Australian homeowners are choosing from 25 proven driveway options split cleanly by budget:
- Under $100/m²: Gravel, asphalt, plain sealed concrete
- $100–$180/m² mid-range winners: exposed aggregate, coloured concrete, stamped concrete, honed/polished aggregate
- $180–$400/m² luxury finishes: brick pavers, 20 mm porcelain, bluestone, cobblestone, granite setts
If you’re in Hobart or Tasmania and want to see exactly what these look like locally plus a free driveway quote, click here: Get Free Quote for Driveway in Hobart.
This guide gives you exact installed prices, real lifespans from 8–100+ years, low-maintenance picks that survive salt air and heatwaves, eco-friendly permeable and recycled options, money-saving resurfacing tricks that cut costs 40–60 %, simple design extras like borders and solar lights, a 5-question checklist to pick the perfect one for your home, and straightforward cleaning tips so it stays stunning for decades. It covers everything you need to finally replace that cracked or old driveway with Concrete driveway repair or a new one that boosts your home value $15k–$50k and makes you proud every time you pull in.
Quick Comparison Table; Costs & Lifespan
|
Driveway Type |
Installed Cost/m² (2026) |
Lifespan |
Maintenance Level |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Gravel / Crushed Rock |
$50 – $90 |
8–15 years |
High |
Huge rural blocks, super-tight budgets |
|
Hot-Mix Asphalt / Bitumen |
$80 – $120 |
15–25 years |
Medium |
Fast fix, colder climates |
|
Plain Sealed Concrete |
$90 – $130 |
30–50 years |
Low |
Everyday family homes, best value budget |
|
Exposed Aggregate |
$120 – $180 |
30–60 years |
Very Low |
Coastal homes, #1 choice Australia-wide |
|
Coloured Concrete (full-depth) |
$130 – $190 |
30–50 years |
Low |
Hiding dirt, modern colour lovers |
|
Stamped / Patterned Concrete |
$140 – $220 |
30–50 years |
Low |
Luxury look on a mid-range budget |
|
Honed / Polished Aggregate |
$160 – $240 |
30–60 years |
Very Low |
Showroom finish, new builds |
|
Permeable / Pervious Concrete |
$180 – $280 |
25–50 years |
Low |
Eco homes, new estates, no puddles |
|
Brick / Clay Pavers |
$220 – $320 |
40–80 years |
Medium |
Heritage & Hamptons styles |
|
20 mm Porcelain Pavers |
$220 – $350 |
50+ years |
Almost zero |
Ultra-modern, zero staining |
|
Bluestone Pavers |
$250 – $380 |
80–100+ years |
Very Low |
Hobart waterfront, forever homes |
|
Cobblestone (Granite/Basalt) |
$280 – $400 |
80+ years |
Low |
European charm, character homes |
|
Granite Setts / Porphyry |
$300 – $450 |
100+ years |
Very Low |
Ultimate luxury, “build once” mindset |
Economical Driveway Ideas | Under $100/m²
I have shared some great choices when you want something solid without breaking the bank.
1. Gravel Driveway/ Crushed Stone Driveway
Costs $50–$90 per m² | lasts around 8–15 years
Think loose pebble or crushed granite that’s simply spread and rolled flat. It’s the quickest, cheapest way to get a fresh surface and it drains beautifully. Many people love the relaxed, coastal vibe on larger blocks.
The catch? In suburban settings it can track inside the house and needs topping up every couple of years, so it’s not ideal if you hate ongoing chores.
2. Hot-Mix Asphalt Driveway (Bitumen)
$80–$120 per m² | lasts 15–25 years
A smooth, jet-black finish that’s laid in a single day and ready to drive on almost straight away. It’s especially kind to frost (great in colder parts of Tassie) and perfect if you’re selling soon.
It can soften on really hot days, so if you’re in a scorching area or park heavy vehicles, you might notice a few marks.
3. Plain Concrete Driveway / Sealed Concrete Driveway
Costs $90–$130 per m² | lasts 30–50 years
Classic grey concrete with a good-quality sealer on top. It’s the ultimate “set and forget” option at budget price, no weeds, easy to sweep, and a quick reseal every few years keeps it looking tidy forever.
If you love colour or texture, it might feel a little plain, but for reliability on a budget, it’s hard to beat.
Mid-Range Modern Classics | $100–$180/m²
It is the sweet spot where most Aussie families end up and never look back.
4. Exposed Aggregate Driveway
Costs $120–$180 per m² | lasts 30–60 years
Beautiful natural pebbles mixed right through the concrete, then washed to reveal the sparkle. It’s Australia’s favourite for a reason: salt-proof, zero weeds, low maintenance and looks a million dollars.
Honestly, almost everyone loves it, the only people who don’t are the rare few who prefer a perfectly smooth surface.
5. Coloured Concrete Driveway (full-depth oxide)
Costs $130–$190 per m² | lasts 30–50 years
Same tough concrete but with colour mixed all the way through (charcoal and sandstone are huge right now). It hides everyday dirt and oil stains brilliantly and never peels like surface coatings.
If you’re after texture or pattern, look elsewhere, this one is smooth and sleek.
6. Stamped Concrete Driveway / Patterned Crete Driveways
Costs $140–$220 per m² | lasts 30–50 years
Fresh concrete is stamped while wet to look like bluestone, timber planks, slate or crazy paving. It’s the clever way to get a high-end appearance without the high-end price tag.
Over decades the pattern can soften slightly, but most people never notice.
7. Honed Concrete Driveway / Polished Concrete Driveway
Costs $160–$240 per m² | lasts 30–60 years
Exposed aggregate that’s then ground and polished to a silky-smooth finish. It gives that luxury showroom feel right outside your front door and still handles Hobart’s weather like a champ.
On very steep slopes you’ll want a non-slip additive, but otherwise it’s pure class.
Premium & Luxury Driveways | $180–$400/m²
8. Brick Driveway or Brick Paver Driveway
Costs $220–$320 per m² | lasts 40–80 years
Timeless red or charcoal clay bricks laid in herringbone or basket-weave patterns. They suit heritage homes, Hamptons styles and everything in between.
Occasional weeds can pop between joints (easily fixed), so skip them if you truly hate any gardening.
9. 20 mm Porcelain Pavers Driveway
Costs $220–$350 per m² | lasts 50+ years
Large outdoor porcelain tiles in timber, stone or concrete look, glued down for a flawless finish. Zero staining, cool underfoot and basically zero maintenance, the breakout star.
Perfect for modern homes, but overkill if you’re purely budget-focused.
10. Bluestone Driveway
Costs $250–$380 per m² | lasts 80–100+ years
Tasmania’s own blue-grey basalt, the gold standard for waterfront and period homes. It photographs like a magazine and will still look perfect when your grandkids inherit the house.
Only skip it if the upfront cost feels scary, you’ll never replace it.
11. Cobblestone Driveway (Granite or Basalt)
Costs $280–$400 per m² | lasts 80+ years
Rounded or square cobbles that scream European village charm. Incredibly durable and full of character.
It’s gently bumpy (some love the romance, others prefer glass-smooth).
12. Granite Setts / Porphyry Driveway
Costs $300–$450 per m² | lasts 100+ years
Volcanic stone that shrugs off salt, frost and heavy boats on trailers. The “build once and never think about it again” choice.
Granite Setts is only for people who are ready to commit to the very best. This is end-game driveway territory.
Future Proof & Eco-Friendly Driveway
More and more Aussie councils (especially in new estates) are pushing sustainable drainage, and homeowners are loving the idea of a driveway that’s kind to the planet without looking like a science experiment. These options let rainwater soak back into the ground instead of rushing into stormwater drains, help keep the street cooler, and often qualify for rebates or faster approvals. Here’s the shortlist of what actually works beautifully in real homes:
- Permeable / Pervious Concrete or Pavers ($180–$280/m²) Looks just like regular concrete or pavers but has tiny gaps that let water filter through at a crazy rate (up to 1,000 litres per m² per hour!). No more puddles, no runoff fines, and it still lasts 30–50 years.
- Grass-Cell or Turf-Block Driveways ($160–$260/m²) Strong plastic or concrete grids filled with soil and grass. You literally drive on the lawn. Looks incredible once established, keeps everything green, and councils love it.
- Recycled-Content Exposed Aggregate ($130–$190/m²) Same gorgeous exposed aggregate finish you already love, but the mix includes crushed recycled glass, old concrete, or even recycled plastic. Same price (or sometimes cheaper) and the sparkle is even prettier.
- Porcelain Pavers with Recycled Core (some brands now 40–60 % recycled) Still the ultra-low-maintenance luxury option, but with a much smaller carbon footprint.
These choices are genuinely future-proof, meet today’s rules, save you money on water runoff, and look better every year as natives grow around them. If you’re in Hobart or any growth area in Tasmania, permeable options are quickly becoming the smart default.
Driveway Resurfacing & Quick Fixes (Instead of Full Replacement)
Let’s be honest. Sometimes the concrete underneath is perfectly fine, it’s just ugly, cracked, or stuck in the 90s. Ripping it all up feels like burning cash, so here’s the clever shortcut most Aussie homeowners are choosing this year:
Concrete Driveway Resurfacing Overlay
Costs $80–$160/m² (usually 40–60 % cheaper than replacement)
A thin 10–15 mm layer of fresh concrete or polymer-modified overlay is sprayed or trowelled straight over the existing slab after a light grind. You can add colour, exposed aggregate finish, stencil patterns, or even a light stamp. Most jobs are finished in 3–4 days and ready to drive on in a week. Perfect if your old driveway is structurally sound but looks tired.
Epoxy Flake or Metallic Coating
Costs $120–$220/m²
Garage + driveway combo that’s become massive. It is oil-proof, slip-resistant flakes or shimmering metallic pigments are rolled on with a tough clear coat. Epoxy flake or metalling coating looks like a car showroom and hides a multitude of sins.
Stencilled or Spray-On Paving
Costs $90–$150/m²
A flexible cement-based coating sprayed through stencils to create brick, stone, or tile patterns. Super popular for instant “wow” on a budget.
You know the real beauty? No excavation, no skip bins, no council headaches, and you save thousands. In Hobart we see heaps of 20–30-year-old driveways transformed this way. They come out looking better than brand-new because you get to choose the latest colours and finishes.
Design Extras That Make Neighbours Jealous
If you want to make your driveway look more attractive with little cost, here are some of the little upgrades that cost almost nothing extra but change everything. A few clever finishing touches are all it takes to go from “nice driveway” to “the one everyone photographs”. So we have shared the favourites that make people slow down and stare:
- Charcoal or bluestone border band around exposed aggregate
- Solar path lights or in-ground LED strips (Bunnings range looks luxury for $20–$50 each)
- Native plant edging (Lomandra ‘Tanika’, Westringia or blue fescue, zero watering once established)
- Hidden strip drains so water disappears like magic
- Automatic gate or sleek timber feature panel
- Subtle house-number inlay or monogram in the concrete
Maintenance & Driveway Cleaning Tips
Once you get a new driveway, it should be maintained properly so it still looks brand-new in 10 years. Keeping your driveway looking sharp is way easier than most people think; just a little love every now and then:
- Exposed aggregate, honed & polished: pressure-clean once a year, reseal every 4–6 years (especially in salty Hobart air).
- Plain/coloured concrete: same clean, reseal every 3–4 years to stop frost cracks.
- Porcelain & bluestone: soft wash or broom, basically never needs sealing.
- Pavers & brick: occasional weed spray between joints and a gentle clean.
- Pro tip: a quick sweep after mowing and rinsing oil spills straight away saves you thousands long-term.
Do these simple things and your driveway will honestly look better at year 15 than most people do at year 3.
How to Choose the Right Driveway for YOUR Home
Grab a coffee (or a wine) and answer these five quick questions. By the end you’ll know exactly what you should do.
Real talk: how much are you happy to spend?
- “I’ve got about $6–8k max” → plain sealed concrete or resurfacing
- “I can stretch to $10–15k” → exposed aggregate or coloured/stamped concrete
- “Money’s not the main issue” → bluestone, porcelain, or full luxury flex
Do you live near the beach or in salty air?
(Hello Hobart, Mornington Peninsula, Gold Coast…)
- Yep → pick exposed aggregate, bluestone, honed aggregate or porcelain. They literally laugh at sea spray.
- Nope → you’re free to choose anything you love.
How much do you actually want to think about your driveway after it’s done?
- “Never again” → porcelain, bluestone or honed aggregate
- “Happy to pressure-clean once a year and reseal every few” → any of the concrete options
- “I don’t mind a bit of tinkering” → gravel or brick pavers
Do puddles drive you mad or does your council bang on about stormwater?
- Yes → go permeable concrete, permeable pavers or grass-cells. Zero puddles, happy council, happy planet.
Are you planning to sell in the next 5–10 years?
Yes → exposed aggregate or bluestone. Buyers lose their minds over both and will happily pay $20–50k extra without blinking.
Conclusion – Time to Make It Happen
There you go. You’ve just scrolled through every single driveway idea that actually matters, from the $50/m² quick fixes to the $400/m² “I’ve finally made it” masterpieces. You know the real prices, the lifespans, the little tricks that make neighbours jealous, and exactly which one fits your budget and lifestyle.
No more driving home feeling embarrassed.
No more puddles, cracks, or weeds giving you the side-eye.
Just a driveway that makes you smile every single time you pull in, and quietly adds tens of thousands to your home value while you’re at it.
Ready for a driveway that looks amazing and lasts decades?
If you’re in Hobart or anywhere in Tasmania, the team at Hobart Concrete Contractors are doing free measure & quotes right now (no pushy sales, same-week service, and they’ll even show you real local examples in your budget).
Visit our website to book yours today or call 03 6118 7176 and just say “I read the big 2026 guide” they’ll bump you straight to the front of the queue.
You’ve waited long enough. Let’s make your house the one everyone slows down to look at.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Australia?
Expect $5,400–$15,000 for a standard 60 m² double driveway, fully installed (including labour and GST). Plain sealed concrete starts at $90–$130/m², while exposed aggregate or stamped bumps it to $120–$220/m². Factors like location (Hobart’s salty air needs premium sealers) and size can add 10–20%, but resurfacing can halve that if your old slab is solid.
Are exposed aggregate driveways still in style?
Absolutely! They’re more popular than ever, with fresh twists like black basalt pebbles, recycled glass sparkle, and glow-in-the-dark mixes. Homeowners love the premium look without the premium price ($120–$180/m²), and it’s the top choice for coastal spots like Hobart because it’s salt-resistant and zero-maintenance. If you’re after timeless curb appeal, this is it.
What is the cheapest driveway that lasts?
Plain sealed concrete at $90–$130/m² is your best bet – it lasts 30–50 years with minimal fuss (just reseal every 3–4 years). Gravel ($50–$90/m²) is cheaper upfront but needs constant topping up and looks ragged after a couple of years. Skip gravel in suburbs; go concrete for reliability on a budget.
Can you put pavers over an existing concrete driveway?
Yes, and it’s one of the smartest hacks, glue 20 mm porcelain or bluestone pavers straight onto the old slab for a luxury upgrade at 40–60% less than full replacement. It takes 3–5 days, no excavation needed, and transforms tired concrete into something stunning. Just ensure the base is level and crack-free first.
Is gravel a good driveway material in Australia?
Only if you’ve got a massive rural block where drainage is key. Iit costs $50–$90/m² and installs in a day, but in the suburbs it turns into a dusty, weedy mess that tracks inside and needs yearly fixes. For urban homes, it’s more hassle than it’s worth; opt for sealed concrete instead for longevity without the drama.
How much value does a new driveway add to a house?
A fresh driveway can boost your home’s value by $15,000–$50,000 (per CoreLogic 2025 data), especially exposed aggregate or bluestone which scream “move-in ready” to buyers. It’s all about curb appeal, that first impression can tip the scales on offers. In competitive markets like Hobart, it’s a quick win that pays for itself.
What’s better: concrete or asphalt driveway?
Concrete wins for most Aussies. Longer lifespan (30–50 years vs. 15–25), better heat resistance, and lower long-term costs ($90–$220/m² vs. $80–$120/m²). Asphalt is quicker to lay and frost-friendly, but it softens in summer and needs more resealing. Go concrete unless you’re in a super-cold spot or rushing a sale.
How do I clean an exposed aggregate driveway?
Pressure-wash once a year with a mild detergent to lift dirt and salt, then reseal every 4–6 years to keep the pebbles sparkling. Avoid harsh chemicals that etch the surface, and rinse oil spills immediately. In Hobart’s salty air, a yearly check prevents any buildup, it’ll look brand-new for decades.