Engineered strength. Crafted beauty. Designed for lasting impact.

Retaining Wall Builders in Byron Bay, Northern Rivers

With 28+ years of experience in landscape design, stonemasonry, and structural landscaping across Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers region, our retaining walls balance strength, beauty and functionality. Tailored to each unique site.

Crafted by skilled stonemasons

Designed to suit Byron Bay’s natural terrain

Ideal for sloped sites, garden walls, feature zones and firepits

Built to retain soil, protect property, and enhance visual appeal

Discover Gondwana

Katie Saal

"The design that was created turned into a beautiful and functional entertaining area. The fire pit is out of control! We would highly recommend Mark and his team."

Denise Ody

"Mark’s stone masonry skills are unsurpassed and his stone work is now a key feature of our landscape...We would not hesitate in highly recommending Mark and the team and will be eternally grateful to Mark for our idyllic landscape."

Jamie Smallwood

"I had Gondwana transform my outdoor living areas; paving, fire pit, and gardens. Highlights being the epic stacked stone walls meandering through the gardens, Mark’s stone masonry skills are exceptional."

highEST quality  LANDSCAPE DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION services offered IN BYRON BAY & NORTHERN RIVERS:

Collaborate with our experienced landscape designers to create a personalised concept design and master plan. Tailored landscape plans meet local council requirements in Byron Bay, NSW, and beyond.

Structural innovation in stone masonry, retaining walls, and pool construction. Incorporating eco-friendly solutions like irrigation systems and stunning garden lighting.

Keep your outdoor area lush and thriving with expert plant care. Perfect for residential landscape design across the north coast of NSW, including New Brighton and South Golden Beach.


Gondwana’s Retaining Wall Services in Byron Bay

At Gondwana Landscaping & Stone, we specialise in handcrafted stone retaining walls that stabilise your site while elevating the look and feel of your outdoor space.


Led by founder and expert stonemason Mark Smith, our experienced team delivers high-quality retaining wall construction for both residential and commercial projects.


Whether you're managing sloped terrain, preventing soil erosion, or creating tiered garden beds and usable spaces, our custom retaining walls are designed with intention and precision.

Retaining Walls That Do More Than Hold Back Earth

Retaining walls are a key feature of functional garden design. But they’re also an opportunity to create focal points, define outdoor living spaces, and boost kerb appeal.


Use them to:

Create levelled terraces in sloped yards

Frame firepits, garden beds or feature walls

Improve drainage and reduce erosion

Add timeless structure to new builds

Make the most of tight or uneven sites

Enhance property value and usability

Stone Options & Materials

Every site is different. And so is every stone we use.


We source durable, locally harvested stone from the Byron Shire and surrounding areas. Our retaining walls combine structural integrity with timeless aesthetic appeal.


Popular materials include:


  • Sandstone – warm, textured, and ideal for feature retaining walls
  • Basalt – dark, durable and visually striking
  • Bluestone & Granite – modern and robust, perfect for high-impact zones
  • Hand-selected natural stone from local paddocks and quarries
  • Concrete sleepers – for cost-effective, clean-lined solutions


Our expert team will guide you through material options, design integration, and wall height considerations to suit your landscape and structural needs.

Retaining Wall Applications

Sloped Sites & Earth Stabilisation – Prevent soil erosion with engineered walls

Garden Walls & Beds – Define flower beds and outdoor zones

Fire Pit Zones – Create warm, enclosed seating areas with built-in stone surrounds

Commercial Properties – Durable and compliant walls for civil works and new developments

Feature Walls – Add visual structure and wow-factor to landscaping

Outdoor Living Spaces – Integrate levels, steps and platforms to enhance usability

Driveways & Entryways – Retain earth and frame access points with style

What Sets Gondwana Apart

Not all retaining walls are built the same. Our strength lies in how we work with the land and quality materials.

Over 28 years of hands-on experience

Locally sourced stone from Byron Bay and Northern Rivers

Construction techniques tailored to your site and soil type

Projects delivered on time, on budget, no surprises

Retaining wall solutions that blend form and function

Built for longevity, aesthetics and structural integrity

ON TIME. ON BUDGET.

Our Process: From Site Assessment to Final Build

We start every project with an in-depth site visit and consultation. We’ll bring clarity, experience and creative solutions to your project.

1.

On-site consultation and landscape assessment

2.

Creative and compliant design concepts

3.

Transparent quoting and material advice

4.

Efficient project management with quality workmanship

Our retaining walls can be seen throughout our projects, forming the backbone of functional, beautiful outdoor spaces across the Northern Rivers.

Overwhelmed by slope, erosion, or underused space? We’ll help you turn challenges into custom, crafted solutions.


✔ Clarify your options with expert advice

✔ Save time and avoid costly missteps

✔ Boost your home’s value and kerb appeal

✔ Receive tailored ideas from our skilled professionals


Let’s design a retaining wall that holds strong and looks timeless.

Request a Consultation

Inspired By The Soul of Nature.

Proudly serving Byron Bay, NSW and the Northern Rivers.

Testimonials

Sally Moore

 Mark was a pleasure to work with and took my vision and added to it with his experience and knowledge. He was always pleasant, communicative and responsive and the final product is amazing. I would highly recommend him to work on any landscaping dreams you have.

Verified Customer

Mark and his team did an amazing job landscaping an area for my sauna. He was professional, creative and a pleasure to work with. The results were beyond my expectations. And although we ended up using more materials than his quote called for, the time it took was less so overall the invoice was around 10% less than the quote!

I Would totally recommend Mark.

Verified Customer

Janine Crampton

This is the second time Mark has done work for me and I wouldn’t go to anyone else for my landscaping needs. He really knows his stuff,  understanding what I wanted even when I wasn’t quite sure myself, and was respectful of the limitations of my budget. His team is a pleasure to have around and I couldn’t be happier with the end result of their work.

Verified Customer

Jamie Smallwood

Gondwana Landscaping- Hands down, best team in town! Mark takes landscape design to the next level, as far as art installations. Which will add that final touch to your property.
I had Gondwana transform my outdoor living areas; paving, fire pit, and gardens. Highlights being the epic stacked stone walls meandering through the gardens, Mark’s stone masonry skills are exceptional.
I highly recommend Mark and the team at Gondwana for the full spectrum of professionalism and execution of any sized project.

Verified Customer

Organise a consultation for your landscapign project in Byron Bay, Northern Rivers

Retaining Walls & Landscape Design Consultation

Our landscape design consultation is the first step to creating the outdoor sanctuary you’ve always dreamed of.

Are you feeling overwhelmed with your garden project?
Do you feel like there's a lot of wasted space and unfulfilled potential in your property?

Are you lacking ideas & landscaping inspiration?


Recieve clarity on exactly what's possible for your property

Remove the guesswork & stress from your project

Stay on track with budget & timeline 

Save time and avoid costly mistakes

Access innovative ideas and solutions tailored to your space

Confidently boost your home’s curb appeal and market value


Frequently asked questions

  • What’s the cost of a retaining wall per metre?


    It depends on materials, access and design. Natural stone options like sandstone or basalt are more premium than concrete sleepers but last longer and look better over time. 


    Generally you can expect to pay between $250 - $950+ per m2 around Byron Bay & Northern Rivers. 


    Call Mark for a custom quote and get the exact price for your landscaping project.


  • What is the 1:3 rule for retaining walls?


    This rule says that for every metre of height, you should allow at least a third of that in depth behind the wall for structure and stability. 


    So, a 1-metre tall wall should have around 300mm of support or base.


    But the land doesn’t always follow neat rules.


    Wet clay behaves differently than sandy soil. A gentle slope might let you get away with less, but a steep bank needs more.


    That’s why we never treat two sites the same. 


    At Gondwana, we read the lay of the land before we make a move. It’s about balance, not just measurement.


  • Do I need council approval for retaining walls?


    A stonemason selects, cuts, and lays stone to create durable and visually striking structures. In Byron Bay, we  work with locally sourced sandstone, basalt, and bush rock to build everything from dry-stacked walls to bespoke garden features. 


    We handle everything from site prep and foundation work to fine finishing.


  • How long do retaining walls last?


    How long do retaining walls last?

    With proper construction and drainage, our stone retaining walls can last decades with minimal maintenance.


  • Will the wall suit my garden design?


    Absolutely. 


    We design each wall to complement your home’s architecture, plant palette, and outdoor layout.


  • Do you work with builders on new builds?


    Yes. We regularly collaborate on construction projects across Byron Bay and Northern Rivers.

  • What is the cheapest retaining wall to build?


    If we’re talking bang-for-buck, treated pine sleeper walls are usually your most affordable option. 


    They’re like the corrugated tin of landscaping – practical, honest, and they get the job done.


    At Gondwana, though, we don’t just chase cheap. 


    We look at the full picture – your soil, the slope, the lifespan you’re after. 


    Because a retaining wall isn’t just holding back dirt, it’s shaping your entire garden’s story. 


    Sometimes a budget-friendly timber wall makes perfect sense. Other times, spending a little more on local stone gives you decades of low-maintenance.


  • What are common mistakes made when installing retaining walls?


    This list comes up a lot. 


    We see it often – well-meaning DIY jobs or rushed builds that overlook the basics.


     Here are the seven usual suspects:


    1. No proper drainage – Water builds up behind the wall like pressure in a blocked pipe. Eventually, something’s got to give.
    2. Shallow footing – Think of it like building a house on sand. A wall is only as good as what it’s standing on.
    3. Wrong materials for the site – Using concrete blocks where natural stone suits better, or vice versa.
    4. Poor backfill – The soil behind the wall should let water pass through, not pack tight like a dam.
    5. Lack of reinforcement – Especially for taller walls, strength matters. We might use geogrid, deadmen or solid core fill depending on the build.
    6. Ignoring expansion gaps – Materials move over time. Without space to flex, things crack.
    7. Short-term thinking – A quick fix now often becomes a costly rebuild later.

    At Gondwana, we think long-term. Every choice is intentional, from the footing depth to the stone we lay by hand.