Fencing Cost Per Metre in Australia 2026 — Breakdown by Type

One of the most common questions we get at Outback Fencing Supplies is "what does fencing cost per metre?" It's a fair question, but the answer depends on what you're fencing, what stock you're running, and how long you want it to last. Here's a real-world breakdown using actual 2026 pricing from our yard in Orange, NSW.

UNDERSTANDING WHAT GOES INTO THE COST

Every fence has the same basic components: strainer assemblies at each end and corner, star pickets along the run, mesh or plain wire in between, and usually a top wire. The cost per metre changes depending on:

  • The type and height of mesh
  • Picket spacing (closer = more pickets = higher cost)
  • How many strainer assemblies you need (terrain dependent)
  • Whether you add barbed wire, plain wire, or both
  • Gate requirements
  • Labour (DIY vs contractor)

We'll focus on materials here — labour rates vary from $8-$15 per metre depending on terrain and the contractor.

STANDARD SHEEP FENCING (7/90/30 MESH)

This is your bread-and-butter rural fence for mixed livestock or sheep on relatively flat country. Using 7/90/30 hinged joint mesh at $285 per 200m roll, 180cm black bitumen star pickets at $8.40 each spaced every 5 metres, plus a run of HT barbed wire along the top at $85 per 500m roll:

  • Mesh: $1.43/m
  • Pickets: $1.68/m (one every 5m)
  • Barbed wire (top): $0.17/m
  • Clips, tie wire, sundries: ~$0.20/m
  • Strainer components (amortised over a 300m run): ~$0.70/m

Total materials: approximately $4.20 per metre

That's a solid, functional sheep fence that'll do the job for 20+ years with our heavy 2.1kg/m pickets.

CATTLE FENCING (8/90/30 MESH)

Step up to 8/90/30 mesh at $310 per 200m roll for heavier cattle country. Same picket spacing works, though some blokes go to 4m spacing with big bulls. Using the same configuration:

  • Mesh: $1.55/m
  • Pickets (180cm): $1.68/m
  • Barbed wire (top): $0.17/m
  • Sundries: ~$0.20/m
  • Strainers (amortised): ~$0.70/m

Total materials: approximately $4.30 per metre

The difference between sheep and cattle mesh is surprisingly small — about 10 cents a metre. Don't cheap out if you're running cattle.

BREEDING PADDOCK (8/90/15 MESH)

For breeding stock where you need to keep lambs in and foxes out, 8/90/15 mesh with its tighter 15cm vertical spacing costs more but does a better job. At $440 per 200m roll:

  • Mesh: $2.20/m
  • Pickets (180cm at 4m spacing): $2.10/m
  • Barbed wire (top and bottom): $0.34/m
  • Sundries: ~$0.25/m
  • Strainers: ~$0.70/m

Total materials: approximately $5.60 per metre

EXCLUSION FENCING (8/115/15 OR 11/142/15)

If you're dealing with kangaroos, wild dogs, or feral pigs, exclusion fencing is a different beast. The 8/115/15 at $250 per 100m or the full 11/142/15 at $330 per 100m gives you the height and tight spacing needed. With taller 210cm pickets at $13 each:

  • Mesh (11/142/15): $3.30/m
  • Pickets (210cm at 4m spacing): $3.25/m
  • Barbed wire: $0.34/m
  • Apron mesh or buried netting: ~$1.50/m
  • Sundries and strainers: ~$1.20/m

Total materials: approximately $9.60 per metre

Yes, exclusion fencing is expensive. But if wild dogs are killing your lambs, it pays for itself quickly.

PLAIN WIRE FENCING (NO MESH)

For internal paddock divisions where you just need to keep cattle from wandering, a 5- or 6-wire plain wire fence is the cheapest option:

  • Wire (5 runs of HT): ~$0.67/m
  • Pickets (180cm at 7m spacing): $1.20/m
  • Strainers: ~$0.50/m

Total materials: approximately $2.40 per metre

HOW TO GET AN ACCURATE QUOTE

Every property is different. Rocky ground near Bathurst means more strainer assemblies. Flat plains west of Dubbo mean you can stretch your spacing. Use our free online fencing calculator at outbackfencingsupplies.com.au to punch in your exact measurements and get a materials list with current pricing.

Or just give us a ring on 0434 093 077. We've quoted thousands of jobs across the Central West and we're happy to run the numbers for you. Drop into 76 Astill Drive, Orange — we'll sort you out.

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