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How much does a garden designer cost in Australia?
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Price per project
$2,000 - $10,000
low
$2,000
median
$5,000
high
$10,000
Last Updated on
Written by Ana K.
Contributor
Read more about our contributor
Key Takeaways
The average cost of hiring a garden designer in Australia ranges from $2,000 to over $10,000 per project.
Some ways to save money include getting quotes from different service providers and having a clear idea of the kind of garden you want from the get-go.
In certain cases, it may be necessary to apply for permits or engage another specialist to ensure your garden design plan can be fully realised.
If you want to turn your outdoor space into a well-manicured garden, hiring a garden designer is the way to go. Not only will they help you pick the right set of plants, but they can also help you choose the layout and features that align with your preferences and needs.
But how much does a garden designer cost in Australia? This comprehensive guide tells you how much they typically charge and why pricing can vary.
What are the average garden designer prices in Australia?
The table below shows how much garden designers in major cities usually charge for their services. One reason for the variation in pricing is the differences in each place’s cost of living.
City |
Average Cost of Garden Designers* |
|---|---|
$3,000–$8,000 |
|
$4,500–$6,500 |
|
$5,000–$10,000 |
|
Perth |
$4,900–$6,900 |
Adelaide |
$2,000–$7,000 |
$2,000–$2,500 |
|
Hobart |
$2,000–$7,000 |
Darwin |
$2,000–$7,000 |
$4,500–$6,600 |
|
Newcastle |
$3,500–$6,000 |
Wollongong |
$2,000–$7,000 |
$2,000–$7,000 |
What factors affect the costs of a garden designer?
Building a garden starts with a design plan, and the following cost factors come into play when you’re paying a professional to design your outdoor space:
Garden size and layout
Small residential garden featuring lush greenery, contemporary landscaping, and a relaxing outdoor seating area (Source: iStock)Size and layout can affect the amount of effort and time a designer spends on a project. A spacious garden with a complex layout will require more planning and analysis. So a large garden’s design cost is likely to be higher—especially if it has several zones, elements, and levels—compared to small garden design costs.
Garden Size / Layout |
Average Price for Garden Design |
|---|---|
Small courtyard or compact garden — under 50 m² |
$2,000–$5,000 |
Small residential garden — approximately 50–150 m² |
$2,000–$5,000 |
Medium-sized garden — approximately 150–400 m² |
$3,500–$7,000 |
Large garden — approximately 400–1,000 m² |
$5,000–$10,000 |
Extensive, large, or multi-zone garden — typically over 1,000 m² |
$7,000–$15,000+ |
Scope and complexity of the design
Working on a bespoke design with several elements, such as water features, landscape lighting, wooden fencing, and a wide variety of plants, can be time-consuming and complicated. And since a designer must consider the measurements, materials, and technical requirements when working on a project of such scope, they are likely to charge higher garden design fees.
On the other hand, creating a low-cost minimalist garden design is highly doable since a designer doesn’t need a lot of time to plan a basic garden with a few features and greenery.
Garden Design Scope |
Typical Garden Design Cost |
|---|---|
Simple planting or garden refresh — limited concept or planting advice |
$200–$550 |
Basic garden redesign — straightforward concept plan |
$500–$1,500 |
Full garden design with multiple zones |
$3,500–$7,000 |
Design including hardscaping, lighting, or irrigation documentation |
$5,000–$10,000 |
Complex bespoke garden design |
$7,000–$15,000+ |
Level of design detail and deliverables
Garden designer and client discussing landscaping ideas and project requirements at a table (Source: iStock)How much does it cost to design a garden based on the number of deliverables and level of design detail?
A professional garden design consultation, an initial site visit, and a basic planting scheme usually aren’t very pricey. However, be prepared to spend a lot if you want your garden designer to produce a full package that also comprises high-level concept and technical plans, as well as 3D visualisations.
Design Service / Deliverable |
Typical Cost |
|---|---|
Initial consultation or site assessment |
$250–$800; short online planning meetings from $110 |
Concept plan |
$500–3,000 |
Detailed garden design plan |
$2,500–7,000 |
Planting and materials plan |
$500–$1,500 for a limited standalone plan; comprehensive specifications quoted separately |
Construction drawings or technical plans |
Approximately $100–$400 for limited drafting of an existing design; bespoke technical documentation quoted separately |
3D visualisations or rendered plans |
Approximately $100–$400 for limited visualisation of an existing design; packages incorporating a new design and 3D visuals from around $2,400 |
Site conditions and accessibility
Expect to pay higher garden designer rates if your outdoor space has poor drainage, existing structures that must be torn down, a narrow entrance, steep slopes, or other factors that make site access difficult and site conditions less than ideal.
This is because these factors can make it harder for a designer to assess your garden and may require a specialist’s expertise for further evaluation.
Planting and material requirements
Residential garden landscaping project with concrete paving stones laid over a prepared gravel base (Source: iStock)Incorporating more greenery into a garden design means there are more considerations to consider. This is because for a plant scheme to work, the designer must take into account your garden’s soil, the local climate, the amount of sunlight your outdoor area gets, plant compatibility, and maintenance requirements, among other factors.
Similarly, an expert may have to conduct more detailed assessments if you want bespoke elements or a combination of features with different finishes and materials in your own garden, such as concrete garden paving, ceramic swimming pool tiles, and wooden deck boards. In these cases, garden designers may increase their fees due to the amount of work involved.
Designer experience and service level
Good garden designers with more experience and qualifications generally charge more because they have greater practical knowledge of plants, materials, layouts, and other design elements. They are also likely to have a more discerning taste and are well-versed in different types of garden design.
But no matter their level of expertise and experience, service providers are likely to set a higher rate if they handle the garden design project from consultation to completion, rather than just specific aspects.
Permits, specialist input, and project coordination
Professional surveyor measuring ground elevations and site levels during garden construction planning (Source: iStock)Certain situations, such as felling a tree or building retaining walls higher than 0.5 m, may require a permit or coordination with another expert (e.g., a structural engineer or an arborist). And garden designers impose extra fees in these instances to cover permit processing and specialist input.
What are some ways to lower garden designer fees?
You can follow these cost-saving measures if you want a well-designed garden on a budget:
At the start of the project, research the kind of layout and plants you want to make it easier for the designer to visualise your dream garden and to avoid countless back and forths that can lead to higher costs.
Whether it’s for a new project or a garden renovation, you can opt for a simple or not-so-complex design so you can negotiate for lower professional rates and avoid costly permits or specialist input.
Choose standard materials, such as ready-made stones for the garden steps or basic bricks for the walkway, so your designer won’t have to spend more time working on the project’s specifications.
Don’t hire the first service provider you talk to; request quotes from different garden designers to gauge the average cost of the service in your area and choose someone who offers fair pricing.
What should you look for in a professional garden designer?
When looking for an expert to design your outdoor space, do not forget to ask them these questions to ensure you’re picking the right person for the job:
How much do they charge for the type of garden you want?
What is included in their service? Do they offer packages?
Do they have experience working on the kind of garden design you want? And do they have samples of projects they have worked on with a similar budget and scope?
How long will the entire design process take?
Design the best garden for you with Airtasker
Landscape designer working on a garden plan with coloured sketches, measuring instruments, and design templates (Source: iStock)If you want a convenient way to find a garden designer in your area, your best option is to go on Airtasker and take these steps:
Sign up for free on the platform’s website or app.
Post a task with all the important details, including the kind of garden design you want, your outdoor space’s size, and your location and budget.
Wait for experts to respond to your post, then discuss fees with them, assess their customer reviews and portfolio, and pick the most suitable person for the task.
And if you need assistance with a different job, Airtasker can help you find professionals from other fields.
Learn more about our contributors
Written by Ana K.
Contributor
Ana always puts a premium on accuracy, clarity, and style when writing—a practice that her English degree has instilled in her. She excels at covering topics related to pet care, home and interior design, and food, which count among her varied interests. She also enjoys nature and street photography, as well as travelling. Overall, Ana uses her love for research to engage Airtasker readers with fun, practical content.
FAQs
Designing a garden can take anywhere from a week to a couple of months, depending on factors such as layout complexity, number of deliverables, and number of revisions.
While a garden designer focuses on conceptualising a plan for your outdoor area, a professional landscaper is tasked with bringing this plan to fruition through construction, installation, and planting.
Yes, high-quality landscaping can definitely increase a home’s value. This is because a designed landscape improves a property’s curb appeal and expands its functional spaces.
Any landscape designer will tell you that it takes roughly two to three years for the plants in a new or renovated garden to establish. This is because during the first two years, most plants are still in their growth phase and haven’t reached maturity yet.
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