Side Hustle Business Ideas You Can Start in Australia

1940 ideas

These 1,1940 ideas are for people who want to build something on the side without giving up their day job, study or caring duties. Some are hands-on and weekend-friendly, like a farmers market fruit and veg stall or a tamale stall at markets and events.

Swipe through these ideas →

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
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
Rows of plain and printed paper bags stacked on supplier shelves.

Online paper bag supplier

Sell plain and printed paper bags online to local shops, cafes and event organisers, shipped from a supplier or your spare room.

  • A$1k-5k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
A band performing under stage lights to an enthusiastic concert crowd.

Weekend gig room in a leased hall or shed

Turn a hired hall or warehouse into a gig space for Friday and Saturday shows, keeping your costs lower.

  • A$8k-30k
  • Side hustle
  • Own premises
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
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
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
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.

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.

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
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
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.

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
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
A large white marquee tent being set up on a grassy lawn for an outdoor event.

Weekend marquee hire for backyard parties

Hire out a few pop-up and frame marquees for backyard parties, markets and school fairs, mostly on weekends.

  • A$2k-8k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
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
Technician replacing a cracked phone screen at a repair bench.

Home-based screen repair with drop-off or post

Repair phone, tablet and laptop screens from a home workbench, with local drop-off or mail-in jobs.

  • A$800-3k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
Jeweller at a shop counter showing rings and watches to a customer.

Home-based online jeweller

Sell jewellery online and at markets, with custom orders, repairs and engraving by appointment from home.

  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • From home
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
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

About these ideas

Others run mostly online, such as online photo editing classes. Before you choose, work out how many hours a week you can realistically give, what you can afford to lose while testing, and whether the work suits your evenings or weekends. Check whether your employer allows outside work, and whether you need a licence, insurance or council approval for what you want to do. Start small, test with a few customers, and only scale up once the idea fits your life.

More ideas

Questions

How much time does a side hustle usually need?

It varies a lot by idea. Market stalls and classes often follow fixed weekend or evening slots, while online shops can be more flexible but need regular admin. Map your free hours first, then pick an idea that fits them.

Do I need an ABN to run a side hustle in Australia?

It depends on whether your activity counts as a business rather than a hobby. Check the Australian Taxation Office guidance on ABNs, GST and reporting income, and consider asking an accountant before you start trading.

Can I start a side hustle while employed?

Often yes, but check your employment contract and any policies on outside work or conflicts of interest. Also look at whether your idea needs permits, food registration or insurance, since local councils and states can have different requirements.