Concrete Driveway Cost in Melbourne — 2026 Price Guide
A local, no-nonsense guide to what a new driveway and concrete slab actually costs across Melbourne — plain, coloured and exposed aggregate — with worked examples and the site factors that move the price.
Melbourne concrete driveway prices — 2026
- Plain concrete: $85 – $120 / m²
- Coloured concrete: $110 – $150 / m²
- Exposed aggregate: $130 – $180 / m²
- Honed / polished aggregate: $160 – $220 / m²
- New council crossover: $1,800 – $3,500
Prices reflect typical residential jobs across Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Every site is different — the number that matters is the fixed, itemised quote for your driveway.
Cost by finish
The finish you choose is the biggest single lever on driveway cost. Here's how the common Melbourne options compare.
Plain / Standard Concrete
$85 – $120 / m²Best for: Budget-friendly driveways, sheds, secondary paths
Grey broom or trowel finish. Durable and the most affordable option in Melbourne.
Coloured Concrete
$110 – $150 / m²Best for: Homeowners wanting a bit of style without the premium price
Oxide added through the mix. Great for matching render, brickwork or roof tiles.
Exposed Aggregate
$130 – $180 / m²Best for: Front driveways and entertaining areas where kerb appeal matters
Popular in Melbourne's west and inner suburbs. Excellent grip and a premium look.
Honed / Polished Aggregate
$160 – $220 / m²Best for: High-end homes, architectural builds
Ground back to a smooth stone finish. Requires sealing and regular maintenance.
Stencilled / Stamped
$120 – $170 / m²Best for: Character homes wanting a paver or tile look
Pattern pressed into the wet slab, then sealed for colour and protection.
What actually moves the price
Two identical-looking driveways can quote thousands apart. These are the site factors we look at when pricing a Melbourne job.
Site access
Tight side access, sloping blocks or removing an existing driveway can add $15–$40/m² in labour and disposal.
Excavation & prep
Reactive Melbourne clay soils often need extra crushed rock base to stop movement and cracking.
Slab thickness & mesh
Standard residential driveways are 100mm with SL72 mesh. Heavier vehicle traffic bumps you to 125–150mm with SL82.
Drainage
Council-compliant fall, spoon drains or grated pits are commonly required in newer estates across Melbourne's growth corridors.
Crossover & council permits
A new vehicle crossover onto a council road typically adds $1,800–$3,500 depending on the local council.
Sealing
Exposed aggregate and coloured driveways need sealing every 3–5 years — usually $6–$12/m² each time.
Real-world Melbourne examples
Typical all-in pricing for common driveway sizes, including standard prep and finishing.
| Driveway size | Plain concrete | Exposed aggregate |
|---|---|---|
| Small driveway (~40 m²) | $3,400 – $4,800 | $5,200 – $7,200 |
| Standard driveway (~60 m²) | $5,100 – $7,200 | $7,800 – $10,800 |
| Double driveway (~90 m²) | $7,650 – $10,800 | $11,700 – $16,200 |
| Large driveway (~130 m²) | $11,050 – $15,600 | $16,900 – $23,400 |
Estimates only. Actual quotes depend on access, excavation, drainage, thickness and any council crossover work.
Recent Melbourne driveway work
Driveway cost FAQs
How much does a concrete driveway cost per m² in Melbourne?+
Plain concrete driveways in Melbourne typically start from around $85–$120 per m², while exposed aggregate driveways sit in the $130–$180 per m² range. Site access, excavation and thickness all affect the final price.
Is exposed aggregate worth the extra cost over plain concrete?+
For front driveways where kerb appeal matters, most Melbourne homeowners find exposed aggregate worth the extra $30–$60 per m². It's more slip-resistant, hides marks better and generally lifts the resale value of the home.
How long does a new concrete driveway last?+
A properly poured and sealed driveway in Melbourne will comfortably last 30–40 years. Exposed aggregate and coloured finishes should be resealed every 3–5 years to keep their look.
Do I need a council permit for a new driveway?+
Yes — a new vehicle crossover from your driveway onto a council road requires a permit from your local council (e.g. Wyndham, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Melton). We handle the paperwork and coordination for you.
How long does it take to install a concrete driveway?+
A standard residential driveway takes 2–4 days on site including prep, formwork, pouring and finishing. Exposed aggregate usually needs an extra day for washing and sealing. You should stay off it for 5–7 days after the pour.
Get an exact price for your driveway
Gary and the All Rounder Concreting crew provide free on-site quotes right across Melbourne. Straight talk on price, finishes and timing — no obligation.
Westside Melbourne · Servicing all of Melbourne, VIC