The best backyard landscaping ideas

The Australians behind the winning entries in our inaugural search for Australia’s Best Backyards have backyard design flair, D.I.Y. skills and can-do attitudes in common. Their backyard landscaping ideas all started their D.I.Y. projects from scratch (and leaned on the savvy Bunnings Workshop community for support along the way). Whether born out of a problem needing a solution or a wish-list feature, these winning projects might inspire you to get designing, building and planting, too.

Backyard landscaping ideas: Key takeaways

• Prepare and plan by zones: This could be created using paths, decks, entertaining areas and/or water features.
• Select plants carefully: Choose climate‑suitable Australian plants for privacy and year‑round colour.
• For a sloping block: Terrace with steps and curved beds, stabilise with groundcovers, and use grippy porcelain pavers for safe access.
• Use plants for screening: Mix native, evergreen and deciduous species to create screening, seasonal interest and a bird‑friendly backyard across Australia’s climates.
• Add character with simple D.I.Y. features: A water feature, arbour or pergola, outdoor shower and layered garden lighting.
• Create quick structures on a budget: Do this with fence panels, pots, pavers and pebbles to define zones without major earthworks.

Who won Bunnings Warehouse Australia’s Best Backyards 2025?

• Best landscaping: Backyard design and transformation - Alison, Tas
• Best lawn: Sloping front yard transformation - Michael, Vic
• Best D.I.Y. garden feature: Pond and backyard design makeover - Joanne, SA
• Best outdoor entertaining: Pergola, deck, barbecue zone and fireplace - Toby and Tamsyn, Vic
• Best edible garden: Fruit and vegetable garden - James, SA
• Best small space: Neglected lawn upgrade - Andrea and Jordan, Vic

Tip: Want to see Australia’s Best Backyard entries in more detail? Bunnings Workshop has all of the backyard design projects to pore over.

Who were the judges of Australia’s Best Backyards 2025?

• Mitchell McLean, Bunnings Workshop D.I.Y. Expert: Mitchell is one of the experts guiding Bunnings Workshop community members with tips and info to help them achieve their D.I.Y. goals.
• Steve Cassar, Founder, Ki Carma: With 35 years’ experience as a greenkeeper and at Ki Carma, Steve is passionate about creating and transforming spaces through D.I.Y. projects.
• Tove Berkhout, PR Manager, EUFY ANZ: As an advocate for EUFY’s smart device ecosystem, Tove is always looking for new ways to help consumers achieve a cleaner, smarter home.
• Nathan Briggs, Head of Product Oceania, Kärcher: With more than 13 years of experience at Kärcher, Nathan is a home and garden professional who knows what it takes to make a backyard look its best.
• Lisa Green, Editor, Bunnings Warehouse Magazine: A garden centre is Lisa’s happy place and, as a gatherer and creator of inspiring garden stories, she has a keen eye for well executed outdoor spaces. 

Who won best landscaping in Australia’s Best Backyards 2025?

Alison (Workshop member @WelcomeHome), from Tasmania, bought her first home in 2013 and took out the best landscaping category.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Landscaping a sloping yard: Alison’s challenge

“The property had a sloping yard with a lawn, two deciduous trees and was overlooked by neighbouring properties,” says Alison.

How do I landscape a sloping backyard?

“I began at the front with a fernery. Curved steps lead to a walk along the side of the house, where a wrought iron gate opens into an arbour covered in Japanese wisteria,” says Alison.

Key features for a vibrant backyard: Water features, decks and privacy

• Mermaid water feature;
• Secluded outdoor shower;
• Three decks; and
• A mix of native, evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs, providing privacy and seasonal interest.  

What inspired the design?

“I designed my garden with a sense of fun and lots of love, and hope it may inspire others,” says Alison.

What the judges say

“From a bare canvas to a vibrant, bird-friendly oasis, it’s clear every detail was thoughtfully planned and passionately executed. A beautiful blend of colour, creativity and calm,” says Mitchell Mclean. Adds Steve Cassar: “A magnificent before and after, I can’t believe it all fits in one yard!“

Top D.I.Y. tip when landscaping a sloping backyard

“Have a clear vision for the space, use your local area for plant inspiration and, most importantly, enjoy the process!" says Alison.

Tip: Discover how to design a landscaping plan with his quick guide.

Keep in mind…

• Always closely supervise children around any body of water.
• Check suitability of plants for your region as some may be  classified as weeds in certain states and territories.
• When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and mask are also recommended), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Take care when selecting your plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets.
• Always check with your local authority if watering restrictions apply in your area, and adjust timer settings to suit.

After more backyard landscaping ideas and inspo?

Landscape any size backyard with these handy tips.