Business Ideas You Can Run Out and About in Australia

1231 ideas

These 1,1231 ideas suit people who would rather be on the move than behind a desk. Some are trades that come to the customer, like a mobile home gasfitter or mobile glass repair.

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Students and an instructor practising kung fu forms in a training hall.

Kung fu classes in a hired hall

Teach kung fu to kids and adults in a hired community hall a few evenings a week.

  • A$800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Heating engineer servicing a boiler in a home utility room.

Mobile heating and boiler repair

Repair and service gas heaters, furnaces and hydronic boilers at homes and small businesses as a licensed mobile tradie.

  • A$8k-35k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
A client relaxing in a sunbed in a clean, well-lit tanning salon.

Mobile spray tanning

Travel to clients' homes, events and parties with a portable spray tan setup.

  • A$1.5k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
A mechanic servicing an outboard boat motor in a workshop beside the water.

Mobile outboard servicing and parts

Service outboards at boat ramps, marinas and driveways, and sell the parts and small engines owners need.

  • A$15k-60k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
An instructor guides a child riding a pony during a lesson in an arena.

Freelance riding instructor

Teach riding lessons at local agistment properties and arenas, using students' own horses or hired school horses.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Music teacher guiding a pupil through a piano lesson at home.

Visiting music teacher

Travel to students' homes or teach at local schools and childcare centres.

  • A$300-2k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Engineer fitting a wall-mounted air conditioning unit in a room.

Home air conditioning install and service

Install, service and repair split systems for homeowners, working from a ute or van.

  • A$15k-60k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
Engineer fitting a wall-mounted air conditioning unit in a room.

Subcontract air conditioning installer

Fit units as a sole trader for bigger installers and builders, with no need to find your own customers.

  • A$5k-20k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Wheelchairs and walking frames stocked in a medical equipment supply warehouse.

Local medical equipment hire and delivery

Hire out wheelchairs, walkers and hospital beds for short-term needs, and deliver and set them up locally.

  • A$8k-40k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Bottles of sauces, dressings and condiments arranged on a restaurant counter.

Condiments wholesale delivery round

Buy sauces and condiments in bulk from makers and deliver them to local cafés, takeaways and shops on a regular route.

  • A$5k-20k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
A bright teaching kitchen with an instructor guiding students at cooking stations.

Pop-up cooking classes in a hired kitchen

Run small hands-on cooking classes for home cooks in a hired community or commercial kitchen.

  • A$800-4k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Diners eating plant-based dishes at a table in a vegan restaurant.

Vegan pop-up dinner nights

Test your concept with ticketed vegan dinners in borrowed venues before taking on a full restaurant lease.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Consultant reviewing a house floor plan with a compass on a desk.

On-site Vastu consultant for homes and builders

Visit homes and building sites to advise on layout and orientation, and work with builders on new projects.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Worker using a high-pressure washer to clean a driveway and exterior wall.

Mobile driveway and deck pressure washing

Clean driveways, paths, decks and walls at customers' homes using a ute or van setup.

  • A$2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Worker using a high-pressure washer to clean a driveway and exterior wall.

Commercial pressure washing contracts

Clean shopfronts, car parks, footpaths and bin areas for businesses on a regular schedule.

  • A$6k-25k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Mechanic recharging a vehicle air conditioning system with gauges in a garage.

Mobile car air con regas and repair

Drive to homes, workplaces and small fleets to regas, leak test and fix car air conditioning.

  • A$8k-35k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
A large white marquee tent being set up on a grassy lawn for an outdoor event.

Wedding and event marquee hire with setup

Supply, install and pack down larger marquees for weddings, festivals and corporate events with a ute or truck and a small crew.

  • A$80k-250k
  • Full-time
  • Out and about
Technician replacing a cracked phone screen at a repair bench.

Mobile phone and tablet screen repair

Drive to homes, offices and workplaces to replace cracked phone and tablet screens on the spot.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
A karaoke host leads guests singing at a wedding reception.

Mobile karaoke host for parties and events

Bring a karaoke system and an upbeat host to birthdays, weddings and work events.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
A karaoke host leads guests singing at a wedding reception.

Weekly karaoke nights at pubs and venues

Run a regular karaoke night for a local pub, club or bar and build a loyal crowd.

  • A$1.5k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Dogs resting beside tables in a cosy cafe with customers.

Mobile dog-friendly café van

Serve coffee and snacks, with dog treats, from a van or trailer where dog owners gather, without a shop lease.

  • A$40k-120k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Embroidered regional folk costumes hanging on racks in a boutique.

Folk costume stall at festivals and markets

Take a stall of traditional dress and accessories to multicultural festivals, community events and markets.

  • A$2.5k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about
Dancers performing on a theatre stage under warm spotlights.

Touring theatre and dance troupe for schools

Take a short, curriculum-linked show or workshop to schools, libraries and community events.

  • A$1.5k-6k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Dancers performing on a theatre stage under warm spotlights.

Independent theatre or dance production company

Stage your own shows in hired venues and earn from tickets, grants and local sponsors.

  • A$3k-15k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

About these ideas

Others rely on a regular spot, such as a hot dog cart or an organic produce market stall. A residential pool servicing round sits somewhere in between, with set routes and repeat customers. Before you pick one, think about your vehicle and equipment costs, how weather affects your income, and whether you need a licence, trade qualification or council permit to work where you plan to. Also consider how you will find customers: a fixed pitch, a local round or ongoing contracts all build income in different ways. Use the list to compare ideas, then narrow it down by budget and experience.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a licence to run a mobile business in Australia?

It depends on the work. Regulated trades such as gasfitting usually need a licence or registration, and food, driving and some other services have their own rules. Check with your state or territory regulator and your local council before you start.

Can I trade from a market stall or street pitch?

Often you need permission from the market organiser or council, and food sellers may need food business registration. Rules differ between councils and states, so check what applies to your location, product and any insurance requirements.

What should I budget for when working out and about?

Think about a suitable vehicle, tools or equipment, fuel, insurance, and any permits or registrations. Also allow for quiet periods caused by weather or seasons. Costs vary widely between ideas, so compare a few before committing money.