Based in Sydney, Raja is a law student enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Communications (Writing and Publishing) at the University of Technology Sydney. He is passionate about transferring knowledge in relation to businesses, legal advice and marketing direction. Raja has experience working in immigration law and is driven by the writing, editing and publishing process of content.
If you are looking to launch a side hustle, you aren’t alone, but in the company of nearly 950,000 Australians who were working two or more jobs, accounting for approximately 6.4% of the employed population nationwide. With the cost of living continuing to rise, more Australians to diversifying their income — either through side jobs or side hustles.
This quick guide explores practical side hustle ideas in Australia. Whether you’re chasing a bit of extra cash or looking to turn a hobby into a money-making venture, you’ll get a clear sense of what works, what to watch out for, and how to do it responsibly alongside your main job.
Table of Contents
Reasons to consider a side hustle in Australia
Developing a side hustle grants you financial freedom and flexibility that workplaces do not offer. Creating a business on the side as a sole trader means you can decide the hours you work, the amount of effort you put in, and how much you invest in your new gig.
Many people frame their side hustle based on what they are really good at. You may not have the opportunity to explore your creativity or caretaking skills in your day job. Framing your side hustle around a passion of yours stimulates productivity and increases motivation, which, in turn, leads to a higher success rate for your business.
Of course, earning extra income in Australia doesn’t hurt either, especially in today’s economy. It provides you with more financial stability and flexibility regarding the amount of effort you choose to invest in the business.
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49 side hustle ideas in 2025
Traditional side hustles
1. Gardening and lawn care
Offer mowing, pruning, planting, and general yard maintenance for homes and small businesses. A gardening and lawn care business is a hands-on service, which is often in steady demand, especially in suburban areas with larger yards.
Earning potential: AUD $25–$60 per hour, depending on location and job complexity.
Commitment: Part-time; flexible scheduling on weekends or after-work hours. Requires basic tools and some seasonal planning.
2. Housecleaning and home maintenance
Provide residential cleaning services. You can also take on decluttering, organising, and light maintenance tasks. There is consistent demand from busy households and rental properties.
Earning potential: AUD $25–$45 per hour, higher for move-out or deep-clean services.
Commitment: Flexible hours; can scale from a few hours weekly to regular bookings. Requires reliable cleaning supplies and trust with clients.
3. Tutoring
Tutor high school students to earn some spare cash in your off-hours. In response to the High School Certificate becoming a vital requirement for entering tertiary-level education, there has been an increase in demand for tutoring services.
Earning potential: AUD $40 to $90 per hour, depending on experience, results and subject you teach.
Commitment: Flexible hours; you can tutor via Zoom for more flexibility or do in-person sessions that usually result in a higher per-hour rate.
Sofa side hustles
4. Freelance web design
If you have experience with coding, you can design website themes and sell them on popular platforms. WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix ecosystems welcome independently created themes, letting you monetise your design and development skills. Eventually, you can start a web design business.
Earning potential: AUD $40–$120+ per hour, depending on complexity, specialisation (front-end vs full-stack), and client demand.
Commitment: Moderate to high upfront setup (portfolio, theme development, licensing), then scalable with repeat clients and ongoing updates.
5. Proofreading
Businesses operating in all industries require individuals to proofread their documents; contracts, bodies of work and submissions. If you are detail-oriented and enjoy reading, being a proofreader could be the perfect side hustle for you. Consider businesses that are hiring proofreaders or list your profile on freelancing websites like Airtasker or Fiverr.
Earning potential: AUD $20–$60 per hour, depending on expertise and turnaround times; higher for niche/edit-heavy documents.
Commitment: Low to moderate start-up (build a profile, set rates, gather samples); can grow into steady, recurring engagements with regular clients.
6. Reselling: Clothes, furniture, and other items
Tap into second-hand markets by curating and reselling items online through Depop, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Instagram shops. This aligns with the rising trend of sustainable purchasing and enables flexible, inventory-based income.
Earning potential: AUD $15–$80 per item, with higher margins on well-curated, vintage, or designer pieces.
Commitment: Flexible hours; requires sourcing and storage space, plus time for listing, photographing, and customer service.
Creative side hustles
7. Logo design
Build custom brand identities by designing logos for start-ups and small businesses. This can evolve into a broader branding service, including colour palettes and typography options, helping clients establish a cohesive visual presence.
Earning potential: AUD $40–$150+ per logo, depending on complexity and client scope; ongoing branding projects can increase average earnings.
Commitment: Moderate upfront work (portfolio, client briefs, revisions); scalable with retainer agreements or bundled branding packages.
8. Photography and visual storytelling
Provide product, event, or lifestyle photography for individuals and businesses, with options for prints, licensing, or digital usage rights. This can extend into basic photo editing and social media content creation.
Earning potential: AUD $30–$120+ per hour for shoots; add-on services (edits, stock licensing) can boost earnings.
Commitment: Moderate to high during shoot days; steady demand with a growing portfolio and client referrals.
9. Online art sales
Turn original artworks or digital creations into online sales through marketplaces, print-on-demand services, or your own storefront. Leverage digital formats (prints, downloads, licensing) or physical pieces (originals, limited editions) to reach buyers globally while managing production and shipping.
Earning potential: AUD $100–$5,000+ per month, depending on volume, pricing strategy, platform mix (digital vs physical), and marketing reach. High-velocity prints or licensing can scale to thousands monthly with the right audience.
Commitment: Moderate to high upfront setup (portfolio, product photography, platform setup, pricing). Ongoing effort includes creating new work, listing management, customer service, and marketing; scalability increases with repeat buyers and diversified product lines.
Side hustles with a physical set-up
10. Coin laundry
Owning a coin laundry business is a great example of passive income. The biggest hurdle in opening a coin laundry business is purchasing the machinery to operate the business. Excluding the occasional electrician or plumber required for maintenance and coin collection, the laundry business would operate independently.
Earning potential: AUD $2,000–$6,000+ per month net, depending on location, capacity, and coin flow.
Commitment: Moderate up-front investment and ongoing maintenance; operation can be largely hands-off with periodic service visits.
11. Vending machine
Starting a vending machine business is another great example of generating passive income. The biggest challenge of operating a vending machine business is generating the cash to purchase vending machines, as they cost around $ 8,000 and upwards in Australia.
The only tasks associated with using vending machines as a source of income are the process of refilling the machines, collecting any physical cash, and general maintenance.
Earning potential: AUD $1,500–$5,000+ per month per machine, depending on location and product mix.
Commitment: Moderate upkeep for restocking and cash collection; scalable by adding machines and optimising routes.
12. Mobile car detailing
Provide mobile exterior and interior car cleaning services at customers’ homes or workplaces. Includes wash, wax, interior vacuuming, and deodorising.
Earning potential: AUD $35–$90+ per hour, depending on service level and vehicle type.
Commitment: Low to moderate setup (cleaning supplies, portable equipment); flexible scheduling with potential for repeat bookings.
Seasonal side hustles
13. Holiday season
Take advantage of the increased demand in retail, hospitality, and delivery services during the Christmas and New Year’s seasons. Many businesses hire temporary staff or need help managing online orders, wrapping gifts, or catering events.
Earning potential: AUD $25–$40 per hour, with higher pay for evening or holiday shifts.
Commitment: Short-term roles, often November to early January. Ideal for students or anyone seeking additional holiday income.
14. Summer-specific opportunities
Warm weather brings openings in tourism, outdoor events, and recreational activities. Think surf coaching, lifeguarding, ice cream or food truck jobs, or offering pet-sitting and dog-walking services while families travel.
Earning potential: AUD $20–$50 per hour, depending on role and location.
Commitment: Runs from December to February; flexible hours with opportunities for tips and repeat seasonal work.
15. Event-based gigs
Australia’s festival and sports season offers numerous short-term roles, including ticketing and crowd management, photography, merchandise sales, and setup/pack-down work. Platforms like Sidekicker or local councils list these gigs.
Earning potential: AUD $25–$45 per hour; some events offer daily or project-based pay.
Commitment: Casual or single-day work; ideal for those wanting quick, varied jobs.
16. Other peak earning periods
Identify high-demand times in your niche — for instance, tax season for bookkeepers, school holidays for tutors or babysitters, and spring for gardeners. Planning ahead lets you book clients early and charge premium rates.
Earning potential: Varies widely by field; seasonal surges can increase rates by 20–50%.
Commitment: Part-time or project-based; focus efforts during predictable annual peaks.
Social media side hustles
17. YouTube channel
Create and publish videos on topics you’re passionate about. Growth comes from consistent posting, audience engagement, and niche selection. Monetisation typically comes from ads, sponsorships, and affiliate links as the channel grows.
Earning potential: AUD $0.10–$5+ per view, depending on ad formats, audience location, and engagement; sponsorships and affiliate deals can significantly increase earnings once a sizable audience is established.
Commitment: Moderate to high upfront for equipment, editing skills, and content planning; requires ongoing, regularly scheduled production and interaction with viewers to sustain growth.
18. Podcast
Create episodic audio content centred around a chosen theme, featuring guests or sharing expert insights. Podcast revenue can come from sponsorships, listener support, and exclusive content.
Earning potential: AUD $20–$250+ per episode through sponsorships and listener donations; revenue scales with audience size and engagement.
Commitment: Moderate ongoing production (research, recording, editing, publishing); consistent publishing cadence is key to growing and retaining listeners.
19. Blog
Write and publish articles on topics you care about, with monetisation through ads, sponsored posts, and affiliate partnerships. A strong content strategy and effective SEO help attract steady traffic.
Earning potential: AUD $100–$2,000+ per month from ads and sponsorships for established blogs; higher with product launches or premium content.
Commitment: Moderate upfront to build a content library and SEO foundation; ongoing publishing and promotion are necessary to maintain momentum.
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20. Twitch channel
Stream live gameplay or variety content, building a community through chat interaction, subscriptions, and donations. Engagement and consistency are essential for growth.
Earning potential: AUD $0.50–$3+ per 1,000 viewer minutes from subscriptions and bits; additional income from sponsorships and donations.
Commitment: Moderate to high; requires a regular streaming schedule, setup for live production, and active community management.
Low-investment side hustles
21. Food delivery
Food delivery businesses are constantly recruiting drivers as there is an increasing demand for receiving food without requiring to leave the house. Food delivery services do not provide you with a roster or schedule – you are able to choose your hours and set your work time relative to the amount of money you want to generate.
Earning potential: AUD $25–$40 per hour on average, with higher earnings during busy periods and in high-demand areas; tips can boost take-home pay.
Commitment: Low entry barrier; requires a reliable vehicle or bike, a valid license where required, and compliance with platform terms; consistent scheduling can lead to a steady weekly income.
22. Freelancing on Airtasker
Are you skilled at constructing furniture, fixing appliances, or proficient in heavy lifting? Whether you know how to mow a lawn or construct a website, enlisting your skills on Airtasker to utilise them when needed is the perfect side hustle for those who have skills that are not being used to generate extra cash.
Earning potential: AUD $20–$80 per hour, depending on task complexity and competition; specialised services can command higher rates.
Commitment: Low to moderate start-up (profile setup, service descriptions, pricing); workload varies with demand; builds a portfolio and repeat clients over time.
23. Rent out unused stuff
Do you have a car you rarely use? A spare bedroom you never sleep in? Perhaps a camera you rarely use for taking pictures? Renting out your unused assets can be a great way to generate some extra cash. You can rent out anything: your textbooks, clothes, instruments, sporting gear.
Excluding the transfer of assets, this job requires minimal effort and is ideal for anyone looking to earn some extra money on the side.
Earning potential: AUD $5–$100+ per rental item per day, depending on item type, demand, and rental platform.
Commitment: Minimal daily involvement beyond scheduling and basic maintenance; scalable by listing more items and managing multiple rentals.
24. Surveys and market research
Companies often seek to gather new information about customers and their market by offering incentives, such as payments, to those who participate in surveys. Both market research departments of businesses and market research companies themselves can offer these services.
Participating in these surveys is a great way to earn some spare cash. Look online to find any surveys that are paying participants.
Earning potential: AUD $5–$50 per survey, depending on length and provider; some studies pay more for in-depth feedback or focus groups.
Commitment: Flexible; sporadic workload with varying durations; consistent participation can build modes,t steady income.
Content and writing side hustles
25. Content creation and micro-consulting
Create short-form content, templates, or micro-consulting sessions (15–30 minutes) for niche audiences (e.g., resume optimisation, LinkedIn profile polish, quick marketing audits). This leverages knowledge without heavy time commitments.
Earning potential: AUD $20–$100 per hour, depending on expertise and packaging (per session or packaged bundles).
Commitment: Moderate to high upfront for setup (offers, pricing, frameworks); scalable with repeat clients.
26. Translator/Interpreter
Translators and interpreters are consistently needed in today’s multicultural society. If you are bilingual, consider companies or agencies that hire freelance translators. Being a translator on the side from your primary job grants you the flexibility to work when you want – during a work break, on your off hours, or on the weekend, making this the perfect opportunity as a side hustle.
Earning potential: AUD $0.20–$0.60 per word for translation; AUD $25–$80+ per hour for interpretation, depending on language pair and specialty.
Commitment: Moderate upfront (security, credentials, sample work); ongoing workflow depends on language demand and specialisation.
27. Social media influencer
Establish a presence on one or more social media platforms to target a niche audience. Monetise through brand partnerships, sponsored content, affiliate links, and creator-led products.
Earning potential: AUD $50–$500+ per sponsored post for micro- to mid-tier creators; affiliate earnings vary by program and performance; income scales with audience size and engagement.
Commitment: High upfront for content strategy, niche positioning, and audience growth; requires consistent posting, community engagement, and performance tracking.
Interactive side hustles
28. Personal training
Are you active and enjoy exercising? If you are, becoming a personal trainer is a great side hustle to earn cash outside of your primary job, whilst concurrently operating in an industry you are passionate about.
Earning potential: AUD $30–$70+ per hour for individual sessions; group sessions or package deals can push higher per-hour averages.
Commitment: Moderate to high upfront for qualification, insurance, and risk assessments; ongoing commitment involves client scheduling, program design, and progress tracking.
29. In-house chef
Deliver private in-home cooking services, menu planning, and themed dinner experiences. This is ideal for food lovers who want hands-on culinary work and direct client interaction.
Earning potential: AUD $50–$150+ per hour depending on menu complexity, equipment, and travel; premium experiences or multi-course events can command higher rates.
Commitment: Moderate upfront for equipment and safety considerations; ongoing work depends on client demand and meal planning accuracy.
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30. Local experiences and micro-treps
Organise small, local experiences or guided micro-treks (e.g., neighbourhood tours, food tastings, or virtual reality museum-like experiences) targeting tourists or locals seeking short, value-packed recreations.
Earning potential: AUD $15–$60 per participant, depending on length and exclusivity.
Commitment: Variable; requires initial planning and permitting where applicable; can build recurring bookings with positive reviews.
Student side hustles
31. Babysitting
Starting a babysitting business is simple and requires minimal steps. Babysitting is a great side hustle for those who have the interpersonal skills to communicate with children. There are some legal requirements, such as obtaining a Working With Children Check (WWCC).
Earning potential: AUD $20–$35 per hour on initial bookings, with higher rates in major cities or for infants and multiple children.
Commitment: Low to moderate startup requirements (WWCC/clearances recommended, basic first aid); workload varies with family needs and scheduling.
32. Dog Walking
Two in three Australian households own a dog, indicating a substantial market for individuals to start dog walking as a side hustle. Dog walking is a side hustle that can be performed by practically anyone and is ideal for those who want to spend time outdoors and earn an additional income.
Earning potential: AUD $15–$30 per 30–45 minute walk; higher rates for suburb-specific demand or group walks.
Commitment: Flexible scheduling; requires reliability, knowledge of dog safety, and basic dog-handling skills.
33. Campus-friendly gig worker (e.g., micro-delivery, campus tasks)
Do short tasks or deliveries around campus or nearby campuses, taking advantage of student schedules.
Earning potential: AUD $12–$25 per hour, depending on task type and location; tips may apply for certain tasks.
Commitment: Low to moderate; requires time management to fit around classes; scalable by taking more tasks.
Retiree side hustles
34. Pet sitting
Provide regular in-home visits or pet sitting for neighbours and local clients. Retirees often have flexible daytime hours and a love for animals, making this a rewarding, low-stress option.
Earning potential: AUD $15–$40 per 30–60 minute walk or visit; higher rates for multiple pets or extended care.
Commitment: Low to moderate startup (basic pet care knowledge, references, and insurance considered); steady demand in many communities with potential for regular repeat clients.
35. Local crafts or handmade goods sales
Create and sell handmade items such as knitting, pottery, or woodworking pieces to local markets, craft fairs, or online marketplaces. This leverages long-standing skills and hobbies into a source of income.
Earning potential: Varies by item and demand; typical small-batch sales can generate AUD $100–$1,000+ per month, with potential for higher earnings in specialty niches.
Commitment: Moderate setup for materials and workspace; ongoing production depends on demand and inventory management.
36. Senior-friendly tech tutoring
Teach basic digital literacy to peers or younger generations, covering topics like email, video calls, online safety, and social media basics.
Earning potential: AUD $25–$60 per hour, with higher rates for structured curriculum or group sessions.
Commitment: Low upfront for materials and lesson planning; steady demand through community groups, libraries, or online tutoring platforms.
Most in-demand
37. Removalists
Removalists are professional movers who handle the loading, transporting, and unloading of items for residential or commercial moves. This role often requires teamwork, physical stamina, and careful handling of belongings.
Earning potential: AUD $96.20 per hour
Commitment: Requires training in safe lifting, moving protocols, and sometimes specialised equipment; typically involves physically demanding shifts and coordination with a moving crew.
38. House cleaning
Residential cleaning services covering routine housekeeping, deep cleans, and occasional specialty tasks. Reliable, thorough service builds repeat clients.
Earning potential: AUD $33.27 per hour
Commitment: Low to moderate startup; set schedules, supply cleaning gear, and establish client trust; ongoing work depends on demand and quality.
39. Pool cleaning
Perform regular maintenance for residential pools, including skimming, chemical balancing, and equipment checks. Builds recurring maintenance routines with clients.
Earning potential: AUD $35–$65 per visit, depending on pool size and location.
Commitment: Moderate upfront for tools and safety training; ongoing visits from a predictable schedule.
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40. Gardening/Lawn mowing
Lawn care and garden maintenance for residential or small commercial properties is always in demand. Your services can include mowing, edging, trimming, and basic landscaping.
Earning potential: AUD $40–$70 per hour or per job
Commitment: Low to moderate startup depending on equipment; scalable with recurring bookings and seasonal packages.
High-earning side hustles
41. Fence construction
Build or refurbish fencing for residential properties, including installation, repairs, and gate work. This trades-based task typically commands premium rates due to materials, labour, and project scope.
Earning potential: AUD $1,101 per task or higher for larger projects or complex installations.
Commitment: Moderate to high upfront: requires carpentry skills, safety training, appropriate tools, and potentially licensing or permit awareness; workload varies with property sizes and client demand.
42. Landscape gardening
Deliver advanced landscape work, including design input, hardscaping, and sustained garden projects beyond basic mowing. This option is suitable if you have horticultural experience and an eye for aesthetics.
Earning potential: AUD $943 per task or higher for larger or more intricate designs and installations.
Commitment: Moderate to high: requires planning, materials coordination, and possibly additional crew for larger installations; typically project-based with multi-day timelines.
43. Business coach
Offer strategic guidance to small businesses or solo operators, helping with growth plans, accountability, and operations optimisation. You can do this via workshops, one-on-one coaching, or packaged programs.
Earning potential: AUD $94.86 per hour or higher for premium coaching packages and group sessions.
Commitment: Moderate upfront to develop coaching frameworks, assess client needs, and set pricing; ongoing client work requires preparation, session delivery, and progress tracking.
Side hustles of the future
As technology and social values evolve, side hustles are becoming smarter, greener, and more flexible. Here are some forward-looking opportunities to watch in 2025 and beyond.
44. AI-Enhanced freelancing
AI tools are transforming the way freelancers work, enabling writers, designers, marketers, and even analysts to produce faster and smarter results. Platforms such as ChatGPT, Canva AI, or Midjourney can enhance tasks like copywriting, content planning, or design mockups.
Businesses are now hiring AI-savvy freelancers who can utilise these tools effectively, rather than replacing human creativity.
Earning potential: AUD $30–$120 per hour, depending on skill and niche (AI prompt engineers and automation consultants can earn more).
Commitment: Flexible and remote; ideal for part-time or project-based work. Requires some upskilling to stay competitive and knowledgeable about emerging tools.
45. Virtual assistance for entrepreneurs
As small businesses move online, demand for virtual assistants (VAs) continues to rise. Tasks range from managing emails and social media to scheduling meetings and maintaining e-commerce stores.
With more entrepreneurs working remotely, VAs who can combine admin support with tech-savvy services like AI task automation or Shopify management are in especially high demand.
Earning potential: AUD $25–$60 per hour, higher for specialised tasks like bookkeeping or marketing automation.
Commitment: Steady part-time work that can grow into a full-time income. Flexible hours and location-independent.
46. Sustainable product creation and upcycling
Eco-friendly products — from repurposed fashion to reusable home goods — are a growing market. With sustainability becoming a purchasing priority, creative side hustlers can turn old materials into valuable, planet-conscious products. Selling through Etsy, Shopify, or local markets adds reach while keeping costs low.
Earning potential: AUD $200–$1,000+ monthly depending on production volume and marketing reach.
Commitment: Medium; requires sourcing materials, product creation, and online marketing. Works best for those passionate about sustainability and design.
47. Online course creation and micro-consulting
Professionals are increasingly monetising their knowledge by teaching others. Platforms like Teachable, Skillshare, and Thinkific allow users to create short online courses or tutorials. Similarly, micro-consulting (offering quick, specialised advice sessions) is growing — perfect for freelancers, educators, and industry experts.
Earning potential: AUD $500–$5,000+ per course, depending on audience size and topic. One-on-one consultations can earn AUD $50–$200 per hour.
Commitment: High initial setup time to plan, record, and market courses; passive income potential once established.
48. Sustainable event services
As festivals, pop-ups, and corporate events return, organisers are seeking eco-friendly alternatives — from waste-free catering to renewable-powered setups. Creative professionals can offer sustainability consulting or hands-on event support, helping companies meet their green goals.
Earning potential: AUD $40–$100 per hour for event consulting or on-site coordination.
Commitment: Project-based; peaks during event seasons. Ideal for those with organisational skills and environmental awareness.
49 Data labelling and AI training tasks
Behind every AI model is a massive amount of human-labelled data. Tech companies often hire contractors to review, tag, and categorise data sets to improve AI accuracy. This is an entry-level way to earn from the AI boom without needing deep technical skills.
Earning potential: AUD $10–$25 per hour, depending on platform and task complexity.
Commitment: Very flexible; remote work done at your own pace. Ideal as a supplemental income stream.
What business structure is right for you?
Sole trader
As the simplest business structure, sole traders are responsible for the legal and financial aspects of their business. Sole traders are required to apply for an ABN and are taxed on their individual income.
5 platforms to kick-start your side hustle in Australia
Whether you’re looking to earn a bit extra on weekends or build something more substantial, Australia’s gig economy has plenty of opportunities. Here are five of the most popular platforms to start your side hustle — from handy work to freelancing and e-commerce.
Airtasker – For everyday jobs & handy help
Airtasker is perfect for handy work, cleaning, deliveries, assembling furniture — basically any odd job that someone nearby needs done.
To get started, you’ll need to download the Airtasker app or sign up online for free. Create a profile, list your skills, verify your ID, and start making offers on local tasks.
It’s free to join, but Airtasker takes a service fee (12.5–20%) from each task you complete.
Uber & DiDi – For drivers on the go
You can drive passengers using platforms like Uber and DiDi. You can also deliver food on Uber Eats.
To apply, you’ll need the driver app first. Then, simply upload your documents, pass a background check, and ensure your vehicle meets your city’s rideshare requirements.
It’s free to sign up, but you’ll need to cover vehicle, fuel, insurance, and licensing costs. However, keep in mind that both Uber and DiDi charge a commission of around 15–25% per trip, depending on the city and any applicable promotions.
Upwork & Fiverr – For freelancers & creatives
Are you looking for online gigs? On Upwork and Fiverr, you can find gigs for writing, graphic design, translation, web development, voiceover, and more.
It’s free to create a profile on either site. Then, you can showcase your skills, portfolio, and pricing. Once you’re set, you can start bidding (Upwork) or posting gigs (Fiverr).
While there are no sign-up fees, both platforms take a cut from each job. Upwork fees range from 5 to 20%, while Fiverr charges a flat 20% commission on each order.
Shopify – For aspiring online store owners
If you are looking to sell physical or digital products through your own online store, consider Shopify. This is the go-to platform for starting an e-commerce business, regardless of the scale you plan to launch.
Start with a free trial on Shopify, choose a plan, design your store, add products, and connect your payment and shipping options.
Paid plans start from around AUD $44/month. Each sale also incurs a 1.75% + 30¢ transaction fee (on the Basic plan when using Shopify Payments).
UserTesting – For quick online feedback jobs
You can get paid to share your thoughts while testing websites, apps, and digital products. UserTesting is the perfect platform for this.
Sign up for free on the UserTesting site, complete a short sample test, and once approved, start receiving test invites. The platform is free to join, and you get paid per test (usually USD 4–10 for short ones, more for longer sessions).
Here is a quick comparison of the above platforms:
| Platform | What it’s for | Sign-Up Cost | Fees per Job/Sale | Long-Term Fees |
| Airtasker | Local tasks, cleaning, handy work | Free | 12.5–20% | None |
| Uber / DiDi | Driving passengers or food delivery | Free (vehicle costs apply) | ~15–25% | None |
| Upwork / Fiverr | Online freelancing | Free | 20% (Upwork tiered) | None |
| Shopify | Online store / e-commerce | From ~$44/month | 1.75% + 30¢ per sale | Monthly plan |
| UserTesting | Testing websites / apps | Free | None (you get paid per test) | None |
Legal and financial considerations for side hustlers
While side hustles may feel small, there are still legal considerations when you plan to make money from any work in Australia. Keep the following legal aspects in mind.
Choosing a business structure
Choosing the correct business structure is important for your side hustle. Consider whether you want to operate your side hustle alone or with others, and question whether you would prefer complete ownership or not. Choosing the right business structure will also determine the operations and financial resources of the business.
Lawpath has a free quiz on what business structure would be best for you!
Contractual obligations
When starting a side hustle, it is important to ensure you are not breaching your employment contract with your primary job. Some employment contracts restrict working another job or may include non-compete/non-solicit clauses, preventing you from operating a business that is in the same sector as your primary job.
Understanding tax implications
Starting your own business comes with a few tax implications. These include ensuring you adhere to laws on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and understand your tax obligations related to self-employment.
Starting a side hustle does not exempt you from taxation laws and often requires you to actively seek legal advice. Remember that you can also claim any expenses related to running your business against your tax obligations.
Managing legalities and compliance
Whilst a side hustle is not a large corporation, you must still be legally compliant in the business’s operations. Legalities include registering for Goods and Services Tax (GST), applying for the correct permits, and ensuring that you are not deceptive or misleading in your operations.
We recommend developing a legal budget to ensure your side hustle does not encounter any legal issues.
Getting started – A step-by-step guide
Starting a side hustle in Australia can be simple if you follow the right steps. Here’s a quick checklist to help you go from idea to income.
Assess your skills and interests
Perform market research
Set up the legal details
Build an online presence
Onboard your first client
1. Assess your skills and interests
Considering the work associated with your side hustle will occur during your primary job’s off-time, it’s important to develop something that aligns with your skills and interests. You don’t want to spend extra hours learning something you dislike.
Ask yourself: What hobbies or skills could you monetise? What kind of work keeps you motivated? Choosing something that excites you will make your business more sustainable and profitable in the long run.
2. Perform market research
Before launching, research is crucial to ensuring your idea has demand and aligns with the right audience.
- Identify your audience: Who will buy your product or service? What problems are you solving for them?
- Scope out the competition: Look at similar businesses or profiles on platforms like Airtasker, Upwork, or Etsy. How do they price, present, and promote their services?
- Validate your idea: Ask for feedback from potential customers or test your offering with a small group of potential customers.
- Understand pricing: Research average rates or prices in your niche to ensure your pricing is both competitive and profitable.
Good market research can help you avoid oversaturated niches and refine your business before investing time and money in setup.
3. Set up the legal details
Once your idea is validated, it’s time to make things official.
- Register your business: In Australia, you can operate under your own name or register a business name with ASIC.
- Apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number): Essential for invoicing and tax purposes.
- Understand your tax obligations: Even small side hustles must report income to the ATO. Check if you need to register for GST (typically only if your annual earnings exceed $75,000).
- Protect your brand: Consider trademarking your business name or logo to ensure its exclusive use.
- Set up insurance: For service-based hustles like cleaning, handy work, or driving, public liability insurance can protect you against risks.
Taking care of the legal side early ensures your business runs smoothly — and avoids fines or tax issues later.
4. Build an online presence
Building a website is an important step in starting your business as it signals credibility, catalyses global reach, and acts as a cost-effective marketing tool and research mechanism. You’ll need to register your business domain, develop website terms & conditions, and set up payments if you choose to sell items online.
In today’s heavily digital society, it’s also key to develop an online marketing strategy. Lawpath offers a workflow service that contextualises and assesses your needs to help you build an online presence.
5. Get your first customer
Once the foundation of your business is ready, you need your first customer. However, getting the ball rolling for your business can take some time. Making your first sale requires extensive market research and a thorough understanding of your target audience.
Here is what you can do:
- Understand your unique selling proposition (USP): Know what sets your business apart from the competition.
- Networking: Leverage friends, family and professional networks. Word-of-mouth referrals are critical to early success
- Offer a launch promotion: Consider offering a special deal or discount to attract your first customers. This could be a limited-time offer to create a sense of urgency.
Wondering how long it will take to get your first customer? Here is a quick summary of what you might expect.
| Platform Type | Typical Time to First Earnings |
| Airtasker | 1–2 weeks (once your profile is verified and first task accepted) |
| Uber / DiDi | 1–3 weeks (after background checks and vehicle approval) |
| Upwork / Fiverr | 2–6 weeks (depending on competition and reviews) |
| Shopify | 1–3 months (requires setup, marketing, and product testing) |
| UserTesting | 1–2 weeks (after approval and receiving first test invites) |
Remember that patience pays off. Most successful side hustlers earn their first income within the first month, but consistent effort and smart marketing make all the difference.
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Warning: Not every side hustle is worth it
Not every opportunity is worth your time — or your money. Be careful with the following types of opportunities.
- MLMs (Multi-Level Marketing): Often disguised as “business opportunities,” these rely on recruitment rather than real product sales and can quickly lead to losses.
- Pay-to-play schemes: Any gig that asks for upfront fees, “training costs,” or membership payments should raise alarm bells. Legitimate platforms usually deduct fees from earnings, not the other way around.
- Oversaturated markets: Some side hustles, like low-tier dropshipping or generic T-shirt stores, face huge competition and razor-thin margins. Do your research before jumping in.
- Low-ROI activities: If a side hustle requires significant time, energy, or money for a minimal return, it’s not sustainable — even if it sounds trendy.
To protect yourself, it’s key to watch out for red flags.
When exploring new platforms or gigs, watch for warning signs that something isn’t right. If payment terms are unclear, contracts are missing, or the company promises “guaranteed income,” these are immediate red flags. High-pressure sales tactics or offers that push you to “act fast” can also indicate a scam.
Before signing up, take a moment to look for online reviews, check for a verified company address, and ensure that the business is transparent about how and when you’ll be paid.
Finally, trust your instincts — if a deal feels rushed, unclear, or simply too good to be true, it probably is. When in doubt, check resources such as Scamwatch or Fair Work Australia for guidance before you commit.
FAQs
1. What is the most profitable side hustle?
The most profitable side hustles usually involve specialised skills or scalable services — such as freelancing (design, writing, or coding), e-commerce through Shopify, or offering consulting in a high-demand niche. Profitability depends on your expertise, time investment, and ability to build repeat clients.
2. How can I make an extra $2,000 a month?
Combining multiple gigs is often the fastest path — for example, freelancing on Upwork, driving for Uber on weekends, or selling digital products online. Focus on side hustles that you can scale with experience or automation to maintain steady monthly earnings.
3. How to make $100 a day in Australia?
Earning $100 a day can come from flexible gigs like Airtasker jobs, food delivery apps, tutoring, or remote freelancing. Consistency is key — setting aside a few hours daily or targeting higher-paying weekend shifts can make it achievable.
4. How to make $1,000 a month passively?
Passive income often starts as active work. Creating online courses, renting out equipment, running a dropshipping store, or investing in dividend-paying shares can all yield around $1,000 a month once established and maintained properly.
How Lawpath can help
Overall, turning a hobby or unused skills into a side hustle comes with a few challenges. After identifying your potential business, assessing your financial status, applying for the necessary licenses and managing legal compliance, you are ready to get your first customer.
Need help starting your business? Lawpath is here to help! Check out our many resources for small business owners and protect your business today.
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