Choosing the right lawn or ornamental grass is one of the most important decisions you will make for your landscape. In Australia’s rugged climate, native Australian grasses are the unsung heroes of sustainable gardening.
Whether you are looking for drought tolerance, soil stabilisation, or a habitat for local wildlife, there is a native species perfectly suited to your region.
In this guide, we break down the best native grasses for every Australian state and territory, helping you create a resilient and beautiful landscape.
Why Choose Native Grasses?
Before we dive into the specific varieties, it is worth noting why native species are superior for Australian gardens:
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Drought Tolerance: They require significantly less water than exotic turf.
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Low Maintenance: Many varieties require less mowing and fertilising.
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Biodiversity: They provide essential food and habitat for native birds and insects.
Native Grasses for Queensland
Queensland’s diverse climate ranges from coastal humidity to inland dryness. Here are the top performers for the Sunshine State.
1. Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra)
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Best For: Coastal and inland regions.
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Why we love it: This is the gold standard for versatility. It thrives in various soil types and is highly drought-tolerant. With attractive rust-coloured seed heads, it provides an excellent habitat for local wildlife.
2. Blue Grass (Dichanthium sericeum)
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Best For: Subtropical and tropical regions.
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Why we love it: Known for its striking blue-green foliage, Blue Grass prefers well-drained soils and is incredibly resilient during dry spells.
3. Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma spp.)
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Best For: Drier regions and soil stabilisation.
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Why we love it: This grass forms dense tussocks that are perfect for holding soil together. It is a robust choice for the drier western regions of the state.
🌿 Gold Coast Locals: Need a Professional Touch?
If you are located on the Gold Coast, Thrive Horticultural can supply and install these top native varieties for you.
While we stock Blue Grass and Wallaby Grass, our top recommendation is Kangaroo Grass. Its ability to thrive in almost any soil type on the coast, combined with its stunning look, makes it the standout choice for Gold Coast homes.
Native Grasses for New South Wales
From the coast to the bush, NSW requires grasses that can handle fluctuating weather patterns.
Red Grass (Bothriochloa macra)
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Best For: Open woodlands and grasslands.
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Characteristics: This grass tolerates everything from sand to clay. Its red-tinged foliage adds a unique colour contrast to green landscapes.
Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides)
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Best For: Paddocks and shaded gardens.
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Characteristics: If you have a shady yard, this is your winner. It forms a dense, soft turf that is pleasant to walk on and stays green year-round in moist areas.
Barbed Wire Grass (Cymbopogon refractus)
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Best For: Northern NSW open forests.
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Characteristics: thriving in sandy and loamy soils, this variety is distinct and architectural, perfect for a bush-style garden.
Native Grasses for Victoria
Victoria’s cooler climate requires grasses that can handle frost and moisture while remaining drought-hardy in summer.
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Tussock Grass (Poa labillardierei): Ideal for the cooler southern parts of Victoria. It forms lush, green clumps excellent for garden borders.
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Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma caespitosum): A low-maintenance option for mild climates that adapts well to sandy or clay soils.
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Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides): The best “lawn alternative” for southern Victoria. It has a fine texture and a soft feel underfoot.
Native Grasses for South Australia
South Australia is the driest state on the driest continent, so drought resistance is non-negotiable here.
Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra)
Suitable for both coastal and inland SA. Its distinctive appearance and hardiness make it a popular choice for Adelaide landscaping.
Spear Grass (Austrostipa spp.)
Perfect for semi-arid regions. It is known for its wiry seed heads and robust nature, thriving in well-drained soils.
Brush Wire Grass (Aristida behriana)
Found in the drier inland regions, this is a tough grass that tolerates poor, rocky soils where other plants might fail.
Native Grasses for Western Australia
WA’s vast landscape covers everything from Mediterranean climates to desert heat.
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Windmill Grass (Chloris truncata): Adaptable to coastal and inland areas, particularly in the South West.
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Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra): Performs exceptionally well in the Mediterranean climate of the South West.
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Silky Blue Grass (Dichanthium sericeum): The best choice for the subtropical northern regions of WA, featuring soft, blue-tinged foliage.
Native Grasses for Tasmania
Tasmania’s cool, temperate climate calls for grasses that enjoy moisture but can drain well.
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Tussock Grass (Poa labillardierei): Its lush growth is ideal for naturalistic garden settings in Tassie’s cool climate.
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Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma spp.): Forms neat, compact clumps that are very easy to maintain.
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Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides): Creates a soft, inviting turf perfect for paddocks and shaded areas.
Native Grasses for the Northern Territory
In the Top End, grasses must withstand intense heat and wet-dry tropical cycles.
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Kangaroo Grass: Highly drought-resistant and suitable for tropical climates.
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Silky Blue Grass: Common in the northern regions, performing well in dry conditions.
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Ribbon Grass (Chrysopogon fallax): Found in arid regions, known for its resilience and unique appearance.
Native Grasses for the ACT
Canberra’s distinct seasons (hot summers, cold winters) require versatile planting.
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Wallaby Grass: A flexible choice for both sunny and partially shaded areas.
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Kangaroo Grass: Best for open, sunny areas to create natural meadows.
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Tussock Grass: Excellent for creating lush, green landscapes in the cooler southern parts of the ACT.
Final Thoughts: Which Grass is Right for You?
Selecting the appropriate native grass will enhance the beauty of your landscape while supporting local ecosystems. However, soil preparation and installation are just as important as the variety you choose.
Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
If you are looking for a low-maintenance, sustainable garden on the Gold Coast, we are here to help.
At Thrive Horticultural, we specialise in native landscape solutions. Whether you need a full installation of Kangaroo Grass or advice on what will grow best in your specific soil, our team has the expertise to get it right.
Click here to contact Thrive Horticultural for a consultation
(Feature photo by David Clode)
