The Price Range You’ll Actually See Quoted
Concrete driveways in Australia typically cost between $65 and $150 per square metre for a standard plain concrete finish. Once you factor in decorative finishes, site conditions, and access, that figure can climb well above $200 per square metre.
A basic single-car driveway of around 30 to 40 square metres might come in between $2,000 and $5,000. A double driveway of 60 to 80 square metres with a decorative finish can sit anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000 or more.
These are real-world ranges, not minimums designed to get you interested. The final number depends on several factors that most quotes won’t spell out upfront.
What Actually Drives the Cost Up
The Finish You Choose
Plain broom-finished concrete sits at the lower end of the price range. It’s functional, durable, and suits most residential driveways without any fuss.
Exposed aggregate concrete costs more because the surface layer is washed back during the pour to reveal the stone beneath. The result is a textured, slip-resistant finish that holds up well outdoors. If you want to understand what that finish involves before committing, aggregate concrete is worth understanding before you choose your finish.
Coloured and stencilled concrete sit at the top of the price range. These finishes require additional materials, more labour, and greater skill to execute well.
Site Conditions and Preparation
The ground beneath your driveway matters as much as the concrete itself. Poor drainage, soft soil, or an existing surface that needs to be removed all add to the preparation cost before a single cubic metre of concrete is poured.
Steep slopes require more formwork and sometimes a pump truck to place the concrete accurately. Tight access, such as a narrow side gate or a property with no truck access, adds time and cost to the job.
Subbase preparation, including compacted road base or crushed rock, is not optional on most sites. Skipping it to save money is one of the most common reasons driveways crack within a few years.
Thickness and Reinforcement
A residential driveway is typically poured at 100mm thick with steel mesh reinforcement. If the driveway needs to carry heavier vehicles, such as a caravan, boat trailer, or delivery trucks, the slab should be thicker and may need additional steel.
Thicker slabs use more concrete and more reinforcement, both of which increase the cost per square metre. A concreter who quotes a lower price by reducing thickness is not saving you money in the long run.
Size and Shape
Larger driveways cost more in total but often less per square metre because the fixed costs of mobilisation, formwork, and concrete delivery are spread across a bigger area. Irregular shapes with curves, angles, or multiple levels require more formwork and more time to finish neatly.
A straight rectangular driveway is the most cost-efficient shape. Every curve or step adds labour.
Where Budgets Tend to Blow Out
The most common budget blowout comes from unexpected site preparation. A quote based on a phone call or a rough description of the job can change significantly once the concretor sees the actual site.
Tree roots, old concrete that needs breaking up and removing, or a significant slope that wasn’t mentioned can all add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the final cost. Getting a site inspection before accepting a quote is the best way to avoid this.
Drainage is another area that catches homeowners off guard. A driveway that directs water toward the house or pools at the kerb may require channel drains or a sump, neither of which is included in a basic concrete quote.
Do You Need a Building Contract or Permit?
In Victoria, domestic building work above a certain value requires a written contract between the homeowner and the builder or tradesperson. The threshold and the type of work covered are set out in the rules for domestic building contracts under Victorian consumer law.
For most residential driveways, a formal building permit is not required. However, if your driveway connects to a public road or crosses a nature strip, you may need a permit from your local council. It’s worth confirming this with your concreter or council before work starts.
Concrete vs. Other Driveway Materials
Asphalt is cheaper upfront, typically $25 to $40 per square metre, but requires resealing every few years and has a shorter lifespan in Australian conditions. Pavers cost more than concrete and take longer to install, but individual pavers can be replaced if they crack or shift.
Concrete sits in the middle on upfront cost but tends to outperform both options on longevity when it’s installed correctly. A well-laid concrete driveway in a residential setting can last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance.
Gravel is the cheapest option but requires ongoing top-ups and doesn’t suit all property types or council requirements.
Getting a Quote That Actually Reflects the Job
A reliable quote should specify the thickness of the slab, the type of reinforcement, the finish, and what site preparation is included. If a quote doesn’t mention these things, ask for them in writing before you agree to anything.
Comparing quotes on price alone is risky. A quote that’s $1,500 cheaper might be using less concrete, thinner steel, or no compacted base. Those savings show up as cracks and movement within a few years.
If you’re in the Goulburn Valley region, homeowners looking at concrete driveways Shepparton and surrounding areas including Numurkah can get a site-specific quote that accounts for local soil conditions and council requirements.
What to Do Before You Call a Concreter
Measure your driveway area as accurately as you can. Length multiplied by width gives you the square meterage, which is the starting point for any quote.
Think about how the driveway is used. If you park a caravan or boat trailer on it regularly, mention that upfront so the concretor can spec the slab correctly from the start.
Have a clear idea of the finish you want before you call. Knowing whether you want plain, exposed aggregate, or coloured concrete will help you get a more accurate quote on the first call rather than going back and forth.
Ready to Get a Price for Your Driveway?
If you’re in Shepparton or the Goulburn Valley and want a straight answer on what your driveway will cost, our team can come out, look at the site, and give you a quote that reflects the actual job. For a concreter Shepparton locals rely on for residential and commercial work, call us on (03) 4829 1211 or send us a message through our driveway quote request page.