Hospitality business ideas you run out and about
37 ideas
These 37 hospitality ideas take you out of a fixed shopfront and into markets, events, streets and venues. They suit people who enjoy meeting customers, don't mind early starts or weekend work, and want to test a concept before signing a lease.
Small boat tour operator
Run your own scenic, fishing or snorkelling trips for tourists and groups from a local harbour or marina.
- A$40k-200k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile espresso cart or van
Take your coffee setup to markets, events and busy worksites instead of paying for a shopfront.
- A$15k-80k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Weekend day-walk hiking guide
Lead small groups on guided day walks on local trails, running trips on weekends around your other work.
- A$800-3.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Multi-day trek and tour guide
Run guided overnight and multi-day hikes with a full season of trips, selling packaged treks to visitors and groups.
- A$4k-20k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Pop-up cocktail bar for events and markets
Run a portable cocktail bar at markets, weddings and festivals without paying for a permanent venue.
- A$8k-35k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Hot-air balloon flight operator
Run sunrise balloon flights for tourists and celebrations with a small crew and one balloon.
- A$120k-400k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Small group local day tours
Take small groups of visitors on guided day tours of your region's best sights, food and history.
- A$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Walking and themed experience tours
Lead on-foot tours of a town or neighbourhood around food, history, street art or nature, with no vehicle needed.
- A$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Seasonal pop-up beer garden
Run a summer beer garden on borrowed or leased space, like a car park, vineyard lawn or park, with local brews and simple food.
- A$8k-40k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile tiki bar for events
Take a tropical-themed bar to weddings, parties and markets in a small trailer or portable setup.
- A$8k-35k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile bar for events
Serve drinks from a converted trailer or van at weddings, parties and markets.
- A$15k-60k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Holiday let management for owners
Manage other people's holiday homes: listings, guests and cleaning, for a share of bookings.
- A$1k-5k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Pop-up mahjong nights
Hire a community hall or cafe after hours and run paid mahjong sessions without a lease.
- A$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Small-boat whale watching tours
Run your own small vessel on whale and dolphin trips for tourists from a local coastal port.
- A$80k-350k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Whale watching tours on a chartered boat
Sell whale watching trips run on a licensed vessel you charter, without buying your own boat.
- A$5k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local walking tour guide
Lead small group walking tours of your city or town's history, food or street art, sold online and through booking platforms.
- A$500-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Small group minibus day tours
Drive visitors to the best nearby sights, wineries or coastline in a small bus or van, with commentary along the way.
- A$60k-200k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Pop-up tea room and high tea
Run a pop-up tea room on weekends in hired halls, gardens or markets without a long lease.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Bartender for hire at private events
Bring your skills, tools and RSA to parties and weddings while the host supplies the drinks.
- A$300-1.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile bar with bartenders and drinks included
Run a portable or trailer bar that arrives with trained bartenders, drinks and glassware for weddings and events.
- A$20k-70k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Fish and chips food truck
Serve hot fish and chips from a truck or trailer at markets, events and busy spots.
- A$20k-100k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Murder mystery dinner nights at local venues
Run interactive dinner shows in pubs, clubs and restaurants, with the venue providing the food and you providing the entertainment.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pop-up bartending and cocktail courses
Run short hands-on bartending courses in partner bars on quiet nights, with no premises of your own.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Single houseboat hire
Buy one second-hand houseboat and hire it to holidaymakers by the night or week for self-drive trips.
- A$80k-250k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
About these ideas
You might start with a mobile espresso cart or van, offer bartender for hire at private events, or run a local walking tour guide service. Before choosing, think about where you will actually trade, what vehicle or equipment you need, and how weather and seasons affect takings. Check council, event and venue requirements early, since mobile trading often involves permits and food or alcohol rules that vary by state and local area. Start small, work out your costs per event or shift, and pick an idea that fits your energy and your local market.
More ideas
- Pop-up queer bar nights
- Oxygen cocktail pop-up stall
- Pop-up wine bar nights
- Pop-up cat cafe sessions
- New venue opening and set-up consultant
- Portable escape room for events
- Weekly salsa night in a local bar or pub
- Weekly karaoke nights at a local venue
- Pop-up cider bar for markets and events
- Local tableware delivery for cafes and caterers
- Pop-up lesbian and queer women's bar night
- Pop-up LGBTQ+ bar nights
- Pop-up piano bar nights
Questions
Do I need a permit to run a mobile hospitality business in Australia?
Often, yes, but it depends on what you sell and where. Check with your local council and state authority about food business registration, street trading permits, and event approvals. Alcohol service usually has separate licensing or responsible service requirements worth confirming.
How do I choose between a food truck, a pop-up and a tour business?
Compare startup costs, the hours you want to work and how comfortable you are with food handling or driving passengers. Pop-ups usually cost less to test, while vehicles and tours may need extra insurance, registration and checks on licensing requirements.
What should I check before buying a van or cart?
Check whether it meets council and food safety requirements for your intended use, what insurance covers, and whether you can park or trade in your chosen spots. Ask local operators or councils about fit-out rules before spending money.