Updated April 2026· Independently researched·13 min read
Most landscaping jobs in Gold Coast cost $4,900–$19,600
for a basic backyard makeover
That covers turf, garden beds, basic paving, and planting for a standard Gold Coast backyard. Hourly rates run $54–$110/hr. Full landscape designs for new homes start from $14,700 and can exceed $58,800.
+6.0%Landscaping costs in Gold Coast have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Landscaping Cost in Gold Coast
$118
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$59–$147
Emergency Rate
$245–$686
Common Job
$147–$392
Budget $78/hrAverage $118/hrPremium $196/hr
Landscaping in Gold Coast costs $54–$110 per hour for a landscaper, or $4,900–$19,600 for a basic backyard makeover including turf, garden beds, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape packages for new homes run $14,700–$58,800 depending on scope and materials.
We've compiled pricing from landscapers across Gold Coast, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Quick answerLandscaping in Gold Coast costs $54–$110 /hr, with most averaging $78 /hr. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Gold Coast quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Gold Coast 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Landscaper (hourly rate)
$54/hr
$78
$110
Garden design / plan
$785per plan
$1,950
$4,900
Natural turf — supply & lay
$15/sqm
$27
$39
Synthetic turf — supply & install
$49/sqm
$74
$120
Retaining wall (timber sleeper)
$145/sqm
$295
$490
Retaining wall (concrete sleeper)
$245/sqm
$440
$685
Garden bed (plants + mulch)
$49/sqm
$98
$175
Irrigation system
$1,575total
$2,750
$4,400
Paving / pavers
$59/sqm
$98
$155
Decking (hardwood)
$295/sqm
$490
$735
Basic backyard makeover
$4,900total
$11,750
$19,600
Full landscape (new home)
$14,700total
$29,400
$58,800
Getting quotes for landscaping work in Gold Coast? 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 Gold Coast metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
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How Prices Vary Across Gold Coast
Landscaping costs in Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast ($4,900–$19,600) is very different to a full landscape with retaining walls, decking, and irrigation ($14,700–$58,800). Define your scope clearly before getting quotes.
Hardscaping vs softscaping
Hardscaping (paving at $59–$155/sqm, decking at $295–$735/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $15–$39/sqm, plants, mulch) in Gold Coast. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Gold Coast all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Gold Coast'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 ($1,575–$4,400 in Gold Coast) adds cost upfront but saves water and time long-term. Essential for large lawns or garden beds.
Design fees
A professional landscape design ($785–$4,900 in Gold Coast) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.
How to Save Money on Landscaping in Gold Coast
1
Get quotes from licensed Gold Coast 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 Gold Coast'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 Gold Coast quote includes site cleanup, waste removal, and a maintenance guide
Gold Coast Landscaping Costs by Area
Beachside (Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh) — $5,000–$25,000. Compact lots with a focus on low-maintenance tropical planting. Salt-tolerant species are essential. Pool landscaping and privacy screening are the most common requests. Limited space means creative vertical gardens and planter box solutions.
Hinterland (Tamborine Mountain, Mudgeeraba, Nerang) — $8,000–$40,000. Larger blocks with slopes requiring retaining walls. Native and subtropical rainforest plantings suit the cooler microclimate. Erosion control and drainage are key considerations on sloped blocks.
Northern Gold Coast (Coomera, Pimpama, Ormeau) — $5,000–$20,000. New estates needing complete landscaping from scratch. Flat blocks keep costs down. Builders typically leave only basic turf — most homeowners invest in proper landscaping within the first year.
Canal estates (Broadbeach Waters, Mermaid Waters) — $8,000–$30,000. Waterfront properties need marine-grade materials for retaining walls and edging. Council setback requirements from waterways affect layout. Pool surrounds and outdoor entertaining areas are the priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a landscaper charge per hour in Gold Coast?
Landscapers in Gold Coast typically charge $54–$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 Gold Coast?
A basic backyard makeover in Gold Coast costs $4,900–$19,600, covering turf, garden beds, mulch, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape transformations run $14,700–$58,800+.
How much does turf cost to supply and lay in Gold Coast?
Natural turf supply and installation in Gold Coast costs $15–$39/sqm. Synthetic turf is $49–$120/sqm — more expensive upfront but zero maintenance.
How much does decking cost in Gold Coast?
Hardwood decking in Gold Coast costs $295–$735/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 ($785–$4,900 in Gold Coast) 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 Gold Coast 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 on the Gold Coast?
Landscaping on the Gold Coast costs $5,000–$30,000 for a typical residential project in 2026. A basic garden makeover costs $3,000–$8,000. A full backyard transformation with paving, retaining walls, and tropical planting costs $15,000–$50,000. The Gold Coast's subtropical climate allows year-round planting and fast plant establishment.
How much does turf cost on the Gold Coast?
Turf supply and installation on the Gold Coast costs $15–$35 per square metre. Sir Walter Buffalo is the most popular variety at $12–$18/m² supply only. Wintergreen Couch is a cheaper alternative for full-sun areas. A typical 100m² lawn costs $1,500–$3,500 installed including soil prep.
How much does a retaining wall cost on the Gold Coast?
Retaining walls on the Gold Coast cost $250–$600 per square metre of wall face. Concrete sleepers are most popular at $250–$450/m². Sandstone and natural rock suit hinterland properties. Walls over 600mm high require engineering design ($500–$1,500). The Gold Coast's hilly hinterland makes retaining walls very common.
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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