It may seem like a good idea to get up early to mow the lawn – but there is such a thing as too early!
Power tool noise at six in the morning is never fun for anyone, and if the noise continues, you may find yourself at risk of a complaint.
What time can you start mowing? The time restrictions vary per state, but generally, the use of a lawn mower and other powered garden tools is allowed from 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, and 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Sundays and public holidays. Check your council restrictions to see your local guidelines, or see below.
Schedule your lawn mowing at the correct time so you avoid fines and complaints! Here are the times you can mow your lawn in Australia.
New South Wales | Queensland | Victoria | Australian Capital Territory | Western Australia | Tasmania | South Australia | Northern Territory
Noise Restriction Rules
When it comes to residential property, your local council will have time restrictions on when you can use petrol-powered lawn mowers and other power tools.
These restrictions may vary per state, so we’ve compiled all that info into a handy guide.
Most local governments will consider “noise” any audible sound that can be heard from a habitable room (such as a bedroom, laundry room, or bathroom).
If you’re hiring professional lawn mowing services, they should also be aware of local noise restrictions.
What time can I mow my lawn NSW?
In New South Wales, you can mow your lawn from:
- 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Saturday
- 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sunday and public holidays
This restriction covers powered garden tools, compressors, and pumps.
What time can I mow my lawn QLD?
In Queensland, you can mow the lawn from:
- 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Saturday
- 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Sunday and public holidays
Exceptions may be made for specific equipment or activities at council discretion.
What time can I mow my lawn VIC?
In Victoria, you can mow your lawn from:
- 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday
- 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, weekends and public holidays
The same time follows for electric power tools and pneumatic tools.
What time can I mow my lawn ACT?
In the Australian Capital Territory, you can mow the lawn from:
- 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday to Saturday
- 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Sunday and public holidays
What time can I mow my lawn WA?
In Western Australia, you can use equipment for up to two hours per day from:
- 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Saturday
- 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Sunday and public holidays
What time can I mow my lawn TAS?
In Tasmania, you can mow your lawn from:
- 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Friday
- 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday
- 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sunday and public holidays
This also applies to powered garden maintenance equipment.
What time can I mow my lawn SA?
In South Australia, you can mow the lawn from:
- 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Saturday
- 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sunday and public holidays
What time can I mow my lawn NT?
In the Northern Territory, you can mow the lawn from:
- 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday to Saturday
- 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sunday and public holidays
What time can I mow the lawn on a weekend?
This will depend on your local council, but most states allow lawn mowing between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM on weekends.
What time can I mow on public holidays?
Again, this will depend on your local council. Lawn mowing may be permissible starting between 8:00–10:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
Types of Restricted Tools
Lawn mowing isn’t the only activity that has time restrictions.
From battery-operated tools to electric drills, these are examples of equipment covered by noise restrictions.
Electric power tools
- Circular saw
- Electric drill or screwdriver
- Cutter
Powered garden tools
- Lawn mower or trimmer
- Leaf blower or sweeper
- Garden mulcher, chipper, or shredder
- Edge cutter
- Chainsaw
Pneumatic tools
- Air compressor
- Gas compressor
Pumps
- Swimming pool pump
- Spa pump
How Loud is a Lawn Mower?
It’ll depend on the lawn mower, but the average mower emits 75–94 decibels (dB) of noise during use.
Petrol engine mowers will produce about 85 dB of sound, while electric motor mowers emit around 75 dB.
A normal conversation is about 60 dB, but the decibel scale is logarithmic. This means a 10 dB increase sounds twice as loud as the previous level.
Electric mowers sound more than twice as loud as a conversation – and a petrol mower even more so.
Why are There Noise Restrictions?
Most people wouldn’t want to be woken up before sunrise due to lawn mower noise, whether it be on weekdays or public holidays.
To reduce the possibility of a noise complaint, local councils institute time restrictions on the use of power tools such as lawn mowers, electric drills, and other equipment.
If you violate noise restriction rules in your city or state, the local council may issue a fine.
