What a concrete driveway costs in Melbourne
Real numbers from our own quotes, updated for 2026. Use them to sanity check anyone else's price.
| Finish | Per m² | Single (45 m²) | Double (80 m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain concrete driveways | $95 to $130 | $4,275 to $5,850 | $7,600 to $10,400 |
| Exposed aggregate driveways | $130 to $185 | $5,850 to $8,325 | $10,400 to $14,800 |
| Coloured concrete driveways | $115 to $160 | $5,175 to $7,200 | $9,200 to $12,800 |
| Driveway removal and replacement | $130 to $175 | $5,850 to $7,875 | $10,400 to $14,000 |
Supplied and laid, GST included, base and mesh included. Council permit fees extra.
What moves the price
Size. Concrete is priced by the square metre but a small job costs more per metre than a big one because the truck, the crew and the day are the same.
Removal. Breaking out and tipping an old driveway adds around $35 per m². Pavers are quicker than concrete. Asphalt is in between.
Access and slope. If the truck can't get close, we pump or barrow, and that's labour. A sloping site needs more formwork and more care on the day. Budget 10 to 20 percent extra.
Finish. Plain to coloured to exposed aggregate is roughly $95, $115 and $130 per m² at the bottom end. Stencil and honed finishes sit above that.
Thickness. A thicker slab with heavier mesh for caravans, boats and trucks adds about 15 percent.
Drainage. A grated drain across the garage or a spoon drain at the street is a few hundred dollars and saves you a flooded garage.
See the calculator for your own numbers, or the exposed aggregate page for what the extra buys you.
Cost calculator
Rough price for your driveway
Melbourne rates, updated September 2026. A site measure firms it up to a fixed quote.
Driveway cost questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost per m² in Melbourne?
In 2026, plain concrete is $95 to $130 per m², coloured $115 to $160 and exposed aggregate $130 to $185, all supplied and laid with a proper base and mesh. Removal of an old driveway adds about $35 per m².
What makes one quote cheaper than another?
Almost always the preparation. A cheap quote cuts corners under the slab or uses thinner concrete and lighter mesh. It looks the same on day one and cracks in year two.
Is exposed aggregate worth the extra?
If the driveway is the front of the house, most people think so. It hides tyre marks and stains better than plain concrete and adds to the look of the place. On a side driveway nobody sees, save the money.
How much is a crossover?
A council permit may be required, and permit fees vary by council, typically a few hundred dollars. The crossover itself is priced with the driveway because it is built at the same time.