Jetty and marine structure prices in the Gold Coast - 2026 build guide
Jetties and marine structures in the Gold Coast range from $18,500 (small fixed jetty under 8m) to $180,000+ (large floating pontoon with crane-rated piles, services, lighting). Every build needs marine permits + engineering - and the cheap end of the market is where corrosion takes hold within 5 years.
Below are realistic 2026 ranges. Every quote includes the marine authority permit + engineering. Call (07) 3543 5050 for an exact quote.
Typical 2026 prices for marine and jetty construction in the Gold Coast
Real ranges from our books, not made-up averages. Every quote we issue is itemised against the work below.
| Service | Typical range (AU 2026) | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Marine survey + soil test | $2,400 - $5,500 | Pre-build geotech + tidal range. |
| Fixed timber jetty (8m, basic) | $18,500 - $32,500 | Hardwood deck + galvanised pile. |
| Fixed timber jetty (12m) | $32,500 - $48,500 | |
| Fixed concrete jetty (10m) | $45,000 - $75,000 | Premium durability. |
| Floating pontoon (small, 6x3m) | $28,500 - $48,500 | Polyethylene float + alloy frame. |
| Floating pontoon (medium, 10x4m) | $48,500 - $85,000 | |
| Floating pontoon (large, 12m+) | $85,000 - $180,000+ | Engineered, services included. |
| Boat ramp (concrete, recreational) | $28,500 - $65,000 | 12m ramp + apron. |
| Gangway / access bridge (per linear m) | $1,400 - $3,500 per m | Aluminium with handrails. |
| Piles (galvanised steel, per pile) | $1,800 - $3,500 | Marine-grade galvanising. |
| Piles (concrete, per pile) | $2,800 - $5,500 | Cast in place. |
| Cleats + bollards (per fitting) | $280 - $580 | |
| Marine grade lighting (per fitting) | $480 - $1,200 | 12V or 240V IP66+. |
| Water / electrical services (per service) | $1,800 - $4,800 | Marine-grade install. |
| Marine authority permit | $1,800 - $5,500 | Council + state marine authority. |
| Engineering certificate (marine) | $2,800 - $5,500 | Required by marine authority. |
Prices indicative for the Gold Coast in 2026. Final quote depends on your site - call (07) 3543 5050 for an exact number.
Need an exact price for your job?
Most quotes ready within 24 hours of the site visit. No-obligation, free, written.
What changes the price on your job
The ranges above are the starting point. These five factors are what move a quote up or down within (or sometimes outside) those bands.
- Substrate - sand cheaper to pile; rock substrate requires drill-pile premium.
- Tidal range - high tidal range complicates pontoon design.
- Wave exposure - exposed sites need heavier engineering.
- Authority jurisdiction - DPI Fisheries (NSW) / DBCA (WA) / QLD MSQ etc. Permit cost varies.
- Distance from shore - longer jetties exponentially more expensive.
Red flags - what to watch for in quotes
We see these patterns every week from operators we'd never recommend. If a quote you've received contains one of these, ask before signing.
- Cheap-end builds without marine-grade galvanising - corrosion within 5 years.
- Quotes without marine authority permit cost - illegal and the authority will remove unauthorised structures.
- Cheap timber decking on marine structures - Merbau is the minimum; treated pine fails fast.
- Quotes without engineering certificate - marine authority won't sign off.
- Cash jobs in marine zones - illegal + uninsurable + voids strata if applicable.
How to get an accurate quote in 5 minutes
Have the following ready when you call (07) 3543 5050 (or jot it on the quote form) and we can give you a real number in one call, not five.
- Shoreline photo + water depth at low tide.
- Substrate type (sand / rock / mud).
- Tidal range.
- Wave exposure (sheltered / semi-exposed / exposed).
- Intended use (recreational mooring / commercial / public).
Frequently asked questions
How long does build take?
Permit - who handles?
Marine grade - what materials?
Tidal range - how does it affect design?
Wave exposure?
Services - water / electrical?
Warranty?
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