Updated April 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Most landscaping jobs in Brisbane cost $5,000–$20,000
for a basic backyard makeover
That covers turf, garden beds, basic paving, and planting for a standard Brisbane backyard. Hourly rates run $55–$110/hr. Full landscape designs for new homes start from $15,000 and can exceed $60,000.
+6.5%Landscaping costs in Brisbane have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Landscaping Cost in Brisbane
$120
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$60–$150
Emergency Rate
$250–$700
Common Job
$150–$400
Budget $80/hrAverage $120/hrPremium $200/hr
Landscaping in Brisbane costs $55–$110 per hour for a landscaper, or $5,000–$20,000 for a basic backyard makeover including turf, garden beds, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape packages for new homes run $15,000–$60,000 depending on scope and materials.
We've compiled pricing from landscapers across Brisbane, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Quick answerLandscaping in Brisbane costs $55–$110 /hr, with most averaging $80 /hr. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Brisbane quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Brisbane 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Landscaper (hourly rate)
$55/hr
$80
$110
Garden design / plan
$800per plan
$2,000
$5,000
Natural turf — supply & lay
$15/sqm
$28
$40
Synthetic turf — supply & install
$50/sqm
$75
$120
Retaining wall (timber sleeper)
$150/sqm
$300
$500
Retaining wall (concrete sleeper)
$250/sqm
$450
$700
Garden bed (plants + mulch)
$50/sqm
$100
$180
Irrigation system
$1,600total
$2,800
$4,500
Paving / pavers
$60/sqm
$100
$160
Decking (hardwood)
$300/sqm
$500
$750
Basic backyard makeover
$5,000total
$12,000
$20,000
Full landscape (new home)
$15,000total
$30,000
$60,000
Getting quotes for landscaping work in Brisbane? Get a quote from a verified local tradie — free, no obligation.
Prices verified April 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology
Prices include GST. Based on Brisbane metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
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How Prices Vary Across Brisbane
Landscaping costs in Brisbane vary by suburb. Inner-city areas tend to have higher rates due to demand and access constraints, while outer suburbs and growth corridors are often more competitive. Getting multiple quotes from providers across your area is the best way to find a fair price.
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A simple turf and garden bed job in Brisbane ($5,000–$20,000) is very different to a full landscape with retaining walls, decking, and irrigation ($15,000–$60,000). Define your scope clearly before getting quotes.
Hardscaping vs softscaping
Hardscaping (paving at $60–$160/sqm, decking at $300–$750/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $15–$40/sqm, plants, mulch) in Brisbane. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Brisbane all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Brisbane'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 ($1,600–$4,500 in Brisbane) adds cost upfront but saves water and time long-term. Essential for large lawns or garden beds.
Design fees
A professional landscape design ($800–$5,000 in Brisbane) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.
How to Save Money on Landscaping in Brisbane
1
Get quotes from licensed Brisbane landscapers — scope and pricing vary enormously
2
Start with a professional design plan for projects over $10,000 — it pays for itself in avoided mistakes
3
Choose drought-tolerant and native plants suited to Brisbane'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 Brisbane quote includes site cleanup, waste removal, and a maintenance guide
Landscaping costs by Brisbane suburb
Select your suburb for a tailored price guide with local pricing notes and nearby comparisons.
Garden makeover (plants, mulch, edging) — $3,000–$8,000. Refresh tired gardens with new plants, fresh mulch, and defined borders. The quickest and most affordable landscaping upgrade. Brisbane's climate means plants establish fast.
Turf and lawn — $1,500–$5,000. New lawn installation including soil prep, levelling, and turf. Sir Walter Buffalo is Brisbane's go-to for its shade tolerance and drought resistance. Couch is cheaper but needs full sun.
Retaining walls — $3,000–$15,000 per wall. Essential for Brisbane's hilly terrain. Concrete sleepers are the workhorse material. Sandstone gives a premium look. Engineering certification is required for walls over 600mm.
Full backyard transformation — $15,000–$50,000+. Complete redesign including paving, planting, retaining walls, drainage, and outdoor living areas. Brisbane's subtropical lifestyle makes outdoor spaces an extension of the home.
Pool landscaping — $5,000–$20,000. Surrounds, screening plants, decking, and garden beds around a new or existing pool. Compliance with pool fencing setbacks affects layout options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a landscaper charge per hour in Brisbane?
Landscapers in Brisbane typically charge $55–$110 per hour. However, most landscaping work is quoted as a fixed project price rather than hourly.
How much does a backyard makeover cost in Brisbane?
A basic backyard makeover in Brisbane costs $5,000–$20,000, covering turf, garden beds, mulch, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape transformations run $15,000–$60,000+.
How much does turf cost to supply and lay in Brisbane?
Natural turf supply and installation in Brisbane costs $15–$40/sqm. Synthetic turf is $50–$120/sqm — more expensive upfront but zero maintenance.
How much does decking cost in Brisbane?
Hardwood decking in Brisbane costs $300–$750/sqm supply and installed. Composite decking is similar in price but lower maintenance.
Do I need a landscape design?
Not for small projects, but for anything over $10,000 a professional design ($800–$5,000 in Brisbane) is highly recommended. It ensures proper drainage, plant selection, and avoids expensive changes mid-project.
How long does a landscaping project take?
A basic backyard makeover in Brisbane takes 1–2 weeks. A full landscape design and build for a new home can take 4–8 weeks depending on scope, weather, and material availability.
How much does landscaping cost in Brisbane?
Landscaping in Brisbane costs $5,000–$30,000 for a typical residential project in 2026. A basic garden makeover (plants, mulch, edging) costs $3,000–$8,000. A full backyard transformation including paving, retaining walls, turf, and planting costs $15,000–$50,000. Brisbane's subtropical climate allows year-round planting.
How much does turf cost in Brisbane?
Turf supply and installation in Brisbane costs $15–$35 per square metre. Sir Walter Buffalo is the most popular variety for Brisbane at $12–$18/m² supply only. Couch and Zoysia are cheaper alternatives. A typical 100m² lawn costs $1,500–$3,500 installed including soil preparation and levelling.
How much does a retaining wall cost in Brisbane?
Retaining walls in Brisbane cost $250–$600 per square metre of wall face. Concrete sleepers are the most popular at $250–$450/m². Sandstone blocks cost $300–$550/m². Walls over 600mm high typically require an engineer's design ($500–$1,500). Brisbane's hilly terrain makes retaining walls one of the most common landscaping projects.
What plants grow best in Brisbane?
Brisbane's subtropical climate suits a wide range of plants. Popular choices include native lilly pilly, grevillea, and lomandra for hedging and borders. Frangipani, bird of paradise, and heliconia add tropical flair. Shade-tolerant plants like bromeliads and peace lilies work well under established trees. Brisbane's wet summers and dry winters suit most subtropical species.
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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