Free Plants, Rebates and Garden Freebies Across Australia
Your rates pay for this stuff. Free plants, compost rebates, water tank subsidies and more from councils and state governments. Pick your region to see what you can claim.
Programs verified October 2026Select your Planting Season region
We'll take you to the right state page with every council program and state rebate listed.
What councils and state governments give gardeners for free
Free Plants and Trees
CommonMost councils give ratepayers between 2 and 20 free native plants per household per financial year. Bring your rates notice to a council nursery or collection event.
Compost Bin Subsidies
CommonMany councils partner with Compost Revolution to offer 40-80% off compost bins, worm farms and bokashi systems. Check compostrevolution.com.au with your address.
Water Tank Rebates
Select areasSeveral councils and state programs offer rebates on rainwater tanks, from about $150 up to $5,000, usually more when the tank is plumbed into the house. SA and WA have the strongest programs.
Community Garden Grants
ApplyState, territory and council grant programs fund community garden projects, commonly up to $10,000 per project. Not-for-profits and community groups can apply when rounds open.
Free Mulch
Select councilsSome councils and regional waste groups give away free garden mulch made from green waste, such as the Western Metropolitan Regional Council in Perth. Check your council's waste pages.
Garden Assessments
FreeGardens for Wildlife runs free garden assessment visits by trained volunteers in VIC and NT. Members receive native planting advice, starter packs and plant vouchers.
Entitlements reset every July
Get the updated list (and what to plant with your free haul) once a year when programs refresh.
Got your free plants? Now plan your garden.
See exactly what to plant this month in your region with the free Planting Season calendar.
View your planting calendar →