How to build a DIY backyard waterfall and pond in Australia

Our block is a triangle, which has its cons - one being odd shapes to work in. The pro in that is you are forced to be creative and problem solve, which can lead to great outcomes. One of these weird spaces we had in our garden was next to our patio. It was grassy and either heavily shaded, or stinking hot, in addition to being impossible to mow. It presented lots of opportunity, but fell into the too hard basket for a while so stayed as is. 

And then I thought, I'd like a waterfall that flows into a river and then down into a pond.

Here’s how I transformed that forgotten corner into a backyard oasis — and how you can do it too.

Step 1: Plan your Space and Dream Big

I wanted the space to feel lush and natural, and importantly, draw local wildlife. I wanted as many materials to be recycled or salvaged to keep the cost down and ensure it fit into the rest of our landscape. 

Don’t limit yourself by the awkwardness of the space you're working in. Start with a vision of how you want it to feel. 

A quick sketch on paper is enough — it doesn’t need to be fancy, just a guide for the core elements.

Step 2: Clear and Shape the Pond

This part took a lot of back breaking work. We had to remove tonnes of clay by hand to get down to the original retaining walls. 

We used a flexible pond liner with an underlay for additional caution because of the rocks underneath. There was no way a pre-formed pond would work as we had to shape it all from scratch, including mounds and shelves for rocks and plants to sit on. 

All the rocks in the pond were salvaged from the garden, we didn't purchase any. Each one was placed to ensure a natural look that disguised the liner underneath. We also wanted areas for plants to go and caves the fish could hide. 

Step 3: Just add Water

Once the pond was full and the water settled, I added a few native water plants and rushes like:

Water lilies
Nardoo (native fern)
Corkscrew rush

Then came the fish. We started with native perch, but we couldn't get the environment quite right for them, so in time, we've landed on goldfish which do well in a wide range of temperatures. 

Around the pond we've added a host of Australian native plants and staghorn ferns to create some shade. In time, this cover will increase to close it in even further. 

Step 4: Creating the Waterfall

This was the most fun part—and not as complicated as I was initially thinking. I'm no plumber, so I took the pump and the water blade to our local plumbing store and they helped with all the parts I would need to draw the water from the main pond up to the waterfall. It ended up like building a model; all I had to do was ensure all the pieces went in the intended space and I could disguise them in the system. 

The waterfall has a water blade set into some old railway sleepers. We actually found these sleepers on the side of the road. We dug out the back so the blade would fit in flush and level, with the pipes hidden in-behind. 

Step 5: Turn it on and Hope for the Best

I really wasn't sure what was going to happen here, but we turned on the pump and to my surprise, it worked. We tested it before we got too far with any decoration and planting, so if we had to pull it up and make adjustments, we could.

Step 6: Add Plants and Final Touches

With the pond and waterfall running, we added more plants, tucked rocks into place, and created quiet spaces for sitting nearby.

Step 7: Sit and Take it all in

We spend so much time out here, in rain or shine. I still get a kick out of seeing it and I'm so proud I decided to take it on, even though I didn't really have a clue what I was doing. 

What I Learned

1. You don’t need a huge yard or big budget—just a bit of imagination.
2. Water transforms a space. Even a small feature adds life and movement.
3. Ponds are fairly low maintenance if you get the balance right between plants, fish, and filtration.
   
4. Rushing water is loud! It took us a while to get used to it. If this would drive you nuts, opt for a lower volume of water. 

If you’ve got a forgotten corner in your yard, maybe this is your sign. Start small, dream big—and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. You never know what magic is waiting under those weeds.

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