Grass does poorly under gum trees, so get rid of the grass in the immediate vicinity of the trees and turn it into a garden with lots of mulch to keep the weeds down. There seems to be quite a slope between the kerbside and the front lawn, so think about whether you want a retaining wall (you will need it if you have mulch), and whether you want a walkway directly to the front door, or whether you are happy to keep accessing the front door from the driveway. I always think a walkway to the front door from the kerb looks nice, but this is your place, not mine ! If you decide on a retaining wall, what should it be made of - think about your capabilities and the style of your house - a relaxed / coastal style place might be better with treated pine logs; a more formal place will be better suited to e.g. sandstone-type blocks / bricks . Look through Houzz photos for ideas. Bear in mind what your budget is. Do you want to keep the garden at the front of the house, or will you dig up the concrete and turn it into lawn / garden ? If you want a walkway, will it be paved / gravel / concrete / something else! How will you keep the mulch from the path - and will you have steps, if so, out of what? Will you be doing the work yourself, or will you be looking at getting in some help? Plants for the garden/s - I'm with jmm1837, pig face is great in coastal areas, and is very colourful and hardy, and spreads nicely, and can cope with sloping ground. Banksias are tough, with great seed pods. Westringia is great, but can take over the garden unless you keep it trimmed. I also agree with Sally, take a walk around the neighbourhood and see what does well in north-facing gardens, and talk to your local nursery people about your needs. Above all, have fun ! Experiment with the plants, and if something doesn't work, try something else!

Always check with your council, they mostly like to get cars off the street in the city if the can. It is a great looking house and will be made to look even better when the car yard can be moved to the R/H dead side of your house. Don't do something because it's the cheapest, have a plan and wait until you do have a few spare dollars. It will add big value to your property With 4 cars it looks like you could call on some family man power to do some of the work, and if you have family or friends with trades required to do the job, throw a BBQ but no food or Beers until the works done cheers

Hi Polly, I live in SE Qld, so completely different climate from you. Where I live, Lomandra are incredibly hardy and will grow in shade or sun. Westringia are also hardy, They will take part-shade and adapt very well to being clipped to size. I'm also happy with my dianella. They are really great for getting green 'lushness' in shade. I grow quite a few grevilleas. The hybrid ones flower all year round and give great colour to the garden - and the birds love them. I also grow leptospermum, melaleucas and callistemons in areas where my drainage isn't good enough for grevilleas. I also like Chrysocephalum apiculatum as a ground cover. According to the experts it grows in Melbourne. Where I live it's very long-flowering and spills onto paths nicely. I'm growing a few lilliepillies in shady areas, but we had lots in our last garden so I wanted a change. We have no lawn at all in our garden. No kids or dogs so don't need it. There are so many wonderful natives. Our local Bunnings actually stocks quite a few, or you can find a specialist native nursery that will have an even bigger selection. They can give you advice on what will grow well in your situation.

I love all the above ideas . I'll take a slightly different tack though -- maybe get you thinking ? I don't like the balance of the house sorry -- the garage at a lower level , but without a corresponding split level roof , I personally don't like . To me , it makes the house look 'stubby' . Depending on your budget , and need for space , I'd either add a 'higher' window in place of the garage door -- in line with the window next to it . OR I'd change the garage door to a ranch slider -- turn the garage into the master bedroom , or an office ( presumably with the laundry at the rear ) . The problem with that is that some people may mistake that for the main front entrance . I'd then add the garage to the left hand side , BUT I'd bring it forward by approx 1.5-2 metres -- the new roof could then be at the same level , but as it comes further foward , it would give the illussion of a split level roof . There's a slight advantage that you'd have a bit more space too -- maybe even extend it out the back , and then the boat can fit too ? Between the new garage and the front door , I'd then do a pagoda style veranda -- 200 x 50 beams , stained a nice medium brown , probably with clear acrylic panels above . The right hand eve , and the window sills , I'd also do in a mid brown -- personally , I think it looks a bit too grey and black at present . The front door looks nice , but again I'd do it in a nice mid-brown colour , rather than the lighter varnished look that appears to be on it now . Obviously , alter the driveway , so you can get in the new garage , and park 2 vehicles side by side , using the existing and new driveway . And then gardens as above . A bit ( lot ? ) more expensive compared to the above , but you'll have a nicer , and nicer looking house with more room , and obviously a lot higher resale IMO .