Turf prices in Australia
What you'll pay for a new lawn depends on the variety, how much you need, and whether you lay it yourself. Here's an indicative breakdown to help you budget before you get quotes.
Indicative price per m² by variety
Turf is priced per square metre. As a rough guide across the Australian market:
| Turf variety | Typical use | Indicative $/m² |
|---|---|---|
| Couch (e.g. Wintergreen) | Budget-friendly, sunny lawns | $8–$13 |
| Kikuyu | Hard-wearing, fast-repairing | $8–$13 |
| Buffalo (e.g. Sir Walter DNA Certified) | Shade tolerance, family lawns | $10–$16 |
| Zoysia (e.g. premium fine-leaf) | Low-maintenance, premium finish | $14–$20+ |
Buying a larger quantity can bring the per-m² price down, while very small orders sometimes attract a minimum charge.
The extra costs beyond the turf
The turf itself is only part of a new lawn budget. Factor in:
- Delivery: often a flat fee per drop, varying with distance from the farm.
- Underturf soil or lawn mix: most lawns need a fresh layer to level and feed the roots.
- Old lawn removal: hire of a turf cutter, or skip/green-waste disposal.
- Starter fertiliser and wetting agent: a small cost that pays off in establishment.
- Professional laying: if you're not doing it yourself, labour is usually charged per m² on top of the turf.
DIY vs professional laying
Laying turf yourself saves the labour component and is well within reach for an average backyard over a weekend — the main effort is in the ground preparation. Paying a professional makes sense for large areas, difficult access, or heavily contoured sites where getting the levels right is tricky. Either way, the turf quantity is the same, so start with the calculator to lock in your m².
How to estimate your total
Work out your area with the how much turf method, add wastage, then multiply by the per-m² price for your chosen variety. The calculator has a price field built in — enter a rate and it returns an estimated turf cost instantly. Add delivery, soil and any labour on top for a full budget.