Updated October 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Most landscaping jobs in Wollongong cost $5,400–$16,200
for a basic backyard makeover
That covers turf, garden beds, basic paving, and planting for a standard Wollongong 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 Wollongong are up around 4.1% over the past year, re-verified against 90+ sources in October 2026.Year on year
Average Landscaping Cost in Wollongong
$86
per hour for standard residential work
Natural turf — supply & lay
$16–$43/sqm
Synthetic turf — supply & install
$54–$130/sqm
Retaining wall
$160–$540/sqm
Budget $59/hrAverage $86/hrPremium $120/hr
Landscaping in Wollongong costs $59–$120 per hour for a landscaper, or $5,400–$16,200 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 Wollongong as of October 2026. All prices include GST.
Quick answerLandscaping in Wollongong costs $59–$120 /hr, with most averaging $86 /hr. GST included — verified October 2026. Get free Wollongong quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Landscaping Cost in Wollongong 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
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, new (soil prep, edging, plants + mulch)
$54/sqm
$110
$195
Irrigation system (automatic, multi-zone, front & back)
$2,700total
$4,325
$6,500
Paving / pavers
$65/sqm
$110
$175
Decking (hardwood)
$325/sqm
$540
$650
Basic backyard makeover
$5,400total
$10,800
$16,200
Full landscape (new home)
$16,200total
$43,200
$64,800
Irrigation — drip system, single zone for garden beds (incl. tap timer)
$865total
$1,500
$2,375
Bobcat or mini excavator with operator (per hour)
$97/hr
$120
$175
Green waste removal (one trailer or ute load)
$130total
$205
$345
Mulch, supplied and spread (per sqm, about 75 mm)
$6/sqm
$12
$19
Garden soil / topsoil, supplied and delivered (per cubic metre)
$76per cubic metre
$110
$160
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Prices verified October 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology
Prices include GST. Based on Wollongong metro area, October 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
How Landscaping Costs Vary Across Wollongong
Wollongong landscaping prices here are city-wide. Paving is $65–$175 per sqm, a hardwood deck $325–$650 and a garden design $865–$5,400. Wollongong University averages 1,323.7 mm of rain a year, wettest in March (Bureau of Meteorology).
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A simple turf and garden bed job in Wollongong ($5,400–$16,200) 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–$650/sqm) costs more than softscaping (turf at $16–$43/sqm, plants, mulch) in Wollongong. Most projects combine both.
Site conditions
Sloping blocks, rocky soil, poor drainage, and limited access in Wollongong all increase costs. A flat, accessible block is the cheapest to landscape.
Plant & material selection
Native and drought-tolerant plants suit Wollongong's climate and are cheaper long-term (less water, less maintenance). Premium materials like natural stone paving cost more than basic options.
Irrigation
An irrigation system ($2,700–$6,500 in Wollongong) adds cost upfront but saves water and time long-term. Essential for large lawns or garden beds. The Illawarra is covered by the Water Wise Guidelines of Sydney Water: a sprinkler or watering system may run before 10am and after 4pm, and a smart or drip irrigation system between 10am and 4pm as well.
Design fees
A professional landscape design ($865–$5,400 in Wollongong) isn't mandatory but helps avoid costly mistakes and ensures a cohesive result, especially for larger projects.
How to Save Money on Landscaping Cost in Wollongong
1
Get quotes from licensed Wollongong 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 Wollongong'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 Wollongong quote includes site cleanup, waste removal, and a maintenance guide
Before you commit — compare your options
Side-by-side guides covering the decisions that most change your final landscaping cost.
Frequently Asked Questions — Landscaping Cost in Wollongong
What do landscapers charge in Wollongong?
In our Wollongong table the figures are $59–$120 an hour for the hourly rate (typically $86), $5,400–$16,200 for a basic backyard makeover (typically $10,800) and $16,200–$64,800 for a full landscape for a new home (typically $43,200).
What do landscapers charge for a backyard makeover in Wollongong?
Our Wollongong prices for a basic backyard makeover start at $5,400 and reach $16,200, with $10,800 typical.
What does synthetic turf cost installed in Wollongong?
In our Wollongong table the figures are $16–$43 a square metre for natural turf (supplied and laid) (typically $30) and $54–$130 a square metre for synthetic turf (supplied and installed) (typically $81).
What does landscaping cost a square metre in Wollongong?
Going by our Wollongong table, expect $16–$43 a square metre for natural turf, $65–$175 a square metre for paving and $54–$195 a square metre for a garden bed with plants and mulch.
What hourly rate do landscapers charge in Wollongong?
An hour of landscaping work is $59–$120 in our Wollongong table; expect around $86.
What does paving cost in Wollongong?
In our Wollongong table, paving runs $65–$175 a square metre, and $110 is typical.
Our Methodology
These are independent estimates from public cost guides, marketplaces and industry rate data, and no tradesperson can influence them, so always get a few quotes. Last reviewed October 2026. Read our full methodology →
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