How much does landscaping cost in Northcote?
Federation and interwar worker's cottages and semis mixed with post-war brick homes. Good tradie supply from the inner north keeps pricing competitive. Many homes are mid-renovation, creating steady demand. Travel surcharges are rarely a factor — Northcote is well within the inner Melbourne tradie belt.
Generally good in residential streets. High Street commercial area is tighter.
How Northcote compares to nearby suburbs
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
| Suburb | Landscaper rate | Zone | Tradie supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thornbury | Nearby | Good | |
| Fairfield | Nearby | Good | |
| Fitzroy 🏛 | Inner | Tight | |
| Clifton Hill | Nearby | Good | |
| Preston | Nearby | Good |
Landscaping in Northcote 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 Northcote, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of July 2026. All prices include GST.
Detailed Pricing — Northcote 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 |
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Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What to Know About Landscaping Work in Northcote
Northcote has transformed from a working-class suburb to a popular inner-city residential area. The housing stock is predominantly Edwardian and interwar, with many homes undergoing extensive renovation. Electricians working in Northcote handle a steady flow of renovation electrical work — rewiring, switchboard upgrades, and kitchen and bathroom electrical fitouts. Solar installations are increasingly popular on the suburb's predominantly single-storey housing.
Common landscaping issues in Northcote: Family-sized backyards offer scope for lawns, garden beds, and outdoor entertaining. Rear lane access makes material delivery straightforward. Established fruit trees in Italian-heritage gardens are often retained.
Access & parking: Better than most inner-city suburbs — most homes have rear lane access and some off-street parking.
Landscaping rates in Northcote typically range from $54–$144/hr, with most landscapers quoting around $86/hr. This reflects Northcote's position in the inner zone of Melbourne, where moderate demand and mixed housing stock keep prices close to the Melbourne metro average.
What Affects Landscaping Costs in Northcote
Scope of work
A simple turf and garden bed job in Northcote ($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 Northcote. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Northcote all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Northcote'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 Northcote) 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 Northcote) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.
How to Save Money on Landscaping in Northcote
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 July 2026. Read our full methodology →