Outdoor Entertaining Areas: Design Ideas for Australian Backyards

Designing Your Outdoor Space

Australians spend more time outdoors than most, and a well-designed entertaining area extends your living space significantly. Whether you have a pool or not, these ideas work for backyards of all sizes.

Covered Structures

Pergola — $5,000 - $15,000

• Timber or aluminium frame with open or louvred roof
• Great for partial shade while maintaining airflow
• Can add climbing plants for a natural look
• Council approval usually not required under certain sizes

Patio/Verandah — $10,000 - $30,000

• Solid roof attached to the house
• Full weather protection for year-round use
• Insulated roofing keeps the area cool
• May require council approval

Gazebo — $3,000 - $12,000

• Freestanding structure, flexible placement
• Available in timber, steel, or aluminium
• Great for poolside shade
• Easier approval as it's detached from the house

Outdoor Kitchens

Basic Setup — $3,000 - $8,000

• Built-in BBQ with benchtop
• Sink with running water
• Storage cupboards underneath
• Perfect for most families

Full Outdoor Kitchen — $10,000 - $30,000+

• BBQ, pizza oven, wok burner
• Fridge, dishwasher, bar area
• Stone or concrete benchtops
• Plumbed gas and water
• Serious entertaining upgrade

Flooring Options

Timber Decking — $200-$400/sqm installed

• Warm, natural look
• Hardwood (merbau, spotted gum) lasts 15-25 years
• Composite decking is lower maintenance but more expensive
• Needs oiling every 1-2 years (hardwood)

Concrete Pavers — $80-$200/sqm installed

• Huge range of colours and textures
• Very durable and low maintenance
• Can get hot underfoot in direct sun
• Easy to replace individual pavers if damaged

Natural Stone — $150-$350/sqm installed

• Premium look (sandstone, travertine, granite)
• Non-slip options available for pool surrounds
• Cooler underfoot than concrete
• Higher cost but timeless aesthetic

Lighting

Good lighting transforms your outdoor space for evening use:

• String lights — instant atmosphere ($50-$200)
• LED strip lighting — under benchtops, stairs, or along fences ($200-$500)
• Spot lights — uplighting trees or feature walls ($100-$300 per light)
• Pool lights — LED colour-changing lights bring the pool to life at night ($500-$1,500)
• Solar path lights — no wiring needed, mark pathways ($10-$30 each)

Poolside Essentials

If you have a pool, consider:

• Shade sails — affordable sun protection ($500-$3,000)
• Daybed or sun loungers — comfortable poolside relaxation
• Outdoor shower — rinse off before and after swimming ($500-$2,000)
• Towel hooks/storage — keep things tidy
• Non-slip surfaces — essential around wet areas

Plants & Landscaping

Low-Maintenance Pool-Friendly Plants

• Agaves, succulents, and ornamental grasses (minimal leaf drop)
• Avoid deciduous trees near pools
• Tropical plants (bird of paradise, frangipani) for a resort feel
• Hedging for privacy without pool-clogging leaves

Budget Tips

• Stage your project over time rather than doing everything at once
• DIY what you can (painting, planting, simple paving)
• Shop end-of-season sales for outdoor furniture
• Use a qualified landscaper for structural elements and get proper quotes