If you’ve searched “concrete driveways Cairns,” you’re probably somewhere between “I need to replace this cracked slab” and “how much is this actually going to cost me.” Fair question – and one that’s surprisingly hard to get a straight answer to online.
This guide pulls together real Far North Queensland pricing, the finishes that actually hold up to our wet season, and the questions Cairns homeowners ask us most. No fluff, no vague “it depends” without an actual number attached.
How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost in Cairns?
Here’s the number most people actually want first. As a supplied-and-installed rate, plain concrete driveways in Cairns typically run $80–$130 per square metre, with decorative finishes sitting higher.
| Finish Type | Cost per m² (installed) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Plain broom-finish concrete | $80 – $130 | Budget-conscious jobs, rental properties, sheds |
| Coloured/oxide concrete | $95 – $150 | A subtle upgrade without the aggregate cost |
| Exposed aggregate | $120 – $200 | Most popular choice for Cairns homes — non-slip, premium look |
| Stamped or stencilled decorative concrete | $150 – $250+ | Feature driveways, high-end street appeal |
These are supply-and-install ranges for a standard 100mm slab on a reasonably accessible, flat block. Sloped, tight-access, or oddly shaped driveways cost more because of extra formwork, cutting, and labour time — budget roughly $10 per m² extra for a sloping site.
What actually moves the price up or down
- Site access – can our truck and pump reach the pour area, or does concrete need to be wheelbarrowed?
- Excavation and base prep – removing an old driveway, tree roots, or rock adds cost before a drop of concrete is poured.
- Slab thickness – standard driveways use 100mm; heavier vehicles (boats, caravans, trucks) need 125–150mm and extra reinforcement.
- Drainage – Cairns’ wet season dumps serious rainfall, so falls and drainage points are non-negotiable, not optional extras.
- Reinforcement – steel mesh (SL72/SL82) typically adds $10–$20 per m² but is essential for long-term crack resistance.
- Finish complexity – curves, borders, and multiple exposed aggregate colours all add labour time.
Explore our concrete driveways service to see finish options and recent local projects.
Cost of Concrete Per Cubic Metre in Cairns
If you’re supplying your own concrete or just want to understand what a contractor is paying, ready-mix concrete in Cairns generally costs between $180 and $300 per cubic metre, delivered. Because Cairns is a regional market rather than a capital city, cartage distance from the batching plant can push prices toward the top of that range compared to Brisbane.
A few things that shift the per-m³ price:
- MPa strength – standard residential driveways use 20 MPa; higher-strength mixes (25–32 MPa) for heavy vehicles or commercial use cost more.
- Aggregate size – smaller 10mm aggregate can add $10–$20/m³ over standard 20mm aggregate.
- Colour and additives – oxide colouring, fibre reinforcement, or accelerants all carry a premium.
- Minimum load and small-load surcharges – most suppliers charge extra for orders under 3–4m³, which matters if you’re just doing a small slab.
- Distance/transport fees – most Queensland suppliers, including major players like Boral, apply a per-m³ transport charge on top of the base rate.
For context, a typical single-car driveway (around 40m²) at 100mm thick needs roughly 4–4.5m³ of concrete, so material alone (before labour, formwork, and finishing) sits somewhere in the $800–$1,300 range.
For a transparent look at how transport charges are structured across the industry, see Boral’s concrete service and fee schedule.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Numbers are easier to picture with real driveway sizes. These are indicative totals for supply-and-install work in Cairns — always confirm with a site-specific quote, because every block here is different.
| Driveway Size | Plain Concrete | Exposed Aggregate |
|---|---|---|
| Small (3m x 3m = 9m², e.g. a slab or path section) | $720 – $1,170 | $1,080 – $1,800 |
| Single driveway (~40m²) | $3,200 – $5,200 | $4,800 – $8,000 |
| Double driveway (~60–80m²) | $4,800 – $10,400 | $7,200 – $16,000 |
| Large/commercial (100m²+) | $8,000+ | $12,000+ |
A quick note on small jobs: a 3x3m slab is a common size for garden sheds, bin storage pads, or single-car parking bays. Because most concreters have minimum call-out and truck fees, small jobs often price slightly higher per square metre than a full driveway — expect to sit closer to the $100–$150/m² mark once mobilisation, minimal load surcharges, and finishing time are factored in, rather than straight-line pricing off the per-m² driveway rate.
Not sure which category your job falls into? Get a free, no-obligation quote and we’ll give you an exact figure for your site.
Concrete Driveway Finishes: Which Suits Cairns?
Plain concrete (broom finish)
The most affordable option. A broom or brush finish is dragged across the wet concrete to create light texture, which helps with grip during our downpours. It’s a practical, no-fuss choice if budget is the priority.
Exposed aggregate concrete
By far the most requested finish for Cairns driveways, and for good reason. The top layer of cement paste is washed away after pouring to reveal the stone, pebble, or quartz aggregate underneath, creating a textured, slip-resistant, and genuinely attractive surface.
It hides tyre marks, oil stains, and general wear far better than plain concrete, and its rough texture is a real safety benefit in a region where afternoon storms are a daily fact of life for half the year.
See more on our exposed aggregate driveways page, including colour and aggregate size options.
Coloured/oxide concrete
Oxide pigment mixed through the concrete before it’s poured gives you consistent colour through the entire slab, so it won’t wear off the way a surface-applied stain can. It’s a middle-ground option between plain and full decorative finishes.
Stamped or stencilled concrete
Patterns are pressed or stencilled into the concrete surface to mimic pavers, tiles, or natural stone. It’s the highest-end look and the highest price point, best suited to feature entries and high-visibility areas rather than full driveways on a budget.
Take a look at our concrete resurfacing and stencilling options if you want a decorative look on a budget.
Plain Concrete vs Exposed Aggregate vs Coloured Concrete
Patterns are pressed or stencilled into the concrete surface to mimic pavers, tiles, or natural stone. It’s the highest-end look and the highest price point, best suited to feature entries and high-visibility areas rather than full driveways on a budget.
Take a look at our concrete resurfacing and stencilling options if you want a decorative look on a budget.
| Feature | Plain Concrete | Exposed Aggregate | Coloured Concrete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per m² | $80–$130 | $120–$200 | $95–$150 |
| Slip resistance (wet season) | Moderate | Excellent | Moderate |
| Stain/wear visibility | High | Low | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Low | Low (occasional sealing) | Low–moderate |
| Street appeal | Basic | High | Good |
| Best for | Budget jobs, sheds | Driveways, pool surrounds, entries | Subtle upgrades on a budget |
Why Cairns Conditions Change the Equation
Concreting in the tropics isn’t the same job as concreting in Melbourne or even Brisbane, and it’s worth understanding why before you compare quotes.
- Wet season pours (roughly November–April) need careful weather planning; concrete curing is affected by heavy rain in the first 24–48 hours, so timing matters and can shift project schedules.
- UV exposure is intense year-round, which is one reason sealing exposed aggregate and coloured finishes every few years matters more here than in cooler states.
- Reactive and sandy soils in parts of the Cairns region mean base preparation and compaction can’t be skipped — cutting corners here is the single biggest cause of cracking and sinking down the track.
- Drainage design has to account for genuine tropical downpours, not just light rain, so falls away from the house and proper stormwater points are essential, not decorative.
A concreter who works locally, rather than a generic national franchise, will already be building these factors into the mix design, base prep, and pour timing
The Driveway Installation Process, Step by Step
- Site inspection and quote – measuring the area, checking access, soil, and existing drainage.
- Demolition and excavation (if replacing an old driveway) – removing old concrete, roots, and unsuitable fill.
- Base preparation and compaction – laying and compacting a road base or gravel layer to create a stable, well-drained foundation.
- Formwork – timber or steel edge forms set the shape, falls, and thickness of the slab.
- Reinforcement – steel mesh or rebar laid to resist cracking under vehicle load.
- Pouring and finishing – concrete is poured, screeded level, and finished (broomed, exposed, coloured, or stamped depending on your chosen style).
- Curing – the slab is protected while it gains strength.
- Sealing (for decorative finishes) – applied once curing allows, to protect colour and texture from UV and stains.
Most residential driveways take a few days from excavation to pour, and you should stay off the surface for about 7 days before driving on it, even though full strength isn’t reached until around 28 days.
Read more about our team and how we work across the greater Cairns region
How Long Does a Concrete Driveway Last?
A properly installed concrete driveway in Australia typically lasts 25 to 40 years, and well-built, well-maintained slabs can go well beyond that. The material itself isn’t usually the limiting factor — installation quality and ongoing care are.
The two things that most affect lifespan:
- What happens before the pour – soil compaction, base thickness, drainage falls, reinforcement, and correct slab thickness for the intended load.
- What happens after the pour – regular cleaning, resealing decorative finishes every few years, and addressing minor cracks before they spread.
If a driveway is showing serious structural problems inside 10–15 years, it’s almost always a sign of inadequate base preparation or drainage at the time it was built — which is exactly why choosing an experienced local concreter matters more than chasing the cheapest quote.
Maintenance: Getting the Most Out of Your Driveway
- Reseal exposed aggregate and coloured concrete every 2–3 years to maintain UV and stain protection.
- Clean regularly — a pressure wash a couple of times a year removes the algae and grime that build up fast in a humid climate.
- Address hairline cracks early — minor cracking from curing and ground movement is normal, but ignoring it lets water in and makes cracks worse.
- Keep vegetation and tree roots back from slab edges to prevent heaving over time.
- Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can strip sealers or discolour coloured concrete.
Concrete Resurfacing: Fixing an Old Driveway Without a Full Replacement
If your existing driveway is structurally sound but looking tired – faded, stained, or covered in surface cracks – concrete resurfacing is usually far cheaper than a full replacement. A new decorative overlay can be applied straight over the existing slab, giving you a fresh, modern finish (including exposed aggregate or stencilled looks) without the cost of demolition and re-pouring.
Resurfacing is a great option when:
- The base slab has no major structural cracking or movement.
- You want to upgrade from plain concrete to a decorative finish.
- You’re planning to sell and want to boost kerb appeal cost-effectively.
Learn more about our concrete cleaning and resealing service to keep a resurfaced driveway looking its best.
Choosing a Concrete Contractor in Cairns
With plenty of concrete contractors in Cairns competing for driveway work, it pays to know what actually separates a good job from a problem waiting to happen.
- Licensing and insurance – confirm they’re licensed and carry public liability insurance; ask to see it, don’t just take their word for it.
- Local experience – a concreter who’s poured driveways across Cairns suburbs understands local soil types, drainage requirements, and wet season timing.
- Written, itemised quotes – a proper quote breaks down site prep, materials, reinforcement, finish, and any site-specific extras, so you’re not surprised later.
- Photos of past work – ask to see a gallery of completed driveways, ideally in a similar style to what you want.
- Clear timeline – including pour date flexibility around wet season weather.
- Warranty on workmanship – reputable concreters stand behind their pours.
Browse our gallery of recent Cairns driveway projects to see the finishes in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of concrete per cubic metre in Cairns?
Ready-mix concrete in Cairns generally costs $180 to $300 per cubic metre, delivered, depending on MPa strength, aggregate size, colour additives, and transport distance from the batching plant. Regional cartage fees can push prices toward the higher end compared to capital cities.
What is the average lifespan of a concrete driveway?
A well-installed concrete driveway typically lasts 25 to 40 years, and can exceed 40 years with good base preparation, correct drainage, and regular maintenance such as resealing every few years. Lifespan depends far more on installation quality than on the concrete itself.
What is the price of a 3x3 concrete slab?
A 3m x 3m slab (9m²) typically costs $720 to $1,170 in plain concrete, or $1,080 to $1,800 for exposed aggregate, based on Cairns supply-and-install rates. Small jobs like this often sit toward the upper end per square metre because of minimum call-out and small-load charges that don’t apply to larger driveway pours.
How much is concrete per m² in QLD?
Across Queensland, concreting typically costs $80 to $150 per square metre installed for a standard residential job, with Cairns and other regional centres tracking similarly to this range — sometimes slightly higher for decorative finishes due to transport and access factors. Decorative finishes like exposed aggregate or stamped concrete can push this to $150–$250+ per m².
How long before I can drive on a new concrete driveway?
Wait at least 7 days before driving on a new slab, even though it won’t reach full design strength until around 28 days. Light foot traffic is usually fine after 24–48 hours, weather permitting
Is exposed aggregate worth the extra cost in Cairns?
For most Cairns homeowners, yes. It looks more premium, hides tyre marks and stains far better than plain concrete, and its textured, non-slip surface is genuinely useful during our wet season. It’s the most popular decorative finish requested for driveways in this region for good reason.
Can you pour a driveway during Cairns' wet season?
Yes, but timing and planning matter more. Experienced local concreters schedule pours around forecast rain windows and manage curing carefully, since heavy rain in the first 24–48 hours can affect the surface finish.
Do I need council approval for a new concrete driveway in Cairns?
Depending on your council area and whether the work affects a crossover onto a road reserve, approval or a permit may be required. A local concreter who regularly works in the Cairns Regional Council area can advise on what applies to your specific address.
Ready to Get Your Driveway Sorted?
A concrete driveway is one of the first things anyone sees when they pull up to your home — and one of the longest-lasting investments you’ll make in it. Whether you’re after a straightforward plain slab or a full exposed aggregate upgrade, getting the base prep, drainage, and finish right the first time is what makes the difference between 15 years and 40.
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote and we’ll walk you through the right finish, size, and budget for your Cairns property.