbers, it helps to understand what you're actually paying for:

• Materials, the biggest variable. Bluestone costs more than concrete. Hardwood costs more than composite.
• Site preparation, excavation, drainage, demolition of existing structures. Often underestimated.
• Labour, skilled trades cost appropriately. Be wary of unusually cheap quotes.
• Access, narrow side gates, sloped blocks, and restricted access add cost.
• Design, full landscape design is an additional investment, but saves money on mistakes during construction.

Paving costs Melbourne

Paving is the most common landscaping job we quote. Costs vary significantly by material and area size.

• Concrete (plain or exposed aggregate): $80–$130 per m²
• Bluestone paving: $150–$250 per m²
• Porcelain tiles (large format): $180–$280 per m²
• Travertine: $160–$260 per m²
• Brick paving: $120–$180 per m²

A typical Melbourne entertaining area of 30–40m² in bluestone or porcelain will generally cost $6,000–$10,000 fully installed including base preparation and drainage. Driveways run higher due to the structural base required.

Decking costs Melbourne

Timber and composite decking costs depend heavily on size, height, and whether you need a building permit (required for decks over 1m in height or over 10m²).

• Composite decking (ground level): $300–$450 per m²
• Hardwood timber (merbau, spotted gum): $350–$550 per m²
• Raised deck with subframe: Add $100–$200 per m² for the elevated structure
• Glass balustrade: $600–$900 per lineal metre

A 20m² ground-level hardwood deck with simple balustrade typically costs $10,000–$14,000 installed.

Fencing costs Melbourne

• Timber paling fence: $120–$200 per lineal metre
• Colorbond fence: $100–$160 per lineal metre
• Feature steel or aluminium screen: $300–$600 per lineal metre
• Frameless glass pool fence: $500–$900 per lineal metre

Retaining wall costs Melbourne

Retaining walls are one of the most variable jobs to price, soil conditions, wall height, and drainage requirements all play a role.

• Timber sleeper retaining wall: $250–$400 per m²
• Concrete block retaining wall: $300–$500 per m²
• Natural stone / bluestone retaining wall: $500–$900 per m²

Walls over 1m typically require engineer certification in Victoria, which adds to the cost. Don't cut corners on retaining walls, a poorly built wall is a safety issue and an expensive rebuild.

Full landscape design and construction

A complete backyard transformation, design, paving, planting, fencing, lighting, can range widely:

• Small courtyard makeover (under 50m²): $15,000–$35,000
• Mid-size suburban backyard (50–150m²): $35,000–$80,000
• Large garden or full property (150m²+): $80,000–$200,000+

These ranges include design, hard landscaping (paving, structures), and planting. They exclude pools, which are a separate trade.

Why quotes vary so much

You'll get quotes ranging wildly for the same job. The low quote is usually low for a reason, shortcuts in base preparation, cheaper materials substituted in without telling you, or a tradie who's underpriced and will cut corners to survive. The high quote may include unnecessary contingency or a premium you're not getting value from.

The right quote itemises everything: materials, preparation, labour, drainage, and any permits. If a quote is just one number with no breakdown, ask for more detail before signing anything.

How to budget for landscaping

A useful rule: set aside 5–10% of your property value for landscaping if you're doing a full transformation. For targeted projects (just a deck, just paving), budget based on the per-m² rates above plus 15–20% contingency for unexpected site conditions.

Phasing the work is a legitimate strategy, do the hard landscaping first (paving, structures, drainage), then add planting in subsequent seasons. It spreads the cost and lets you see how you use the space before locking in every detail.