Concrete Northern Beaches
Sandstone slopes and coastal sand flats
The Northern Beaches combine steep sandstone headlands with sandy flats around the beaches and lagoons at Dee Why, Narrabeen and Warriewood. On the slopes, driveways need deeper cuts, retaining and pump access; on the flats the issue is drainage and compaction in sand, plus a higher water table near the lagoons after heavy rain. Most of the area is close enough to the ocean for salt to matter, so we lean towards stronger concrete, good cover over the steel and a quality sealer.
Concrete prices on the Northern Beaches
From our calculator: N25 concrete, SL72 mesh, good truck access, GST included. Suburbs further from the CBD carry a delivery surcharge per load.
| 40m² driveway | metro zone (+$85) | outer zone (+$220) |
|---|---|---|
| Broom finish, level site | $8,100–$8,800 | $8,300–$9,000 |
| Exposed aggregate, level site | $9,850–$10,550 | $10,000–$10,700 |
| Replacing an old concrete driveway | $11,300–$14,250 | $11,500–$14,400 |
| Sloping site, 100–300mm cut, pump | $11,500–$13,900 | $11,650–$14,100 |
Estimates only, confirmed at a free site inspection.
What to plan for on the Northern Beaches
Low-lying and flood-affected land
Parts of the suburb are low-lying. Garage and driveway levels may need to sit at or above a flood level set by council, and every slab needs falls that carry water away from the house.
Salt exposure
Salt air speeds up rusting of the steel inside concrete. Near the coast we use a stronger mix, keep full cover over the mesh and seal the surface so the slab lasts.
Strata approval
Work on common property needs owners corporation approval, and building managers often ask for the contractor's insurance certificates and a work method statement. Start that early: it's usually the longest lead time on a strata job.
Sloping driveways
Levels have to be set at the kerb, the garage and every change of grade so cars don't scrape. Expect a cut at the top or fill at the bottom, and a pump if the truck can't park within 4–5 metres of the pour.
Councils in this area: Northern Beaches Council. Each approves driveway crossings on its own footpaths and sets the levels they must match.
Council driveway and setback rules on the Northern Beaches
Each council sets its own rules for crossings, driveway widths, finishes, garages and front setbacks. Summarised from their own documents, with every rule linked to its source.
Northern Beaches Council
Northern Beaches Council Driveway Access (Vehicle Crossing) Guidelines
Crossing & approvals
Only council-approved vehicle crossing contractors may build crossings. Each pour needs a formwork inspection before concrete and a final inspection, booked by the contractor at least 3 working days ahead.
Northern Beaches Council: driveway and vehicle crossingsCrossing & approvals
The standard driveway width is 3.0m, and on a corner block the driveway must start at least 6m from the kerb tangent point. Every crossing must serve an approved parking space (garage, carport or hardstand).
Northern Beaches Council: driveway and vehicle crossingsCrossing & approvals
Dual occupancies and attached dwellings generally get one shared driveway per original lot, and crossings are placed to keep kerbside parking and street trees.
Northern Beaches Council: driveway and vehicle crossingsConcrete finish
Council's standard for vehicle crossings is full-width plain concrete. Asphalt, pavers, coloured, exposed aggregate, pebblecrete, stencilled and stamped concrete are no longer approved on the road reserve.
Northern Beaches Council: driveway and vehicle crossingsDriveway
A standard single-width 3m driveway on your land may be exempt development, but wider variations such as double driveways can count as car parking and need a DA. Before changing a driveway you must apply to council for street levels.
Northern Beaches Council: driveway and vehicle crossings
Rules that apply anywhere in NSW
A driveway, hardstand or paving on your own land is exempt from planning approval only if it isn't in a heritage conservation area, on a heritage item, in a foreshore or environmentally sensitive area, drains to an existing stormwater system, and is built to AS/NZS 2890.1. Otherwise it needs a DA or CDC.
NSW Codes SEPP, exempt development: driveways, pathways and pavingAnything built on or over the footpath or road, including the vehicle crossing and layback, needs approval from the council (or Transport for NSW on State roads) under the Roads Act 1993, even when the work on your land is exempt or already approved.
NSW Codes SEPP, exempt development: driveways, pathways and pavingDriveway grades follow AS/NZS 2890.1: generally no steeper than 25% (1 in 4) within the property, and any change in grade over 12.5% (1 in 8) needs a transition, usually about 2m long, so cars don't scrape.
AS/NZS 2890.1, as applied in Hunters Hill Council's driveway specification
Checked October 2026. Councils update their controls and site-specific controls can apply, so confirm with council or your certifier before you build.
Suburbs we cover on the Northern Beaches
Brookvale 2100
Northern Beaches Council
Brookvale is a mix of light industry and homes on the flat valley floor along Brookvale Creek. Level sites keep access easy, but low-lying parts need drainage planned into every slab.
Dee Why 2099
Northern Beaches Council
Dee Why has apartments near the beach and lagoon, with houses on the steep hills behind. Coastal salt, sandy flats and sloping blocks mean the job changes a lot depending on which side of the suburb you're in.
Frenchs Forest 2086
Northern Beaches Council
Frenchs Forest sits on the sandstone plateau above the beaches, mostly 1960s and 70s brick homes on good-sized blocks next to bushland. Many original driveways are due for replacement, and sandstone near the surface can slow excavation.
Manly 2095
Northern Beaches Council
Manly sits on a sandy isthmus between harbour and ocean, with apartments, older homes and heritage areas close together. Salt exposure is high, parking for the truck is tight, and sand bases need thorough compaction.
Mona Vale 2103
Northern Beaches Council
Mona Vale is mostly flat, sandy ground near the beach with sloping streets behind. Driveways on the flat are straightforward to access, but salt air and drainage on low-lying blocks shape the specification.
Newport 2106
Northern Beaches Council
Newport sits between the ocean and Pittwater, with steep sandstone streets on the headland and Pittwater side. Sloping driveways, rock and pump access are common, and salt exposure is high on the ocean side.
Warriewood 2102
Northern Beaches Council
Much of Warriewood is newer housing in the Warriewood Valley release area, on the low ground along Narrabeen Creek. Newer lots are usually level and accessible, but drainage and flood levels need checking before a slab goes in.
Get a quote for your job on the Northern Beaches
Call us or use the calculator for an instant estimate, then we'll confirm it at a free site inspection.