How Much Does Landscape Design Cost in Melbourne? A Complete Guide

One of the first questions homeowners ask us is “how much will landscape design cost?” It’s a fair question, and while every project is unique, understanding the typical cost ranges helps you plan and budget effectively.

In this guide, we break down landscape design and construction costs in Melbourne, explain what affects pricing, and help you understand where your money goes.

Understanding the Two-Part Investment

Landscape projects typically involve two distinct costs:

Design Fees: The professional services to plan your landscape
Construction Costs: The actual building and planting work

Let’s look at each in detail.

Landscape Design Fees in Melbourne

Design fees vary based on the scope and complexity of the project. As a guide:

Basic Design Package ($2,000 - $4,500)

Suited for straightforward projects like:

Single-area makeovers (e.g., just the front yard)
Simple courtyard gardens up to 50m²
Basic planting plans for existing beds

Includes concept plan and basic specifications.

Standard Design Package ($4,500 - $9,000)

Most residential projects fall into this range:

Complete backyard designs
Front and back gardens on flat blocks
Pool surrounds integration
Multiple outdoor zones (dining, lounging, play)

Includes concept plans, detailed drawings, planting schedules, and basic construction details.

Comprehensive Design Package ($9,000 - $18,000+)

For complex or large-scale projects:

Multi-level sites requiring engineering (common in North-East Melbourne)
Complete property transformations
High-end custom features (outdoor kitchens, pavilions)
Detailed construction documentation for council permits

Includes full design development, 3D visualisations, engineering liaison, and permit applications.

What Affects Design Costs?

Several factors influence design fees:

Property Size: Larger properties require more time to document and design.

Site Complexity: Steep blocks, poor access, or complicated existing conditions increase design time.

Level of Detail: Some clients want basic concepts to brief other contractors; others need complete construction documentation.

3D Visualisations: Rendered perspectives help visualise the result but add to design time.

Engineering Requirements: Retaining walls over certain heights require structural engineering input.

Construction Cost Ranges

Once you have a design, construction costs depend on what’s being built. Here are typical Melbourne prices:

Soft Landscaping (2025/2026 Market Rates)

Item	Price Range (Supply & Install)
Turf installation (Sir Walter / TifTuf)	$35 - $55 per sqm
Garden bed preparation (Soil & Compost)	$60 - $110 per sqm
Planting (Tube stock / 140mm pots)	$90 - $160 per sqm
Planting (Advanced 40cm+ pots)	$180 - $350 per sqm
Mature feature trees (75L - 100L)	$600 - $3,500+ each

Hard Landscaping

Item	Price Range
Exposed aggregate concrete	$130 - $220 per sqm
Bluestone paving (on concrete base)	$280 - $450 per sqm
Natural stone paving (Travertine/Sandstone)	$250 - $400 per sqm
Timber retaining walls (Treated Pine)	$300 - $550 per lineal metre
Concrete sleeper walls (Engineered)	$450 - $800 per lineal metre
Timber decking (Spotted Gum/Merbau)	$450 - $900 per sqm
Pergolas (Timber/Steel custom)	$400 - $800 per sqm

Total Project Costs

Based on our experience, total landscape project costs typically fall into these ranges:

Courtyard garden: $20,000 - $45,000
Standard backyard: $50,000 - $95,000
Complete home landscape: $90,000 - $180,000
Premium properties: $180,000 - $350,000+

These figures include both design and construction.

The Hidden Costs of Sloping Sites

We frequently work with properties in Manningham, Boroondara, and the Yarra Ranges where “flat” is a foreign concept. Challenging terrain introduces specific costs that standard price guides often miss.

Excavation and Access Surcharges

Standard machinery rates range from $100 to $150 per hour, but tight access changes the equation. If we cannot get a 5-tonne excavator into your backyard because of a narrow side path, we must use smaller machines that take twice as long, or hand-excavate.

Specific additional costs to watch for include:

Rock Excavation: Digging into solid rock (common in our area) can add $150-$400 per cubic meter to your earthworks bill.
Soil Removal: Disposing of clean fill costs $30-$80 per cubic meter, but contaminated soil costs significantly more.
Drainage: Sloping blocks require robust agricultural drains and pits to prevent flooding, often adding $5,000+ to the budget.

Council Permits and Vegetation Overlays

Our local councils are strict about protecting the “green wedge” character of the suburbs. You likely know that removing a large tree requires a permit, but many people are surprised to learn that earthworks near a tree’s roots—its Tree Protection Zone (TPZ)—also triggers the need for an arborist report.

Key compliance costs include:

Planning Permits: Application fees in areas like Boroondara often start around $1,500 but can exceed $3,000 for complex proposals.
Arborist Reports: A mandatory impact assessment for trees in a Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO) typically costs $800-$1,500.
Building Permits: Any retaining wall over 1 meter high, or any deck, generally requires a building permit costing $1,500+.

How to Budget for Your Project

Our recommendations:

Start with Design: Invest in proper design before getting construction quotes. This prevents costly changes later.
Get Multiple Quotes: Once you have a design, obtain 2-3 construction quotes to understand market pricing.
Include a Contingency: Add 10-15% to your budget for unexpected discoveries during construction.
Consider Staging: Large projects can be built in phases to spread costs over time.
Value Quality: The cheapest quote isn’t always the best value. Consider experience, warranty, and attention to detail.

Getting Value from Your Investment

Good landscape design delivers returns:

Property Value: Quality landscaping can add 5-15% to property value
Lifestyle Benefits: Usable outdoor space extends your living area
Energy Savings: Strategic planting can reduce heating and cooling costs
Low Maintenance: Well-designed gardens require less ongoing work

Ready to Discuss Your Project?

Every property is unique, and the best way to understand costs for your specific situation is through a consultation. We offer free on-site assessments where we can discuss your goals, assess your site, and provide indicative pricing.

Book your free consultation today.