Online Business Ideas You Can Start in Australia

601 ideas

These 601 ideas all run mainly online, so you can sell or teach to customers across Australia without a shopfront. Some are product-led, like an online homeware store, an online herbal products store or an online alternator and starter motor shop.

Swipe through these ideas →

Stacked metal bars and sheets stored in a supplier's warehouse.

Online metal and fixings supplier for small workshops

Sell cut-to-size metal, fixings and consumables to small fabricators online, with stock sent direct from your wholesalers.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Drawing board with set squares, scales and pens on a desk.

Online drafting and technical drawing supplies shop

Sell drawing boards, technical pens and scale rulers online to architecture, design and engineering students and studios.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
A pregnant woman browsing comfortable clothing racks in a maternity clothing shop.

Online maternity and nursing wear store

Sell maternity and breastfeeding clothing online to expectant mums across Australia, run from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Adult students following a teacher at a whiteboard in an English language class.

Online English tutoring and small classes

Teach English to learners by video, one-to-one or in small groups, from your own home.

  • A$300-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Music teacher guiding a pupil through a piano lesson at home.

Online music lessons

Teach your instrument or singing over video to students anywhere, from home.

  • A$150-1k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Wheelchairs and walking frames stocked in a medical equipment supply warehouse.

Online mobility aids and home care shop

Sell walking aids, bathroom safety gear and daily living aids online to families and carers, run from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
A bright teaching kitchen with an instructor guiding students at cooking stations.

Online cooking classes and courses

Teach cooking skills over video, with live classes or a recorded course students follow at home.

  • A$300-2k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Consultant reviewing a house floor plan with a compass on a desk.

Online Vastu consultant

Review floor plans and home layouts by video call and give clear Vastu advice to clients across Australia.

  • A$300-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Shelves of welding torches, helmets, gloves and consumables in a supply store.

Online welding consumables store

Sell welding consumables, safety gear and accessories online to hobbyists and small workshops, shipped Australia-wide.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Embroidered regional folk costumes hanging on racks in a boutique.

Online folk costume and regional dress shop

Sell folk costumes, accessories and regional dress online to dance groups, community clubs and collectors across Australia.

  • A$3k-12k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
A transcriptionist wearing headphones typing clinical notes at a computer.

Medical transcription bureau with a small team

Run a small remote team that handles dictation and reports for several clinics under one contract.

  • A$3k-12k
  • Part-time
  • Online
Model trains, track and scenery accessories displayed in a railway hobby shop.

Online model railway shop

Sell model trains, track and scenery supplies to hobbyists Australia-wide from a home-based online store.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Pupils learning instruments together in a bright music school classroom.

Online music and singing lessons

Teach instrument or voice lessons over video to students across your state or beyond.

  • A$200-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Group of people doing toning exercises in a bright studio class.

Online body shaping classes

Teach live toning and shaping classes over video from home to members anywhere in Australia.

  • A$300-1.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Editor working on video timeline across two monitors in an editing suite.

Wedding and event video editor

Edit highlight reels and full films for videographers and event clients who need footage turned into keepsake videos.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Editor working on video timeline across two monitors in an editing suite.

YouTube and social video editor on retainer

Edit weekly videos for creators and online businesses on a monthly retainer, working fully online.

  • A$300-3k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Scientific instruments and glassware arranged on a laboratory bench with a researcher.

Online niche lab supplies shop

Sell a focused range of lab consumables and small instruments online to schools, clinics and small labs.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Customer trying on running shoes while an assistant checks the fit in a store.

Online running store with pop-up fittings

Sell running shoes and gear online and offer fitting sessions at run clubs and events.

  • A$5k-25k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Students practising catwalk poses with a teacher in a bright studio.

Online modelling and portfolio coaching

Teach posing, camera confidence and portfolio building through live video sessions and feedback on student photos.

  • A$500-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Shelves of motorcycle parts, helmets and gear in a shop.

Online motorcycle parts and gear store

Sell motorcycle parts, accessories and riding gear online to riders, starting with a model or niche you know well.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Gold and colourful bangles stacked on display cushions in a jewellery shop.

Online bangle store

Sell bangle sets and matching jewellery online for weddings, festivals and gifts.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Small glass bottles of homeopathic remedies and a dropper on a wooden table.

Online homeopathy consultations

Offer video or phone consultations and remedy recommendations to clients anywhere in Australia from a quiet spot at home.

  • A$800-3.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Rolls of colourful wrapping paper, ribbons and gift bags displayed on shop shelves.

Online gift wrap and packaging store

Sell wrapping paper, ribbons and gift bags online to shoppers and small businesses that pack orders.

  • A$2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online
Set of silver car hub caps and wheel trims displayed on shelves in a parts store.

Online hub cap and wheel trim store

Sell hub caps, centre caps and wheel trims online to trade and public buyers Australia-wide.

  • A$1.5k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

About these ideas

Others are skills-led, such as online painting lessons or ebook publishing for local authors. They suit people who are comfortable with websites, email and customer service, and who can work independently. Before choosing, think about whether you will hold stock or use a supplier, how you will get your first customers, and how postage and returns affect your margins. Check any licensing, labelling, consumer law and tax obligations that apply to what you plan to sell. Start with one idea and test demand cheaply before spending heavily.

More ideas

Questions

How do I choose an online business idea that suits me?

Start with your skills, available time and starting budget. Then check whether you would rather sell products or services, handle stock and shipping, or work with customers one to one. Shortlist a few ideas and test interest before committing money.

What should I check before selling products online in Australia?

Check whether your products need particular safety standards, labelling or import rules, and how Australian Consumer Law applies to refunds and guarantees. It is also worth confirming tax and registration requirements, such as ABN and GST, with the ATO or an adviser.

Do I need a website to start an online business?

Not always. Some people begin with a marketplace, social media or a simple booking page to test demand. A dedicated website can help later with trust and control, but compare costs, fees and how customers will find you first.