Updated April 2026· Independently researched·8 min read
Most landscaping jobs in Sunshine Coast cost $4,850–$19,400
for a basic backyard makeover
That covers turf, garden beds, basic paving, and planting for a standard Sunshine Coast backyard. Hourly rates run $53–$105/hr. Full landscape designs for new homes start from $14,550 and can exceed $58,200.
+5.7%Landscaping costs in Sunshine Coast have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Landscaping Cost in Sunshine Coast
$116
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$58–$146
Emergency Rate
$243–$679
Common Job
$146–$388
Budget $78/hrAverage $116/hrPremium $194/hr
Landscaping in Sunshine Coast costs $53–$105 per hour for a landscaper, or $4,850–$19,400 for a basic backyard makeover including turf, garden beds, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape packages for new homes run $14,550–$58,200 depending on scope and materials.
We've compiled pricing from landscapers across Sunshine Coast, plus leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Quick answerLandscaping in Sunshine Coast costs $53–$105 /hr, with most averaging $78 /hr. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Sunshine Coast quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Sunshine Coast 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Landscaper (hourly rate)
$53/hr
$78
$105
Garden design / plan
$775per plan
$1,950
$4,850
Natural turf — supply & lay
$15/sqm
$27
$39
Synthetic turf — supply & install
$48/sqm
$73
$115
Retaining wall (timber sleeper)
$145/sqm
$290
$485
Retaining wall (concrete sleeper)
$240/sqm
$435
$680
Garden bed (plants + mulch)
$48/sqm
$97
$175
Irrigation system
$1,550total
$2,725
$4,375
Paving / pavers
$58/sqm
$97
$155
Decking (hardwood)
$290/sqm
$485
$730
Basic backyard makeover
$4,850total
$11,650
$19,400
Full landscape (new home)
$14,550total
$29,100
$58,200
Getting quotes for landscaping work in Sunshine Coast? Get a quote from a verified local tradie — free, no obligation.
A simple turf and garden bed job in Sunshine Coast ($4,850–$19,400) is very different to a full landscape with retaining walls, decking, and irrigation ($14,550–$58,200). Define your scope clearly before getting quotes.
Hardscaping vs softscaping
Hardscaping (paving at $58–$155/sqm, decking at $290–$730/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $15–$39/sqm, plants, mulch) in Sunshine Coast. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Sunshine Coast all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Sunshine 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 ($1,550–$4,375 in Sunshine Coast) adds cost upfront but saves water and time long-term. Essential for large lawns or garden beds.
Design fees
A professional landscape design ($775–$4,850 in Sunshine 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 Sunshine Coast
1
Get quotes from licensed Sunshine 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 Sunshine 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 Sunshine Coast quote includes site cleanup, waste removal, and a maintenance guide
Sunshine Coast Landscaping Costs by Area
Coastal strip (Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore) — $5,000–$25,000. Salt-tolerant and wind-resistant species are essential. Compact lots favour low-maintenance tropical gardens. Pool landscaping and privacy hedging are the most common jobs.
Noosa / Tewantin / Cooroy — $8,000–$35,000. Premium pricing area. Noosa Council has specific vegetation guidelines in some areas. Native plantings are preferred. Larger blocks allow more ambitious designs.
Hinterland (Maleny, Montville, Mapleton) — $8,000–$40,000. Cooler microclimate supports a wider range of plants including temperate species. Sloping blocks need retaining walls and erosion management. Natural and bush-style gardens are popular.
Growth corridors (Aura, Palmview, Beerwah) — $5,000–$18,000. New estates needing landscaping from scratch. Flat blocks with easy access. Most competitive pricing due to volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a landscaper charge per hour in Sunshine Coast?
Landscapers in Sunshine Coast typically charge $53–$105 per hour. However, most landscaping work is quoted as a fixed project price rather than hourly.
How much does a backyard makeover cost in Sunshine Coast?
A basic backyard makeover in Sunshine Coast costs $4,850–$19,400, covering turf, garden beds, mulch, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape transformations run $14,550–$58,200+.
How much does turf cost to supply and lay in Sunshine Coast?
Natural turf supply and installation in Sunshine Coast costs $15–$39/sqm. Synthetic turf is $48–$115/sqm — more expensive upfront but zero maintenance.
How much does decking cost in Sunshine Coast?
Hardwood decking in Sunshine Coast costs $290–$730/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 ($775–$4,850 in Sunshine 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 Sunshine 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 Sunshine Coast?
Landscaping on the Sunshine Coast costs $5,000–$30,000 for a typical residential project in 2026. A garden makeover costs $3,000–$8,000. Full backyard transformations run $15,000–$50,000. The Sunshine Coast's mix of coastal and hinterland properties means landscaping needs vary significantly by location.
How much does turf cost on the Sunshine Coast?
Turf on the Sunshine Coast costs $15–$30 per square metre installed. Sir Walter Buffalo is the go-to for most Sunshine Coast gardens due to its shade tolerance and drought resistance. Zoysia is a premium alternative for slower-growing, fine-leaf lawns. Budget $1,500–$3,000 for a typical 100m² lawn.
What plants grow best on the Sunshine Coast?
The Sunshine Coast's subtropical climate suits a wide range of plants. Native lilly pilly, lomandra, and dianella are popular for low-maintenance borders. Tropical species like heliconias, frangipani, and bird of paradise thrive in coastal areas. Hinterland gardens suit cooler-climate natives and subtropical rainforest species. Salt-tolerant plants are essential for beachside properties.
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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