Updated April 2026· Independently researched·8 min read
Most landscaping jobs in Canberra cost $5,500–$22,000
for a basic backyard makeover
That covers turf, garden beds, basic paving, and planting for a standard Canberra backyard. Hourly rates run $61–$120/hr. Full landscape designs for new homes start from $16,500 and can exceed $66,000.
+4.0%Landscaping costs in Canberra have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Landscaping Cost in Canberra
$132
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$66–$165
Emergency Rate
$275–$770
Common Job
$165–$440
Budget $88/hrAverage $132/hrPremium $220/hr
Landscaping in Canberra costs $61–$120 per hour for a landscaper, or $5,500–$22,000 for a basic backyard makeover including turf, garden beds, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape packages for new homes run $16,500–$66,000 depending on scope and materials.
We've compiled pricing from landscapers across Canberra, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Quick answerLandscaping in Canberra costs $61–$120 /hr, with most averaging $88 /hr. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Canberra quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Canberra 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Landscaper (hourly rate)
$61/hr
$88
$120
Garden design / plan
$880per plan
$2,200
$5,500
Natural turf — supply & lay
$16/sqm
$31
$44
Synthetic turf — supply & install
$55/sqm
$82
$130
Retaining wall (timber sleeper)
$165/sqm
$330
$550
Retaining wall (concrete sleeper)
$275/sqm
$495
$770
Garden bed (plants + mulch)
$55/sqm
$110
$200
Irrigation system
$1,750total
$3,075
$4,950
Paving / pavers
$66/sqm
$110
$175
Decking (hardwood)
$330/sqm
$550
$825
Basic backyard makeover
$5,500total
$13,200
$22,000
Full landscape (new home)
$16,500total
$33,000
$66,000
Getting quotes for landscaping work in Canberra? Get a quote from a verified local tradie — free, no obligation.
A simple turf and garden bed job in Canberra ($5,500–$22,000) is very different to a full landscape with retaining walls, decking, and irrigation ($16,500–$66,000). Define your scope clearly before getting quotes.
Hardscaping vs softscaping
Hardscaping (paving at $66–$175/sqm, decking at $330–$825/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $16–$44/sqm, plants, mulch) in Canberra. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Canberra all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Canberra'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 ($1,750–$4,950 in Canberra) adds cost upfront but saves water and time long-term. Essential for large lawns or garden beds.
Design fees
A professional landscape design ($880–$5,500 in Canberra) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.
How to Save Money on Landscaping in Canberra
1
Get quotes from licensed Canberra 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 Canberra'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 Canberra quote includes site cleanup, waste removal, and a maintenance guide
Canberra Landscaping Costs by Area
New suburbs (Gungahlin, Molonglo, Whitlam) — $8,000–$25,000. New homes need complete landscaping from scratch. Flat blocks keep costs down. Builders often include only basic turf and a few plants — most homeowners invest in proper landscaping within the first 1–2 years.
Established suburbs (Woden, Belconnen, Tuggeranong) — $5,000–$20,000. Garden renovations and updates. Mature trees provide structure but may need arborist work ($500–$2,000) before landscaping begins.
Inner suburbs (Griffith, Deakin, Red Hill) — $15,000–$50,000+. Larger blocks, mature gardens, and higher expectations push costs up. Heritage considerations may affect front garden changes. Premium materials and detailed planting plans are common.
Acreage/rural fringe (Hall, Pialligo, Tharwa) — $10,000–$40,000. Larger areas to cover but lower per-metre costs. Native and drought-tolerant plantings keep ongoing maintenance manageable. Fire-safe landscaping is important in bushfire-prone areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a landscaper charge per hour in Canberra?
Landscapers in Canberra typically charge $61–$120 per hour. However, most landscaping work is quoted as a fixed project price rather than hourly.
How much does a backyard makeover cost in Canberra?
A basic backyard makeover in Canberra costs $5,500–$22,000, covering turf, garden beds, mulch, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape transformations run $16,500–$66,000+.
How much does turf cost to supply and lay in Canberra?
Natural turf supply and installation in Canberra costs $16–$44/sqm. Synthetic turf is $55–$130/sqm — more expensive upfront but zero maintenance.
How much does decking cost in Canberra?
Hardwood decking in Canberra costs $330–$825/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 ($880–$5,500 in Canberra) 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 Canberra 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 Canberra?
Landscaping in Canberra costs $5,000–$35,000 for a typical residential project in 2026. A basic garden makeover costs $3,000–$8,000. A full front or backyard transformation including paving, planting, and retaining walls costs $15,000–$50,000. Canberra's cold winters and hot summers require plant selections that handle both extremes.
How much does a retaining wall cost in Canberra?
Retaining walls in Canberra cost $250–$650 per square metre of wall face. Concrete sleepers are the most popular at $250–$450/m². Natural stone costs $350–$700/m². Walls over 600mm high typically need engineering design ($500–$1,500). Canberra's hilly terrain — particularly in Weston Creek, Woden, and the inner south — makes retaining walls common.
What plants work best in Canberra gardens?
Canberra's cold winters (down to -7°C) limit plant choices. Hardy natives like correas, westringias, and native grasses thrive. Deciduous trees (ornamental pears, Japanese maples) are popular for seasonal colour. Frost-tender plants need protected positions. Canberra's autumn colour is spectacular — plan for it with deciduous plantings.
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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