Is it a dwarf flowering gum or a big one? Many gums affect the ground beneath them, not allowing other plant competition to grow there...except azaleas, rhododendrons and other acid loving plants can do well. Another idea is to think of some native grasses, there are some excellent decorative cultivars now that are very hardy too. Some of the small lomandras could be planted in clumps of varying heights and colours, also dianella silver streak would be pretty.

Hi Kirsty, I figured it was early in the morning or late afternoon. Not being a morning person, I thought the latter! I would still consider a tree or palm to add height and soften, and I'd look at changing the shape and position of the garden bed. It doesn't really link back to the house at all - rather it looks like an afterthought (or an island!). Unfortunately Balinese style tropical planting isn't generally drought tolerant - so if you can get water there somehow, you'll be more likely to achieve that look. I'm guessing from your comment above, the guys that laid the driveway didn't install any conduit for future services when they were installing the driveway? The other option would be installing a tap on the house side opposite the garage. Not sure if that is a possibility, but worth considering! I'd pop into the local nursery and get some advice about plants that would suit your area and what you're trying to achieve if a landscape designer is out of the budget. Just do them the courtesy of buying the plants from them (having worked in nurseries for 18 years, nothing more frustrating than spending time with a customer who then takes your advice and purchases the plants elsewhere!). It certainly has potential. I've put some images below of planting that while drought tolerant, is textured, interesting and has a feel that will suit the aesthetic of the house. Look at the plants and how they've been used to add green, colour and texture.

Is it privacy or weather control you most want? A custom made long blind might work well for the long window, if you want both privacy and heat/cold control. You might also think of external solutions, including plantings that would manage both sun and privacy for the lower levels. Having something that cuts neighbours views and gives you a nice view is always a good solution, and can be an important part both of privacy and weather management. A front courtyard of any sort (built wall, plant wall) also works well - we had one at an earlier house and it worked well. We had, in our just moved into place, a long window beside the front door, which also gets late afternoon sun (hot at present), and I replace the two panes with a stained glass pair of windows and it cuts the sun and increases the privacy, but it's not a cheap solution when you have such a long window.

Normally , it is me saying red , orange or yellow for the front door , so its actually great to see just about everyone else suggesting that here ! And although I agree if you are keeping that door ( and it is a nice door ) then the bold colours would go great , and it probably doesn't fit your Kung Fu scheme haha , but how about a similar door but in a really nice solid 'strong grained' timber with a rich mid brown stain ?