Independent Australian Cost Guides
Updated March 2026
Landscaping service icon — Townsville cost guide

How much does landscaping cost in Townsville?

Most landscaping jobs in Townsville cost $5,400–$21,600
for a basic backyard makeover
That covers turf, garden beds, basic paving, and planting for a standard Townsville backyard. Hourly rates run $59–$120/hr. Full landscape designs for new homes start from $16,200 and can exceed $64,800.
+4.1% Landscaping costs in Townsville have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages. Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Landscaping Cost Townsville QLD 2026 | What’s The Damage
Average Landscaping Cost in Townsville
$138
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$69–$173
Emergency Rate
$288–$805
Common Job
$173–$460
Budget $92/hrAverage $138/hrPremium $230/hr

Landscaping in Townsville costs $59–$120 per hour for a landscaper, or $5,400–$21,600 for a basic backyard makeover including turf, garden beds, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape packages for new homes run $16,200–$64,800 depending on scope and materials.

We've compiled pricing from landscapers across Townsville, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of March 2026. All prices include GST.

Common landscaping jobs in Townsville include: Garden design / plan: $865–$5,400 per plan · Natural turf — supply & lay: $16–$43 /sqm · Synthetic turf — supply & install: $54–$130 /sqm. All prices include GST and are based on Townsville metro rates, March 2026.

Prices vary by up to 30% depending on job complexity, your suburb within Townsville, and the tradie's experience. Always get at least 3 quotes — compare free Townsville quotes here.

Quick answerLandscaping in Townsville costs $59–$120 /hr, with most averaging $86 /hr. GST included — verified March 2026. Get free Townsville quotes →

Detailed Pricing — Townsville 2026

ServiceLowTypicalHigh
Landscaper (hourly rate)$59/hr$86$120
Garden design / plan$865per plan$2,150$5,400
Natural turf — supply & lay$16/sqm$30$43
Synthetic turf — supply & install$54/sqm$81$130
Retaining wall (timber sleeper)$160/sqm$325$540
Retaining wall (concrete sleeper)$270/sqm$485$755
Garden bed (plants + mulch)$54/sqm$110$195
Irrigation system$1,725total$3,025$4,850
Paving / pavers$65/sqm$110$175
Decking (hardwood)$325/sqm$540$810
Basic backyard makeover$5,400total$12,950$21,600
Full landscape (new home)$16,200total$32,400$64,800
Prices verified March 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology

Prices include GST. Based on Townsville metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.

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How Prices Vary Across Townsville

Landscaping costs in Townsville 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.

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What Affects Landscaping Costs in Townsville

Scope of work

A simple turf and garden bed job in Townsville ($5,400–$21,600) is very different to a full landscape with retaining walls, decking, and irrigation ($16,200–$64,800). Define your scope clearly before getting quotes.

Hardscaping vs softscaping

Hardscaping (paving at $65–$175/sqm, decking at $325–$810/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $16–$43/sqm, plants, mulch) in Townsville. Most projects combine both.

Site conditions

Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Townsville all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.

Plant & material selection

Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Townsville'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 ($1,725–$4,850 in Townsville) adds cost upfront but saves water and time long-term. Essential for large lawns or garden beds.

Design fees

A professional landscape design ($865–$5,400 in Townsville) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.

How to Save Money on Landscaping in Townsville

1
Get 3 quotes from licensed Townsville 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 Townsville'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 Townsville quote includes site cleanup, waste removal, and a maintenance guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a landscaper charge per hour in Townsville?
Landscapers in Townsville typically charge $59–$120 per hour. However, most landscaping work is quoted as a fixed project price rather than hourly.
How much does a backyard makeover cost in Townsville?
A basic backyard makeover in Townsville costs $5,400–$21,600, covering turf, garden beds, mulch, and simple hardscaping. Full landscape transformations run $16,200–$64,800+.
How much does turf cost to supply and lay in Townsville?
Natural turf supply and installation in Townsville costs $16–$43/sqm. Synthetic turf is $54–$130/sqm — more expensive upfront but zero maintenance.
How much does decking cost in Townsville?
Hardwood decking in Townsville costs $325–$810/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 ($865–$5,400 in Townsville) 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 Townsville 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.

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 financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. 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 →

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