The 5 best excavation on the Gold Coast that digs with modern machinery
Need to move dirt, dig deep, or clear the way for something big? Finding the right excavation crew on the Gold Coast can make or break your project.
With so many businesses offering earthmoving and equipment hire, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by options that all sound the same. That’s why we’ve done the digging for you.
This list highlights the top-rated excavator and earthmoving services on the Gold Coast. Each one brings something valuable to the table: well-maintained machinery, skilled operators, and a track record of turning tough jobs into smooth finishes.
If you want reliability, efficiency, and local experience, you’ll find it right here. Let’s break ground on the best.
What is the average cost of excavation services on the Gold Coast?
The average cost of excavation services on the Gold Coast ranges from $90 to $150 per hour, depending on the machinery and job complexity. Smaller residential jobs may start around $500 total, while larger site works can reach several thousand. Rates may also vary based on access, soil type, and whether it’s wet or dry hire.
1. E&R Earthworks
Address: 5/31 Railway St, Mudgeeraba
Contact: +61 7 5522 9825
Mail: [email protected]
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 7:30AM – 6PM
- Friday, 7:30AM – 6:30PM
Family-owned since 1998, E&R delivers residential and civil excavations with modern 1 to 24 ton machines.
Their long-standing presence on the Gold Coast suggests they know the terrain well, and it shows in the way their operators handle everything from tight backyard digs to larger civil sites.
The fleet is impressive, with bobcats, backhoes, and a wide range of excavators that make it easy for them to scale up or down depending on the job. Clients often highlight how quickly the team gets to work after booking, which speaks to good organization and a no fuss-approach.
There’s also a sense that the team is well-trained and attentive, not just mechanically skilled. One potential drawback is that smaller clients may feel overlooked during busier weeks, but the overall service remains solid.
E&R strikes a good balance between speed and precision, especially for those who need the job done right the first time.
Fantastic to work with
“E&R Earthworks subcontractors are fantastic to work with — true pros at what they do. Their work is always top quality and super efficient. Ant and Roger are an absolute pleasure to deal with — professional, reliable, and genuinely great guys. Highly recommend them for any project!”
– Kylie Freeman, Google Review
Straightforward
“Love working with Nickky from E & R, great communication, pays on time, straight forward with her orders, we here at fully promoted love working with her!”
– Lisa Huish, Google Review
2. BSY Excavations
Address: Gold Coast
Contact: +61 404 982 167
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 7AM – 5PM
- Saturday, 7AM – 12PM
BSY Excavations has quietly built a name for itself across the Gold Coast, mostly through word of mouth and repeat business. They’re not a massive operation, but that seems to work in their favor.
Clients mention how easy it is to get someone on the phone, and how jobs are often scheduled faster than expected. Their machines are in good shape and well-suited for residential work, landscaping, and smaller commercial sites.
The team handles tricky access jobs well, especially in tighter suburban spaces. That said, they might not be the best fit for large-scale projects that need heavy-duty equipment or a big crew.
Some feedback suggests their documentation and quotes could be a little clearer upfront, but there’s a sense they’re quick to adjust if anything’s off.
BSY doesn’t overcomplicate things. They show up, they work hard, and they leave the site looking better than they found it.
Great job
“Blair was prompt & very friendly, before he started excavation work, I had a few piles of rubble & old pavers on the footpath which I was going to dump. Blair proceeded cleaning it all up for me without any issue it was much appreciated. Does a really great job. Blair removed 4 large golden cane root ball from my yard & soil from excavation work. I would recommend Blair for all excavation work. I will be getting Blair back when he is available.”
– Keiran Railton, Google Review
Reliable
“I highly recommend Blair for cultural heritage work. He was reliable, excellent communication and very experienced in CH work. Careful, articulate and friendly. I’m very keen to hire him for our next project for his level of professionalism and skill. Always wanting to support Indigenous owned and operated businesses, especially when engaged in Aboriginal cultural heritage work.”
– Serena Love, Google Review
3. Master Hire Gold Coast
Address: Unit 1/14 Industrial Ave, Molendinar
Contact: +61 7 5510 4444
Mail: [email protected]
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 6:30AM – 4:30PM
Master Hire opens early and keeps things running smoothly for both weekend DIYers and seasoned contractors. Their early start time is a plus for anyone trying to get moving before the day heats up.
The range of excavators and earthmoving equipment covers most small to mid-size jobs, and the option for wet or dry hire gives customers flexibility based on how hands-on they want to be.
What stands out in feedback is how well-maintained the gear tends to be. Breakdowns are rare, and when they do happen, the team is reportedly quick to sort things out.
The staff are helpful without being pushy, and repeat clients mention solid support throughout the hire process.
They may not offer the scale of larger hire companies, and their range won’t suit every job, but for straightforward local projects, they’re often one of the first names people turn to.
Patient and understanding
“I have used Master Hire twice- both times the team have gone ABOVE & BEYOND in their assistance. Not only hiring is quality equipment but with kindness, understanding & patience as we pulled together some difficult events. Highly recommended”
– Gabrielle May, Google Review
Easy staff
“I’ve hired a 7″ DIAMOND GRINDER – ELECTRIC and had a really good experience. Booking was easy, staff was friendly and helpful, pick up and drop off were quick and easy. Definitely hiring tools with them again!”
– Thiago Boche, Google Review
4. Wombat Equipment Hire
Address: 19 Gateway Ct, Tinana
Contact: +61 437 155 139
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 6AM – 5PM
Wombat Equipment Hire has carved out a solid niche on the Gold Coast, focusing on dry hire for clients who know their way around a machine.
Their fleet ranges from compact 1.7-ton excavators to 20-ton units, with skid steers and a wide set of attachments available to handle most terrain or task-specific needs.
It’s a practical setup for builders, landscapers, or operators looking to get in and out quickly without the extra cost of wet hire.
One thing that comes up often is how responsive the team is. Bookings are usually straightforward, and the gear shows up clean and ready to go.
They’re known for quick turnaround and keeping jobs moving.
That said, Wombat caters more to experienced users. If you’re unfamiliar with equipment or need on-site support, this might not be the best fit. But for confident operators after flexibility and efficiency, they deliver exactly what’s needed.
Clean and modern machine
“I found Sean professional and easy to deal with. Clean modern machine in very good order. Wouldn’t hesitate to use again.”
– Wayne Ballad, Google Review
Great service
“Just hired a 2.7t digger, arrived clean and fueled up, owner was very helpful running through machine, great service and price.”
– Mitchel Miles, Google Review
5. Creative Excavation GC
Address: 65 Crestwood Dr, Molendinar
Contact: +61 400 731 735
Mail: [email protected]
Business hours: Monday to Sunday, 24hrs
Creative Excavation GC brings a more thoughtful approach to digging. They’re often called in for projects that need more than basic earthmoving, like reshaping yards, building split levels, or prepping landscapes with a specific design in mind.
Their strength lies in combining practical excavation skills with a good eye for detail. Clients say the team works well with builders and landscapers, especially on custom outdoor spaces.
The machines are fit for tricky or tight sites, and the operators are careful and precise, not just focused on speed. They’re probably not the best fit for large-scale clearing or high-volume jobs.
Their work leans more toward detail-driven projects, which can take a bit more time and planning. But for homeowners or contractors looking for something tailored, they’re a reliable choice.
Skilled worker
“Chris was recommended by the stone supplier, to provide a solution for our problem with erosion – what a stroke of luck! From the prompt quote (after a site visit) to the exemplary finished product, Chris is a highly skilled operator who delivers first class workmanship at a most reasonable price. The rocks and geo fabric are well positioned; the site was left in perfect order ( if not better shape – Chris removed some tree stumps at no additional charge) and Chris is a pleasure to deal with – open communication, knowledgeable, professional, honest, reliable, hard working with an eye for aesthetics. Thanks for a job so well done at an affordable price. Highly recommend.”
– Cynthia C, Google Review
High quality
“I highly recommend Chris for any work around the house. Chris was recommended to me from a landscaping yard I have been attending for some time. I had a job which I needed done on a very tight time frame. Chris answered first call, attended my property on the same day to quote and give advice on the job, and then he was ultra reliable and attentive ever since. On top of this Chris’s work is of high quality, he is happy to go the extra mile, and does his best to keep you updated on the progress throughout the entirety of the job. Extremely happy with the result from Chris and it’s clear to see he has a passion for what he does. Definetly give Chris a call.”
– Mitchell Bradley, Google Review