Updated April 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Post-war brick homes and fibro beach cottages mixed with newer apartments. Many properties are being renovated or knocked down and rebuilt. Local Sutherland Shire tradies typically work at Melbourne rates without the travel surcharge. Brighton is in outer Melbourne — tradies from the inner city often add $39–$80 travel. Using a local Sutherland Shire tradie avoids this.
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Parking & access in Brighton
Good parking throughout residential streets. Beachside properties may have limited access.
Most landscaping jobs in Brighton cost $5,580–$22,310
for a basic backyard makeover
That covers turf, garden beds, basic paving, and planting for a standard Brighton backyard. Hourly rates run $60–$120/hr. Full landscape designs for new homes start from $16,735 and can exceed $69,000.
+5.1%Landscaping costs in Brighton have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Landscaping Cost in Brighton
$135
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$65–$170
Emergency Rate
$280–$780
Common Job
$170–$445
Budget $90/hrAverage $135/hrPremium $225/hr
Landscaping in Brighton costs $60–$120 per hour for a landscaper, or $5,580–$22,310 for a basic backyard makeover including turf, garden beds, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape packages for new homes run $16,735–$69,000 depending on scope and materials.
We've compiled pricing from landscapers across Brighton and nearby suburbs, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Quick answerLandscaping in Brighton costs $60–$120 /hr, with most averaging $90 /hr. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Brighton quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Brighton 2026
Local tip for this area: The Shire and St George area offer genuinely competitive trade pricing. Take advantage of this by getting multiple quotes — tradies here are used to competing on price. Fixed-price quotes (rather than hourly) often deliver the best value for defined scope jobs.
Service
Low
Typical
High
Landscaper (hourly rate)
$60/hr
$90
$120
Garden design / plan
$890per plan
$2,230
$5,580
Natural turf — supply & lay
$17/sqm
$31
$45
Synthetic turf — supply & install
$55/sqm
$85
$135
Retaining wall (timber sleeper)
$165/sqm
$335
$560
Retaining wall (concrete sleeper)
$280/sqm
$505
$780
Garden bed (plants + mulch)
$55/sqm
$110
$200
Irrigation system
$1,795total
$3,130
$5,045
Paving / pavers
$65/sqm
$110
$180
Decking (hardwood)
$335/sqm
$560
$835
Basic backyard makeover
$5,580total
$13,385
$22,310
Full landscape (new home)
$16,735total
$33,465
$69,000
Prices verified April 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology
Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
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What to Know About Landscaping Work in Brighton
Brighton is Melbourne's premium bayside suburb with large homes and high-end renovation activity. Electricians working here handle significant projects — heated driveways, pool and spa electrical systems, outdoor entertainment area wiring, and whole-home automation. Salt air from Port Phillip Bay accelerates corrosion of external electrical fittings, requiring marine-grade components for beachside properties.
Common landscaping issues in Brighton: Coastal gardens with salt-tolerant natives. Pool surrounds and outdoor living areas. Larger lot sizes than inner-city mean scope for comprehensive landscape designs.
Access & parking: Good in residential areas — difficult near the esplanade and town centre.
Landscaping rates in Brighton typically range from $49–$125/hr, with most landscapers quoting around $80/hr. This reflects Brighton's position in the south zone of Melbourne, where good tradie supply and easier access keep prices below the Melbourne metro average.
What Affects Landscaping Costs in Brighton
Scope of work
A simple turf and garden bed job in Brighton ($5,580–$22,310) is very different to a full landscape with retaining walls, decking, and irrigation ($16,735–$69,000). Define your scope clearly before getting quotes.
Hardscaping vs softscaping
Hardscaping (paving at $65–$180/sqm, decking at $335–$835/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $17–$45/sqm, plants, mulch) in Brighton. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Brighton all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Brighton's climate and are cheaper long-term (less water, less maintenance). Premium materials like natural stone paving cost 2–3x more than basic options.
Irrigation
An irrigation system ($1,795–$5,045 in Brighton) adds cost upfront but saves water and time long-term. Essential for large lawns or garden beds.
Design fees
A professional landscape design ($890–$5,580 in Brighton) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.
How to Save Money on Landscaping in Brighton
1
Get quotes from licensed Brighton landscapers — scope and pricing vary enormously
2
Start with a professional design plan for projects over $9,700 — it pays for itself in avoided mistakes
3
Choose drought-tolerant and native plants suited to Brighton's climate to reduce long-term water costs
4
Stage larger projects if budget is tight — hardscaping first, then softscaping
5
Ask about soil quality and drainage before planting — poor soil prep leads to plant failure
6
Check if the Brighton quote includes site cleanup, waste removal, and a maintenance guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a landscaper charge per hour in Brighton?
Landscaper hourly rates in Brighton are competitive, with good tradie supply from across the St George and Sutherland areas. However, most landscaping work is quoted per project rather than hourly — a fixed quote gives you more cost certainty. Hourly rates are more common for maintenance visits and smaller jobs. Strong competition keeps rates below inner-city levels, so getting three quotes for any project over $2,000 is always recommended.
How much does a backyard makeover cost in Brighton?
Backyard makeover costs in Brighton scale dramatically with scope. A basic tidy-up with new plantings and mulch costs far less than a full design-and-build with hardscaping, retaining walls, and irrigation. In Brighton's post-war brick homes, 1970s apartments, and newer developments, larger blocks allow comprehensive designs but increase total project size. Always get a detailed written quote with a plant list and materials schedule.
How much does turf cost to supply and lay in Brighton?
Turf supply and installation in Brighton includes soil preparation, levelling, the turf itself, and initial watering setup. Couch and kikuyu are the most affordable varieties; buffalo (like Sir Walter) costs more but handles shade better. In Brighton, where post-war brick homes, 1970s apartments, and newer developments creates varying garden conditions, turf selection should match your garden's sun exposure, foot traffic, and maintenance commitment. Spring and autumn are the best times to lay turf in Melbourne.
How much does decking cost in Brighton?
Decking in Brighton depends on deck size, height above ground, timber species (or composite), and subframe complexity. Treated pine is the most affordable; hardwood (merbau, spotted gum) costs significantly more but lasts longer. Composite decking has a higher upfront cost but minimal ongoing maintenance. In Brighton's post-war brick homes, 1970s apartments, and newer developments, good access keeps delivery and construction efficient. Council approval may be needed for elevated decks.
Do I need a landscape design?
For projects over $10,000 or involving significant structural elements (retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, pools), a professional landscape design pays for itself in avoided mistakes and better outcomes. For simpler jobs — garden bed refreshes, new turf, basic planting — a design may not be necessary. In Brighton, many landscapers offer a design-and-build service where the design cost is credited against the construction quote.
How long does a landscaping project take?
Timelines vary hugely with scope. A garden refresh (clean-up, mulch, new plants) takes 1–3 days. A full backyard makeover with hardscaping, retaining walls, and planting takes 2–6 weeks. In Brighton's post-war brick homes, 1970s apartments, and newer developments, good access keeps projects on schedule. Weather delays are common for soil and planting work — allow buffer in your timeline, especially during Melbourne's wetter months.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no commercial relationship with any service provider. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed April 2026. Read our full methodology →
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