How much does landscaping cost in Canberra?
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, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of August 2026. All prices include GST.
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 |
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Prices include GST. Based on Canberra metro area, August 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What Affects Landscaping Costs in Canberra
Scope of work
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
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
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 price guides are produced independently. Pricing is compiled from public quotes, industry rate guides, and marketplace data, and no tradesperson can influence a published figure. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed August 2026. Read our full methodology →