Leslie Massey
The average backyard size in Australia has been decreasing over the years, with the traditional large backyard becoming a rarity. Since the early 1990s, there has been a shift towards larger dwellings and smaller blocks, with houses taking up most of the land. This has resulted in shrinking gardens and limited outdoor space, impacting activities such as social gatherings, gardening, and children's play. Despite the decreasing backyard sizes, some Australians have creatively utilized their limited space for swimming pools, gardens, and entertainment areas, showcasing that a small backyard can still be functional and enjoyable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average backyard size in older suburbs | 150m2 |
| Average backyard size in newer suburbs | 50m2 or less |
| Average block size in Australia | 474m2 |
| Average block size in Aura | 75m2 to 400m2 |
| Average block size before the 1990s | 600m2 |
| Average backyard size in older suburbs with a large house | 200m2 |
| Average backyard size in standard-sized blocks | 200m2 |
| Maximum lot coverage by houses | 35-40% |
| Minimum lot coverage by houses | 20-30% |
| Minimum outdoor area required by planning codes | 16m2 |
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What You'll Learn
The average backyard size in Australia is decreasing
Historically, the Australian backyard was characterised by a spacious layout, often featuring a detached cottage or house with a large yard. The size of these yards varied, with some allotments ranging from 600 to 1200 square metres. However, the iconic ''quarter-acre block' was not as prevalent as popular culture might suggest.
In the early 1990s, a notable transformation took place in Australian suburban design. The provision of large backyards ceased to be a priority, and the focus shifted towards larger dwellings relative to lot sizes. This trend has continued, with contemporary homes often featuring deep, square designs, integral garages, and minimal surrounding yard space.
The consequences of this shift are significant. From an ecological perspective, the reduction in backyard size has resulted in a loss of biodiversity, impacted sustainable drainage, and altered the local microclimate. Additionally, the decrease in outdoor space has limited opportunities for outdoor social gatherings, gardening, and children's play areas.
Despite the shrinking backyard sizes, many Australians have adapted by creatively utilising their limited outdoor spaces. Some have incorporated pools, decks, and gardens into their compact backyards, showcasing that size does not hinder functionality and enjoyment. However, the demand for larger land persists, as evidenced by prospective buyers seeking average land sizes of 665m², significantly higher than the current average of 474m².
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The impact of smaller backyards on the environment
The average size of backyards in Australia has been shrinking. Until the end of the 1980s, nearly all suburban houses in Australia had large backyards. Today, older suburbs commonly have backyards of at least 150 square metres, with some several times that size. However, newer constructions tend to have much smaller backyards, often less than 50 square metres. This trend towards smaller backyards has serious ecological implications and is likely to have a significant impact on the environment.
Firstly, smaller backyards contribute to a reduction in biodiversity. Larger backyards with significant tree cover can support a wider variety of plant and animal life. This loss of biodiversity can disrupt local ecosystems and reduce the resilience of the environment to changes and stresses.
Secondly, smaller backyards can negatively affect sustainable drainage. Larger backyards with more permeable surfaces and vegetation can help absorb and filter rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and water pollution. In contrast, smaller backyards with more paved or concrete surfaces can increase the risk of surface water runoff and overwhelm drainage systems.
Thirdly, the loss of backyards can impact the microclimate. Trees and vegetation in backyards provide shade and help cool the surrounding area, reducing the urban heat island effect. They also provide a windbreak and can help regulate temperatures. With smaller backyards, the urban environment may experience more extreme temperatures and increased wind speeds, impacting human comfort and the local ecosystem.
Finally, smaller backyards can reduce the amenity value for occupants. People with smaller backyards may have limited opportunities for outdoor activities, such as gardening, playing with children, or social gatherings. This can impact physical and mental health, particularly for those who may not have easy access to public parks or green spaces.
Overall, the trend towards smaller backyards in Australia is likely to have far-reaching consequences for the environment, affecting biodiversity, drainage, microclimates, and the well-being of residents. It is important to consider the potential impacts of this trend and explore ways to mitigate any negative effects, such as through urban planning policies that prioritise green spaces and sustainable design.
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The impact of smaller backyards on children
The average backyard size in Australia has been shrinking. Until the 1980s, nearly all suburban houses in Australia had large backyards. Today, older suburbs commonly have backyards of at least 150 square metres, but newer constructions have much smaller outdoor spaces, often less than 50 square metres.
The reduction in backyard sizes in Australia has coincided with substantially longer working hours for middle and higher-income office workers. This means that children are spending more time at home without adult supervision and with fewer opportunities for outdoor play.
The home environment is the most important location in young children's lives, but few studies have examined the relationship between outdoor space and child physical activity levels. Some research suggests that yard characteristics do not have a major impact on children's physical activity, and that densifying cities and reducing yard sizes may not negatively affect children's activity. However, these findings are based on small samples and larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
Regardless of their impact on physical activity, smaller backyards can restrict children from enjoying a normal active life and spending time outdoors. This can lead to increased sedentary entertainment, such as television and electronic games, which can contribute to public health problems like obesity.
In addition, the loss of backyard space can have ecological implications, including a significant reduction in biodiversity and a negative impact on the local microclimate. Play-oriented green spaces have been shown to benefit children's mental development, and the absence of nature in the home environment may have undesirable impacts on health and quality of life.
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The traditional 'Great Australian Dream' backyard
The "Great Australian Dream" backyard has traditionally been a large, open space with a quarter-acre block, or at least 150 square metres. This space would typically include a swimming pool, play equipment, and a spacious deck for barbecuing. There would also be plenty of room for children and pets to play and roam freely, and for trees and plants to flourish.
However, since the early 1990s, the size of the average Australian backyard has decreased dramatically. This is due to a combination of factors, including a trend towards larger dwellings relative to lot sizes, planning policies that do not prioritise the preservation of backyard space, and the increasing urbanisation of Australia.
Today, it is rare for new outer-suburban houses to have enough space for a swimming pool, and backyards are often too small for large outdoor social gatherings. The reduction in backyard size has also led to a decrease in natural light and ventilation within homes, as well as a reduction in biodiversity, sustainable drainage, and a beneficial microclimate.
Despite these challenges, some Australians are proving that size doesn't have to matter when it comes to backyard design. For example, residents of Aura on the Sunshine Coast have backyards that are just 3 metres deep, yet they still manage to have pools, gardens, and social gatherings. Creative design solutions, such as utilising timber decking and growing vines along boundary fences, can help to maximise limited space.
While the traditional Great Australian Dream backyard may be becoming a rarity, it is clear that Australians are adapting to smaller spaces and finding ways to make the most of their outdoor areas.
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How to make the most of a small backyard
The average backyard size in Australia has decreased over the years, with older suburbs having backyards of at least 150 square metres, while newer constructions often have backyards that are less than 50 square metres. If you're looking to make the most of your small backyard, here are some tips to maximise your space:
Understand Your Space and Needs
Before designing your backyard, it's important to consider how you want to use the space. Understanding the traffic flow and your priorities will help you make the most of your small backyard. For example, if you have children, you might want to create a space for them to play, such as a tree swing or a fairy garden.
Create an Outdoor Living Area
Extend your living space outdoors by blurring the lines between inside and outside. Install French doors or large windows to connect your indoor and outdoor spaces. Create a comfortable outdoor living area with budget-friendly furniture, outdoor rugs, pillows, and decorative objects. Position your seating area to take advantage of privacy and the view of your backyard.
Utilise Vertical Space
Think vertically when designing your backyard. You can add a climbing wall or a mounted chalkboard on a fence for children to play. Tall plants or privacy hedges can also add privacy and make your backyard feel more intimate. Consider a vertical garden if you want to incorporate more greenery.
Use Multifunctional Furniture
Maximise your space with multifunctional furniture. L-shaped benches can provide seating for multiple people or allow one person to stretch out. Built-in benches can also double as storage space. Choose furniture with thin frames and narrow designs to make your small backyard feel more spacious.
Lighting and Accessories
Landscape lighting can significantly enhance the atmosphere of your backyard. Incorporate task and ambient lighting or use affordable alternatives such as candles, torches, or solar lights. Add visual tricks, such as changing flooring materials or using outdoor rugs, to separate different areas of your backyard, creating a dining area, and a seating or lounge area.
By following these tips and being creative, you can transform your small backyard into a functional and enjoyable space that meets your needs and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
The average backyard size in Australia has been decreasing since the early 1990s, with the average block size now ranging between 250 and 474 sqm, while the demand for bigger land has increased, with the desired average land size being 665 sqm.
The decrease in backyard sizes in Australia is attributed to a shift towards larger dwellings, with people opting for bigger internal spaces, integral garages, and fewer windows. This trend is also influenced by planning policies that do not effectively regulate lot coverage and the environmental impact of reduced backyard spaces.
The reduction in backyard sizes has had several implications, including limited outdoor space for children to play and spend time outdoors, a decrease in biodiversity and sustainable drainage, and a negative impact on the local ecology and microclimate. Additionally, there may be insufficient space for outdoor activities such as gardening, laundry drying, and social gatherings.
