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 $22–40 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 | $65–$115/hr | Mid-ring | Moderate |
Landscaping in Manly 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 Manly, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of June 2026. All prices include GST.
Detailed Pricing — Manly 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 |
Prices include GST. Based on Sydney metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What to Know About Landscaping Work in Manly
Manly property profile: Federation cottages, inter-war bungalows, 1960s apartment blocks, and renovated beach houses from the 1910s–1970s era. Premium beachside suburb on the Northern Beaches with ferry access and strong tourism.
Common landscaping issues in Manly: Coastal native gardens, pool surrounds, and outdoor entertaining areas. Salt-tolerant plant selections essential. Premium landscape designs matching high property values — budgets of $30k+ are common.
Access & parking: Very difficult near the Corso and beachfront — residential areas further from the beach are easier.
Landscaping rates in Manly typically range from $55–$140/hr, with most landscapers quoting around $85/hr. This reflects Manly's position in the north shore zone of Sydney, where higher demand, heritage properties, and access constraints push prices above the Sydney metro average.
What Affects Landscaping Costs in Manly
Scope of work
A simple turf and garden bed job in Manly ($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 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 ($1,600–$4,500 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 ($800–$5,000 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, 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 June 2026. Read our full methodology →