How Much Does Landscaping Cost on the Gold Coast?

Landscaping costs on the Gold Coast vary enormously — from a few thousand dollars for a simple garden refresh to well over $100,000 for a complete outdoor transformation. This guide breaks down realistic costs by project type so you can budget with confidence.

What Affects Landscaping Cost?

Before quoting specific numbers, it helps to understand the main factors that drive cost on the Gold Coast:

• Site conditions — Sloped blocks, poor drainage, rocky soil, and difficult access all add cost. The Gold Coast has a lot of sloped terrain, which often means retaining walls.
• Scope of work — A full backyard transformation involving demolition, structural work, planting, and lighting costs far more than a turf installation.
• Materials — Natural stone paving costs more than concrete. Hardwood decking costs more than treated pine. Premium materials are worth it for longevity in the Gold Coast climate.
• Access — Narrow side gates, tight property access, or multi-storey homes can increase labour time and therefore cost.
• Council approvals — Retaining walls over 1m or work near boundaries may require engineering and council approval, adding $2,000–$8,000 to the total.

Cost Breakdown by Project Type

Garden Refresh — $3,000 to $12,000

A garden refresh typically includes removing old plants, conditioning the soil, adding new garden beds, mulching, and fresh planting. On the lower end, this is a straightforward replant of an existing garden. On the higher end, it includes new edging, feature plants, and a simple irrigation system.

Turf Installation — $15 to $25 per m²

Turf supply and installation on the Gold Coast typically costs $15–$25 per square metre, depending on the variety (Sir Walter, Zoysia, Couch) and the site preparation required. A typical backyard of 80m² would cost $1,200–$2,000 for turf alone, plus $500–$1,500 for soil preparation.

Retaining Walls — $250 to $800+ per m²

Retaining wall costs vary significantly by material and height:

• Treated timber walls — $250–$400/m². Cost-effective for walls under 1m. Lifespan of 15–25 years.
• Concrete block walls — $400–$600/m². Durable, versatile design options. Most common on the Gold Coast.
• Natural stone walls — $600–$900/m². Premium finish, excellent longevity, suits larger sloped blocks.

Add engineering certification ($1,500–$4,000) for walls over 1m, as required by Gold Coast City Council.

Lux handles all retaining wall types and structural landscaping — see our hardscaping service.

Paving — $80 to $220+ per m²

Paving costs depend on material and complexity:

• Concrete pavers — $80–$120/m². Practical and durable.
• Porcelain tiles — $120–$180/m². Premium look, extremely durable in the Gold Coast heat.
• Natural sandstone or travertine — $150–$220+/m². Luxury finish, natural variation.

Decking — $400 to $900+ per m²

Decking costs on the Gold Coast:

• Treated pine decking — $400–$550/m². Budget option, requires regular maintenance.
• Hardwood (Merbau, Spotted Gum) — $550–$750/m². Natural hardwood, excellent durability, great look.
• Composite decking — $600–$900/m². Low maintenance, handles the Gold Coast humidity well.

A 40m² deck (a typical size) would cost $16,000–$36,000 fully installed with footings and railings. We design and build custom decks and outdoor living areas across the Gold Coast.

Complete Backyard Transformation — $20,000 to $80,000+

A complete transformation that includes retaining walls, paving, decking, garden beds, turf, and lighting typically ranges from $20,000 to $80,000 on the Gold Coast. High-end projects with premium materials, complex site conditions, or large blocks can exceed $100,000.

Here's a rough guide for a mid-range full backyard transformation (650m² block, moderate slope):

• Demolition and site prep — $3,000–$6,000
• Retaining walls — $8,000–$18,000
• Paving (40m²) — $4,800–$8,800
• Decking (30m²) — $16,500–$22,500
• Garden beds and planting — $4,000–$8,000
• Turf (60m²) — $1,500–$2,500
• Irrigation — $1,500–$3,000
• Lighting — $1,500–$4,000
• Total estimate: $40,800–$72,800

How to Get the Most Value

A few things that consistently deliver better value from landscaping investment:

• Invest in the structure first. Retaining walls, drainage, and paving are expensive to fix later. Getting these right upfront pays off over years.
• Choose materials for the climate. The Gold Coast is subtropical — hot summers, heavy rainfall, high humidity. Materials that look good on day one but deteriorate in five years are false economy.
• Design before you build. A $1,500–$3,000 design fee often saves double that by avoiding changes mid-build.
• Stage the project if needed. There's no rule that says everything has to be done at once. A staged approach can spread cost while still delivering a great end result.

Getting a Quote

The most accurate way to understand your project cost is a site assessment. Every block on the Gold Coast is different — slope, soil, access, and existing structures all affect price. A reputable landscaper will assess your site, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed quote before any work begins.

At Lux, we provide free, no-obligation quotes with detailed line-item breakdowns. No vague estimates, no surprises.