Turf types in Australia
Choosing the right variety matters as much as getting the quantity right. Here's how the main Australian turf types compare on shade, wear, water and upkeep — so your lawn suits your yard and your lifestyle.
Quick comparison
| Variety | Shade | Wear | Maintenance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | Good | Good | Low–moderate | Family lawns, some shade |
| Kikuyu | Low | Excellent | Moderate–high | Full sun, heavy use |
| Couch | Low | Very good | Moderate | Sunny, fine-leaf finish |
| Zoysia | Moderate | Good | Low | Low-maintenance premium lawns |
Buffalo
Modern soft-leaf buffalo (such as Sir Walter DNA Certified) is the go-to family lawn across much of Australia. It handles part shade better than most warm-season grasses, stays green over a long season, and stands up to kids and pets. It's a broader leaf than couch, so the finish is lush rather than fine. A popular all-rounder if your yard gets a mix of sun and shade.
Kikuyu
Kikuyu is the toughest wearing of the common varieties — it repairs itself fast, which makes it ideal for high-traffic backyards, sports use and areas that cop a beating. The trade-off is vigour: it grows quickly, needs full sun, and will happily invade garden beds if you don't edge it. Expect more frequent mowing in the growing season.
Couch
Couch gives a fine-leafed, manicured look and loves full sun, which is why it's common on sporting fields and premium front lawns. It's drought-hardy once established and wears well, but it goes dormant and can brown off in cold winters, and it doesn't tolerate shade. Best where you want a tight, fine finish and have plenty of sun.
Zoysia
Zoysia is the low-maintenance premium option — slow-growing, so less mowing, with good drought tolerance and a soft, dense finish. Fine-leaf zoysia varieties look superb. The catch is a higher upfront price and slower recovery if it's damaged. A strong choice if you'll pay a bit more to mow less.
Matching the variety to your yard
- Shady yard? Lean towards buffalo, or zoysia for the parts that get some light.
- Kids and dogs? Kikuyu or a hard-wearing buffalo will take the punishment.
- Want the least work? Zoysia mows less often; buffalo is an easy middle ground.
- Full sun, fine finish? Couch is hard to beat.
Next step
Once you've picked a variety, check indicative costs on the turf prices page, then work out your quantity with the turf calculator. Different varieties can come on different pallet sizes, so confirm the coverage with your supplier and pop it into the calculator for an accurate pallet count.