Cost Guides
How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost in QLD? (2026)
By Fraser Coast Concreting · 18 June 2026
Quick answer
As a guide, a concrete driveway in Queensland typically costs $80–$120/m² for plain concrete, $100–$150/m² for coloured, $120–$170/m² for exposed aggregate and $130–$180/m² for stamped or decorative finishes. A standard 50m² driveway usually lands between $4,000 and $8,500. A written quote is the only accurate price.
A new driveway is one of the bigger concreting jobs most homeowners take on, so it pays to understand what drives the price before you start ringing around. Below is a plain-English guide to concrete driveway costs across Queensland in 2026, with a worked example for a typical Fraser Coast home.
These are indicative ranges, not guarantees. Every site is different, and the only accurate price is a written quote based on your actual driveway.
Concrete driveway cost per m² in QLD
The finish you choose has the biggest single effect on price. Here are the typical 2026 ranges for supplied and laid concrete.
| Finish | Typical cost (per m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain / standard concrete | $80 – $120 | Grey, broom or trowel finish. Most affordable. |
| Coloured concrete | $100 – $150 | Colour through the mix or oxide. |
| Exposed aggregate | $120 – $170 | Decorative stone finish, good grip. |
| Stamped / decorative | $130 – $180 | Patterned to mimic pavers, stone or timber. |
As a guide only. Prices move with concrete supply costs, site conditions and the size of the job.
Worked example: a typical Fraser Coast driveway
Most single-car to double-car driveways around Hervey Bay and Maryborough fall between 40m² and 60m². Let’s use 50m² as a middle figure.
- Plain concrete at $80–$120/m²: roughly $4,000 – $6,000
- Coloured at $100–$150/m²: roughly $5,000 – $7,500
- Exposed aggregate at $120–$170/m²: roughly $6,000 – $8,500
- Stamped at $130–$180/m²: roughly $6,500 – $9,000
Smaller jobs sometimes cost a little more per m² because the fixed costs (pump hire, labour mobilisation, finishing crew) are spread over fewer metres.
What changes the price of a driveway
Two driveways of the same size can be priced quite differently. The main factors are:
- Site access. A tight block, steep slope or no truck access can mean a concrete pump or wheelbarrowing, which adds labour.
- Excavation and prep. Removing turf, levelling, importing road base and compacting all add up. Soft or sloping ground costs more to prepare.
- Thickness and reinforcement. A standard domestic driveway is usually 100mm thick with steel mesh. Thicker slabs or heavier reinforcement for caravans, boats or trucks cost more.
- The finish. As shown above, decorative finishes carry a premium for materials, labour and sealing.
- Drainage and falls. Getting water away from the house properly may need extra grading or a drain.
- Removing an old driveway. See below.
Cost to replace an old driveway
If you’re replacing an existing concrete or bitumen driveway, budget for demolition and removal on top of the new pour. As a guide, removing and disposing of an old driveway commonly adds $30–$60/m², depending on thickness, reinforcement and tip fees. So replacing a 50m² driveway might add roughly $1,500–$3,000 to the figures above.
It’s worth getting this assessed in person. Sometimes an old slab in good condition can be resurfaced rather than ripped out, which can be a more affordable way to freshen up the look.
The coastal climate factor
On the Fraser Coast, driveways cope with intense summer sun, heavy wet-season downpours and salty coastal air. A properly mixed, well-cured and correctly jointed slab handles this far better over the long run. Cutting corners on base prep or curing to save a few dollars usually costs more later in cracks and repairs.
How to compare driveway quotes fairly
When you get quotes, make sure each one spells out:
- Slab thickness and the type of reinforcement
- Excavation and base preparation included
- The exact finish and any sealing
- Whether old driveway removal is included
- Site clean-up and rubbish removal
A cheap quote that leaves out prep or reinforcement isn’t really cheaper, it’s just less driveway.
Get an accurate driveway quote
The ranges above will help you budget, but the only way to know your real price is to have someone look at your site. Fraser Coast Concreting provides free, no-obligation written quotes for concrete driveways across Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay. Request your free quote here and we’ll give you a clear, itemised price.