How much does landscaping cost in Manly?
Mix of Federation homes, interwar apartments and post-war development. The distance from the Sydney CBD (especially without a direct motorway) means tradies from the mainland add travel time — the Manly ferry is popular but impractical for tools. Most Sydney tradies service Manly at standard rates, though some add a small travel fee of $20–40 depending on their base.
Parking near the Corso and beachfront is very limited. Tradies working in central Manly often factor extra time into quotes. Side streets are better.
How Manly compares to nearby suburbs
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
| Suburb | Landscaper rate | Zone | Tradie supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dee Why | $60–$105/hr | Mid-ring | Moderate |
Landscaping in Manly costs $63–$125 per hour for a landscaper, or $5,750–$23,000 for a basic backyard makeover including turf, garden beds, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape packages for new homes run $17,250–$69,000 depending on scope and materials.
We've compiled pricing from landscapers across Manly and nearby suburbs, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Detailed Pricing — Manly 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscaper (hourly rate) | $63/hr | $92 | $125 |
| Garden design / plan | $920per plan | $2,300 | $5,750 |
| Natural turf — supply & lay | $17/sqm | $32 | $46 |
| Synthetic turf — supply & install | $57/sqm | $86 | $140 |
| Retaining wall (timber sleeper) | $170/sqm | $345 | $575 |
| Retaining wall (concrete sleeper) | $290/sqm | $520 | $805 |
| Garden bed (plants + mulch) | $57/sqm | $115 | $205 |
| Irrigation system | $1,850total | $3,225 | $5,200 |
| Paving / pavers | $69/sqm | $115 | $185 |
| Decking (hardwood) | $345/sqm | $575 | $860 |
| Basic backyard makeover | $5,750total | $13,800 | $23,000 |
| Full landscape (new home) | $17,250total | $34,500 | $69,000 |
Prices include GST. Based on Sydney metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
How Prices Vary Across Manly
Landscaping costs in Manly 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.
What Affects Landscaping Costs in Manly
Scope of work
A simple turf and garden bed job in Manly ($5,750–$23,000) is very different to a full landscape with retaining walls, decking, and irrigation ($17,250–$69,000). Define your scope clearly before getting quotes.
Hardscaping vs softscaping
Hardscaping (paving at $69–$185/sqm, decking at $345–$860/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $17–$46/sqm, plants, mulch) in Manly. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Manly all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Manly'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 ($1,850–$5,200 in Manly) adds cost upfront but saves water and time long-term. Essential for large lawns or garden beds.
Design fees
A professional landscape design ($920–$5,750 in Manly) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.
How to Save Money on Landscaping in Manly
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), 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 at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed March 2026. Read our full methodology →