Top 10 Excavators in Melbourne, Victoria
There are currently 10 highly-rated excavation businesses in Melbourne, Victoria listed on TradeRefer, with an average Google rating of 5.0★ across 186 verified reviews. The 10 listed below are ranked from highest to lowest rating, all ABN-verified and community-recommended.
Ranked #2026
By Google Rating
5.0★ Avg Rating
186 Google reviews
100% Verified
ABN & Licence Checked
10 Businesses
In Melbourne
Top 10 Excavation in Melbourne — Ranked by Customer Rating
Compare the highest-rated excavation in Melbourne, Victoria. All businesses listed are ABN-verified and surfaced without paid placement.
Orb Excavations & Landscaping
Orb Excavations. Engage with Melbourne's most prestigious excavation and earthmoving company. Talk to an expert today about your project.
Anks Construction and Landscaping
Anks Construction & Landscaping is Melbourne’s trusted expert in luxury landscaping & civil works. From concept to completion, we deliver bespoke outdoor spaces, commercial landscaping & complex projects across Victoria.
Deer Park Dingo Service
We provide expert excavator services in tight access areas with Dingo Mini Digger & Yanmar Excavator. Call 0409 363 522 for free quote.
Pintec Pty. Ltd.
Underpinning specialists in Melbourne. Repairing damaged homes in need of foundation repair and strengthening foundations for renovations across Victoria
Axis Earthworx
Axis Earthworx offers reliable and precise excavation and earthmoving solutions with over 10 years of Industry experience. Enquire today to organise a site visit and free Quote
V&P Earthmoving+Excavations Pty Ltd
Over the past 50 years, V&P Earthmoving+Excavations has been a leader in the Construction Industry in Victoria. As the driving force behind the Celestino Group of Companies, V&P Earthmoving+Excavations is an Australian family owned business, established by Vincenzo Celestino & Paolo Celestino.
Bailey Excavation & Civil
Professional Excavating Contractor in Melbourne for Excavation, Earthmoving, Driveway & Drainage Construction, Excavator & Bobcat Hire.
Bobby excavation and demolition
Bobby excavation and demolition is a top-rated excavation business serving Blackburn, VIC. With a 5-star rating from 10 reviews, they are one of the most trusted excavation providers in the area. Specialising in professional excavation services, Bobby excavation and demolition delivers quality workmanship and reliable service. Contact them today for a free quote.
APT Construction Group P/L
APT Construction Group P/L provides expert professional excavation services in Altona Meadows, VIC. Rated 5 stars by 9 customers, they are known for quality work and professional service. Get in touch with APT Construction Group P/L for a free, no-obligation quote.
Hs Earthmoving
HS Earthmoving delivers expert excavation and bulk site preparation in Melbourne for smooth, efficient construction. Get your free quote today!
How Much Do Excavation Cost in Melbourne?
Pricing data based on Australian industry averages for Victoria. Always get 2–3 written quotes.
Typical Range
$90–$180
/hr
After-Hours Rate
$270
Emergency callout
Avg Hourly Rate
$135
Melbourne market average
Prices are estimates only. Always request a written quote before authorising any work.
Excavation Licensing Requirements in Victoria
In Victoria, excavation associated with building work over $10,000 requires a registered building practitioner as principal contractor. Excavation near existing structures requires a structural engineer's assessment. Dial Before You Dig (1100) must be contacted before any excavation.
How to Choose the Best Excavation in Melbourne
Use this checklist before hiring any excavation in Melbourne, Victoria.
- 1
Verify their electrical licence is current at your state's electrical safety authority (e.g. Energy Safe Victoria, NSW Fair Trading).
- 2
Confirm they carry public liability insurance of at least $5 million — ask to see the certificate.
- 3
Get 2–3 written quotes for any job over $500. A written quote protects both parties and clarifies the full scope.
- 4
Check their Google and TradeRefer ratings — look for consistent reviews mentioning punctuality, clean workmanship, and clear communication.
- 5
Ask whether they'll provide a Certificate of Compliance (electrical safety certificate) on completion, as required by law in most states.
Frequently Asked Questions — Excavation in Melbourne
How much does excavation cost in Australia?
Machine excavation (bobcat or excavator hire with operator) costs $90–$180/hr. Site cut and fill for a house slab typically costs $5,000–$20,000 depending on volume and soil type. Rock excavation costs significantly more ($200–$400/hr) due to equipment requirements. Always get quotes based on the specific scope.
Do I need to check for underground services before excavating?
Yes — this is legally required. Call Dial Before You Dig (1100 or dial1before.com.au) at least 2 business days before any excavation. They'll provide plans of underground water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications lines. Hitting an underground service can be dangerous and you may be liable for repair costs.
What is cut and fill excavation?
Cut and fill is the process of cutting into a sloped site to create a level building pad, using the excavated material to fill lower areas. It's the most common method for sloped residential blocks. Engineers design the fill compaction requirements and drainage to prevent subsidence.
What equipment is used for residential excavation?
Bobcats (skid-steer loaders) are used for tight access and smaller volumes. Mini-excavators suit confined residential sites. Full-size excavators are used for large volumes, deep trenching, or rock breaking. Tipper trucks remove spoil from site. The right equipment depends on access, volume, and soil type.
How do I dispose of excavated soil in Australia?
Clean fill soil can often be taken to local council-approved fill sites, used on other properties, or advertised free on platforms like Gumtree. Contaminated soil must go to a licensed waste facility. Your excavation contractor usually arranges removal — confirm this is included in the quote.
Top Excavation in Nearby Cities
Find the highest-rated excavation in other cities across Victoria.
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