How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost on the Gold Coast in 2026?
Get a detailed breakdown of concrete driveway costs on the Gold Coast in 2026, including material prices, labour rates, and factors that affect your total quote.
Daniel Mercer
What Does a Concrete Driveway Cost on the Gold Coast?
You know how you see those signs on the side of the road promising driveways from “$60 per square metre”? From what we see daily across the Gold Coast, those numbers usually only cover the labour to lay the concrete, leaving you with a massive bill for materials, excavation, and pumps later. A realistic budget for a complete, high-quality concrete driveway in 2026 is significantly different.
Most Gold Coast homeowners should budget between $100 and $150 per square metre for a standard plain concrete driveway, while decorative finishes like exposed aggregate typically land between $150 and $250 per square metre for the full project.
This guide breaks down exactly where that money goes and how to avoid the hidden costs that catch people out.
Real-World Pricing by Finish (2026)
The finish you choose determines the base rate, but the “per square metre” price is just the starting point. We have compiled these ranges based on complete project costs—including supply, excavation, labour, and finishing—rather than just the “laying rate.”
| Finish Type | Price Range (Installed) | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Grey Concrete | $100 - $130 / m² | Side paths, rental properties, or budget-focused driveways. |
| Coloured Concrete | $110 - $160 / m² | Modern homes needing a specific colour match (e.g., Charcoal or Sandstone). |
| Exposed Aggregate | $150 - $250 / m² | High-end driveways in suburbs like Burleigh Heads or Sanctuary Cove. |
| Stencil/Stamped | $120 - $180 / m² | Replicating the look of pavers or tiles without the maintenance. |
Plain Grey Concrete
This is your most functional option. While it lacks the visual “pop” of aggregate, it is incredibly durable and cost-effective. We often recommend this for long rural driveways or areas hidden from the street to keep project costs down.
Coloured Concrete
Integral colour is mixed through the entire slab, not just painted on top. If the concrete chips 10 years from now, the colour underneath remains the same. Popular 2026 choices include warm “Merino” tones or cool “Bluestone” greys to match modern facades.
Exposed Aggregate
This finish reveals natural stone textures beneath the surface and is currently the top choice for Gold Coast renovations. It offers excellent slip resistance for steep driveways in hilly areas like Tallai or Currumbin Valley.
Hidden Cost Factors You Must Know
Beyond the concrete itself, site conditions can swing your final quote by thousands of dollars.
The “Pump” Factor
If a concrete truck cannot back directly up to your formwork, you will need concrete pumping. Access issues in tight suburbs like Southport or Surfers Paradise often make this mandatory. Boom pumps generally cost between $180 and $220 per hour in 2026, with a typical minimum hire of 4 hours plus travel charges.
Excavation and Disposal Fees
Removing an old driveway is not cheap. Gold Coast City Council waste disposal fees for concrete are currently around $57 per tonne, while mixed soil and rock can cost over $136 per tonne. We factor these disposal fees into your quote, but be wary of cheap estimates that leave you with a pile of rubble to clear yourself.
Drainage Requirements
Water management is critical in our subtropical climate. You may need a strip drain connected to stormwater to comply with council regulations. Installing a compliant grate drain and plumbing usually adds $800 to $2,500 to the project depending on the distance to the connection point.
Steel Reinforcement Grades
Standard quotes usually include SL72 reinforcing mesh. For driveways that will host heavy caravans, boats, or work trucks, we strongly suggest upgrading to SL82 mesh. This thicker steel costs roughly $30-$40 more per sheet but significantly reduces the risk of cracking under heavy loads.
Council Approval: Driveway vs. Vehicular Crossing
There is a major distinction that many homeowners miss. Your “driveway” is on your private land, but the section from your boundary to the road is the “Vehicular Crossing” (or crossover).
On the Gold Coast, the crossover belongs to the Council, even though you pay to build it.
- Standard Crossings: If your design meets the “Self-Assessable” criteria (standard width, grade, and spacing from trees/pits), you generally don’t need a complex permit.
- Non-Standard Crossings: If you want a double-width entry or need to build close to a street tree, you must lodge an “Operational Works” application.
- The Cost: Application fees for non-standard crossings can range from $400 to over $500, plus the time for assessment.
We handle the assessment of your site against these criteria to let you know early if a permit application will be required.
Sample Cost Estimates for Gold Coast Projects
These examples give you a realistic idea of total project costs in 2026.
1. The Budget Replacement (Plain Concrete)
- Scope: Remove old cracked driveway (35m²) and pour new plain grey concrete slab.
- Includes: Excavation, tip fees, SL72 mesh, 25MPA concrete.
- Estimated Cost: $4,500 - $5,500
2. The Modern Upgrade (Exposed Aggregate)
- Scope: New double driveway (60m²) in a standard subdivision.
- Includes: Site prep, Salt & Pepper exposed aggregate, SL82 mesh, sealing.
- Estimated Cost: $9,000 - $13,500
3. The Acreage Entry (Coloured Concrete)
- Scope: Long driveway (120m²) with drainage issues.
- Includes: Earthworks, drainage channels, charcoal colour mix, pump hire.
- Estimated Cost: $16,000 - $22,000
How to Get the Best Value
Compare “Apples with Apples”
When reviewing quotes, check the MPA (strength) of the concrete and the grade of the steel. Some concreters save money by using 20MPA concrete (house slab grade) instead of the recommended 25MPA or 32MPA for driveways. We always use a minimum of 25MPA for residential driveways to ensure longevity.
Don’t Skip the Sealer
A quality penetrating sealer is essential for protecting exposed aggregate from oil stains and algae. Brands like Dulux Avista or Crommelin offer excellent UV resistance for our climate. Expect to pay $5-$12 per square metre for professional cleaning and sealing, but it will save you hours of pressure cleaning later.
Is a Concrete Driveway Worth the Investment?
Absolutely. A well-installed concrete driveway typically lasts 25 to 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. Unlike asphalt, which can soften and deform in the 35°C Gold Coast summer heat, or pavers that often subside and invite weeds, concrete provides a “set and forget” solution.
Real estate agents in areas like Robina and Broadbeach also report that a new exposed aggregate driveway is one of the few external renovations that offers a nearly 100% return on investment at sale time.
Ready to Get an Accurate Quote?
Every site has unique challenges, from slope to soil type. The only way to get a fixed price is to have a professional assess your property in person.
We provide detailed, itemised quotes so you know exactly what you are paying for—no surprises, no hidden pump fees.
Contact us today to arrange your free site measure and quote.
