Australian summers are great, but they can make backyards pretty unforgiving if they’re not designed with heat in mind. The difference between a backyard that gets used and one that gets avoided often comes down to a few smart choices around shade, planting, airflow and materials. You don’t need to overhaul everything but a bit of planning goes a long way.
Start with the sun, not the furniture
Before buying anything, take note of where the sun hits throughout the day. Morning sun is usually manageable, but western areas can become brutally hot in the afternoon. Knowing which parts of the yard heat up the most helps you decide where shade and key zones should sit. This simple step alone can prevent a lot of regret later.
Put shade where you actually spend time
Shade works best when it’s planned around how the space is used, not just where it looks good. Seating areas, kids’ play spaces and pool surrounds should be the priority, as these are the spots people naturally gather.
Built shade provides reliable cover, while trees and planting soften the space and add natural cooling. In most backyards, a mix of both feels more comfortable and more natural.
Australian outdoor retailer The Best Backyard recommend using shade structures such as gazebos and pergolas to create multi-use spaces which can be used for entertaining, family meals, games night and summer evening barbeques.
Let plants do some of the cooling
Plants are one of the easiest ways to cool a backyard. Trees and shrubs lower surrounding temperatures, reduce glare and make spaces feel calmer. Here are a few tips which might help you use plants and trees to cool your outdoor spaces, and your home!
Grow vines over structures
Train climbing plants over pergolas, trellises or shade frames to create natural, breathable shade that cools the space without blocking airflow.
Plant trees for afternoon sun protection
Position trees to the west or north-west of seating and entertaining areas to block harsh late-day sun when heat is at its worst.
Use shrubs to soften and cool hard edges
Low to mid-height shrubs near paving, walls and fences help reduce glare and stop heat reflecting back into living areas.
Add groundcovers to cool the ground
Groundcovers shade soil, reduce surface temperatures and limit heat build-up compared to exposed earth or paving.
Create layered planting zones
Combine trees, shrubs and groundcovers to form cooler microclimates rather than relying on a single plant type.
Choose plants that suit your climate
Native and drought-tolerant plants generally handle heat better, need less water and stay healthier through summer.
Avoid overcrowding plants
Leave space for air to move through planting so heat doesn’t get trapped, especially around seating areas.
Don’t forget airflow
Shade without airflow can still feel stifling. Good backyard design allows breezes to move through the space rather than trapping hot air. Avoid boxing areas in with solid walls or dense planting. Open structures, varied heights and sensible spacing help keep air moving, which makes shaded areas far more comfortable on hot days.
Think about what’s under your feet
Surfaces matter more than people realise. Dark pavers and concrete soak up heat and keep radiating it long after the sun goes down. Lighter materials, grassed areas and timber decking tend to stay cooler. Where hard surfaces are needed, combining them with shade and nearby planting helps keep temperatures down.
Break the yard into usable zones
One big open backyard often ends up being the hottest and least inviting. Landscaping company VL Design Australia prefers to use smaller, defined zones which are easier to shade, cool and actually enjoy. Active areas like play spaces benefit from extra shade and softer surfaces, while quieter zones work best where there’s airflow and planting for comfort. Designing with zones makes the backyard feel more usable all summer, not just early morning or late evening.
A cooler backyard comes down to smarter planning
Designing a cooler backyard isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about working with the climate and making thoughtful choices that suit how you use the space. Get the basics right and your backyard becomes somewhere you actually want to be, even on the hottest days.
Author: The Best Backyard
The Best Backyard is Australia's leading supplier of above ground pools, gazebos, pergolas, outdoor furniture and more - learn more at https://www.thebestbackyard.com.au/
