How much does landscaping cost in Paddington?
One of Sydney's densest heritage terrace precincts. Most homes are Victorian or Edwardian terraces under Woollahra Council's heritage overlay. Electrical work often requires concealed cabling runs, and any structural changes need council sign-off, adding time and cost. Travel surcharges are rarely a factor — Paddington is well within the inner Sydney tradie belt.
Paddington falls within a heritage conservation area. For landscaper work this can mean requirements around concealed runs, material matching, and council notification for certain changes. Always confirm heritage conditions apply to your specific property before work begins.
Paddington's narrow streets and terrace-lined rows make parking genuinely difficult — tradies with large vans often need to park 1–2 streets away and carry tools. Expect this to be factored into quotes.
How Paddington compares to nearby suburbs
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
| Suburb | Landscaper rate | Zone | Tradie supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surry Hills Heritage | $60–$110/hr | Inner | Plentiful |
Landscaping in Paddington 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 Paddington, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of June 2026. All prices include GST.
Detailed Pricing — Paddington 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 Paddington
Paddington property profile: Victorian terraces, some Edwardian semis, and boutique apartment conversions from the 1860s–1900s era. Affluent heritage precinct with steep narrow streets and iron-lace balconies.
Common landscaping issues in Paddington: Front gardens often heritage-listed — council approval needed for changes. Rear courtyards built on fill over sandstone need drainage solutions. Mature tree roots complicate any excavation work.
Access & parking: Metered parking throughout — tradies regularly add $20–$40 to quotes for parking costs.
Landscaping rates in Paddington typically range from $55–$145/hr, with most landscapers quoting around $90/hr. This reflects Paddington's position in the inner premium zone of Sydney, where higher demand, heritage properties, and access constraints push prices above the Sydney metro average.
What Affects Landscaping Costs in Paddington
Scope of work
A simple turf and garden bed job in Paddington ($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 Paddington. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Paddington all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Paddington'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 Paddington) 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 Paddington) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.
How to Save Money on Landscaping in Paddington
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 →