Best Grass Types for Australian Lawns: Which One Is Right for You?

The grass you plant will directly impact how much water, fertiliser, and maintenance your lawn needs. Some grasses are better suited to handling Australia’s harsh sun and dry conditions, while others are more resilient in cooler, shadier areas. Choosing a grass that fits your specific conditions will not only help it thrive but will also reduce your lawn care efforts and resource use, making your lawn more eco-friendly. 

Here’s a look at the best grass varieties for Australian lawns:

Buffalo Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)

Buffalo grass is one of Australia’s most popular grass types, and for good reason. This variety is well-known for its ability to handle shade and full sun, making it a versatile option for a wide range of Australian climates. 

Best For: 

• Coastal areas 

• Homes with shady gardens 

• Families, as it handles high foot traffic well 

Benefits: 

• Drought-tolerant: Buffalo grass retains moisture better than many other grass types, which is ideal for Australia’s dry summer months. 

• Shade-tolerant: It thrives in areas that receive as little as 3-4 hours of sunlight per day. 

• Soft underfoot: It’s one of the softest grasses, making it perfect for children and pets to play on. 

However, Buffalo grass requires regular mowing, especially in the warmer months, and tends to thatch more easily than other varieties, meaning occasional dethatching may be needed.

Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum)

Kikuyu is an excellent choice for people who need a lawn that grows fast and can handle a lot of wear and tear. It’s a common choice in parks, schools, and sports fields for this reason. 

Best For: 

• Sunny areas 

• High-traffic lawns 

• Warm climates 

Benefits: 

• Rapid growth: Kikuyu is one of the fastest-growing grasses, making it great for quickly establishing a lawn or filling in bare patches. 

• Resilient to wear: Its dense, vigorous growth means it can recover quickly from damage caused by foot traffic or pets. 

• Sun-loving: This grass thrives in full sunlight and can handle Australia’s hot summers with ease. 

One downside is that Kikuyu can be invasive if not maintained properly, as it tends to spread quickly into garden beds and neighbouring areas. 

Couch Grass (Cynodon dactylon)

Couch grass is a tough, drought-tolerant grass that is great for areas with hot, dry summers and lots of sunlight. It’s a go-to choice for Australian lawns due to its durability and low water requirements. 

Best For: 

• Hot, sunny locations 

• Low-maintenance lawns 

• Large areas where cost efficiency is a priority 

Benefits: 

• Drought-resistant: Couch grass can survive with very little water once it’s established, making it perfect for areas with water restrictions. 

• Fast recovery: It recovers quickly from damage, making it ideal for lawns that get regular use. 

• Affordable: It’s one of the more affordable grasses to install and maintain, especially for larger lawns. 

While Couch grass is great in the sun, it doesn’t do well in the shade and can be prone to thatch build-up if not maintained properly.

Zoysia Grass (Zoysia japonica)

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance grass that still looks great, Zoysia could be the one for you. It’s slower-growing than Kikuyu and Couch, but its resilience makes it a top choice for those looking to minimise lawn care efforts. 

Best For: 

• Low-maintenance lawns 

• Warm regions 

• Homes with minimal shade 

Benefits: 

• Low-maintenance: Zoysia grows slowly, which means you won’t need to mow as often. 

• Drought-tolerant: It’s great at conserving water, making it a good fit for dry climates. 

• Tough and durable: Zoysia is known for its dense growth, which helps it withstand wear and tear. 

However, the slow growth of Zoysia also means it takes longer to establish and can be more expensive to install.

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)

Tall Fescue is the best cool-season grass for Australian regions that experience colder winters and mild summers. While not as common as warm-season grasses like Kikuyu or Buffalo, it’s a great choice for those living in cooler climates. 

Best For: 

• Cooler southern regions of Australia 

• Lawns with partial shade 

• Homeowners looking for year-round green grass 

Benefits: 

• Year-round greenery: Tall Fescue stays green throughout the year, even in winter, making it a great choice for those who want a consistent look. 

• Shade-tolerant: It can handle partial shade, especially in cooler climates. 

• Deep roots: Its deep root system makes it more drought-tolerant than other cool-season grasses. 

One drawback is that Tall Fescue doesn’t spread laterally, so any damaged areas will need to be reseeded rather than naturally growing back.