---
title: "Best Landscaping Projects for Australian Homes: 2026 ROI & Design Guide"
description: "Best landscaping, decking, fencing, and retaining wall projects in Australia. Compare average installation costs, planning regulations, and ROI."
source: BackyardCost
sourceUrl: https://backyardcost.com/guides/best-landscaping-projects-australia
lastUpdated: 2026-06-06
citationUrl: https://backyardcost.com/guides/best-landscaping-projects-australia
---

# Best Landscaping Projects for Australian Homes: 2026 ROI & Design Guide

Best landscaping, decking, fencing, and retaining wall projects in Australia. Compare average installation costs, planning regulations, and ROI.

Best landscaping, decking, fencing, and retaining wall projects in Australia. Compare average installation costs, planning regulations, and ROI.

When selecting materials, homeowners generally choose between:

Quantity Surveyor & Cost Analyst · MAIQS, Dip. Building Surveying

James has spent 15+ years analysing residential construction costs across every Australian capital city. He began his career as a cadet quantity surveyor with a Tier 1 national builder, progressing to lead estimator on projects ranging from $800K single-storey homes to $12M multi-dwelling developments.

© 2026 BackyardCost. A Hustle Ventures product. All rights reserved.

### Why it is the best investment

### Design and Material Selection

## 2. Patios, Pergolas, & Paving

### Construction Costs

## 3. Retaining Walls & Land Levelling

### Council Rules & Engineering

## 4. Boundary Fencing for Privacy

### Cost Splitting Laws

## Methodology & Verification

### James Thornton

#### Calculators

#### Resources

#### Compliance

## Key Points

- Decking has the highest ROI: Timber or composite decks yield an estimated 70% to 80% return on capital investment.
- Setbacks and CDC limits vary by state: Standard landscaping (including decks up to 1m high and retaining walls up to 1m high) can often skip a formal Council DA via Complying Development (CDC) or local exempt codes.
- Spotted Gum & Composite Decking
- Spotted Gum: A dense, native Australian hardwood with rich, varied grain colors. It is highly fire-resistant and extremely durable, but requires oiling every 12 months.
- 🧮 Interactive Calculator
- 🌳 Garden & Turf Landscaping
- 🔨 Timber & Composite Decking
- 🧱 Patios, Pergolas & Paving
- 🪵 Timber Retaining Walls
- 🛡️ Boundary Fencing

---
*Source: [BackyardCost](https://backyardcost.com/guides/best-landscaping-projects-australia)*