Perth Landscaping Experts

Top 10 Lawn Grass Types for Australian Gardens

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re thinking about how to improve your lawn and considering the best grass types for your landscape.

Maybe you’ve been staring at your lawn, missing the lush, green carpet it used to be, and wondering how to bring it back to life. Or perhaps you’re starting from scratch with a new build or renovation, determined to get every detail right the first time.

Let’s be honest — most of us don’t give grass much thought. It’s just there, doing its job: covering the ground, keeping dust at bay, and giving the front yard a presentable look. Often, we inherit someone else’s lawn choices and may not even know what type of grass we have.

But if you’re planning to install a new lawn, your choice of grass will have a long-term impact on your landscape and lifestyle. It will influence how often you mow, how much time and money you’ll spend on maintenance, and whether your lawn can thrive in summer heat or survive winter dormancy.

A beautiful lawn can even increase your property’s value, while a patchy, brown one may diminish curb appeal. Whether you’re rebuilding, refreshing, or replacing a lawn that’s beyond repair, it’s worth doing the research before making a decision. The right choice could save you from years of unnecessary work and expense.

In Australia, there’s a wide variety of grass types available, but not all are well-suited to Perth’s sandy soil and unique climate. Many grasses come from the US or Asia and are developed for temperate or tropical zones. With Western Australia’s diverse climate regions, homeowners in Perth can often choose from both warm and cool-season grass varieties — but only if they match them properly to their site.

Before deciding on the best type of lawn for your home, think carefully about what you want from your lawn and how much effort you’re willing to put into it. Are you looking for a tough, low-maintenance lawn that can handle kids and pets? Or do you want something that feels luxurious and looks pristine to match a designer home? Is your budget limited, or are you ready to invest for the best possible result? Do you have the time to nurture a lawn from seed or runners, or do you need a quicker solution?

Creating the lawn you envision requires a solid plan and a realistic understanding of the process.

When establishing a new lawn, your first decision will be whether to grow it from seed or runners, or to lay turf. Each method has its pros and cons. Seeding is generally more affordable and gives you a broader range of grass options. It doesn’t require special tools or physical strength and allows you to blend different grass types for a more resilient lawn. However, it can be a slow and finicky process. Birds may eat the seed, rain can wash it away, and weeds can easily invade. It might take months before the lawn becomes usable, and establishing it requires frequent watering — not ideal if you have a demanding schedule.

On the other hand, laying turf is quicker and produces consistent, professional results. The lawn becomes usable within weeks and is typically made up of grass varieties suited to local conditions. But turf is more expensive, especially for large areas, and requires careful site preparation. Your grass options may also be slightly more limited.

If you’re unsure, speaking with a landscaping professional who specializes in lawns (like the Perth Landscaping team) can help you choose the right method and grass type for your property.

There are several important factors to consider when choosing a lawn grass:

Start by assessing your soil. For Perth’s sandy soils, choose grasses that prefer well-drained conditions. Consider your property’s microclimate, including exposure to salt air, frost, shade, urban heat, or poor drainage. Sunlight is crucial too — some grasses tolerate shade, while others wither without direct sunlight. If your area is too shaded, you may need to consider alternatives like paving, ground cover, or synthetic grass.

Next, think about your lifestyle. Be realistic about how much time and effort you can devote to lawn care. Lawns started from seed or runners need ongoing attention, especially during the early stages. Watering, weeding, and fertilising can take up considerable time and energy. And even after your lawn is established, some grass types need regular mowing — sometimes even with specialised mowers.

Water use and fertiliser needs vary significantly among grass types. If sustainability and cost are important to you, look for varieties that thrive on limited water and don’t require constant fertiliser. In Perth, scheme water is typically limited to twice-weekly watering with automatic systems. Bore users may get a third day, although this may soon change. Fortunately, new lawn installations can qualify for temporary watering exemptions through the Water Corporation.

Budget is always a key consideration. If you have the funds, instant turf offers quick results with minimal effort. Fast-growing grass types tend to be more affordable, while slow-growing premium varieties might cost more upfront but require less long-term maintenance. You might also need to factor in the cost of an irrigation system, which is essential if you’re busy or travel frequently. A landscaper can help you choose a suitable system for local conditions.

If appearance is your top priority, visit homes with established lawns and pay attention to the colour, texture, and feel. If children or pets will use the lawn frequently, a soft, durable variety is ideal. And if allergies are a concern, seek out grass types that produce minimal seed.

Finally, consider the size of your lawn area. Larger spaces multiply costs — from initial installation to long-term upkeep. With a big area, it becomes even more important to choose the right type of grass and method of installation to avoid unnecessary expense. There are smart strategies landscapers use to reduce costs and increase success rates — it’s worth asking for their insights.

In Western Australia, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to lawn grass. Each type has strengths and weaknesses, and choosing one that matches your conditions is key to long-term success.

Below, we explore some of the most popular lawn grasses used in WA, including buffalo varieties like Palmetto and Sir Walter, Kikuyu, and a range of zoysia types. We’ll walk you through the characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks of each to help you make an informed choice for your garden and lifestyle.