Group day trips using hired coaches
Design and sell group day trips, and hire a licensed coach and driver for each one instead of buying a vehicle.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
You plan itineraries, sell the seats or group bookings and host the trip, while a licensed coach company supplies the vehicle and driver for each departure.
Your first three steps
- Get quotes from a few local coach hire companies and work out your cost per seat for two or three trip ideas
- Talk to clubs, seniors' groups and workplaces to find out what trips they would book
- Set up a simple booking page and payment method, and run your first trip with a minimum number of bookings
Who pays
Community groups, clubs, seniors' groups, schools, workplaces and tourists who want a ready-made day out.
How it makes money
You charge per seat or per group booking and keep the margin after paying the coach hire, entry fees, meals and any guide costs.
Skills that help
- Organising and planning
- Negotiating with suppliers
- Selling and marketing
- Hosting groups
Watch out for
- Confirm the coach company holds the right accreditation and insurance for each trip
- Check your own public liability and professional indemnity cover as the organiser
- Australian Consumer Law applies to what you advertise and to refunds if a trip is cancelled
- Cancellations or low bookings can leave you paying for a coach, so set a minimum number and clear terms
- Check whether any state tourism or travel agent registration applies to how you sell trips
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: group day trips using hired coaches
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a group day trip business?
Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your marketing, booking setup and insurance. These are estimates, and you hire a coach for each trip rather than buying a vehicle.
How much can I earn organising group day trips?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many trips you run, ticket prices and group sizes. The estimates assume at least about 8 hours a week.
What should I check before selling coach day trips?
Check that the coach company holds the right accreditation and insurance, and your own public liability and professional indemnity cover. Also check Australian Consumer Law on advertising and refunds, and any state tourism or travel agent registration.
Other ways to run this business
Similar transport ideas
Upright piano mover (part-time)
Move upright pianos between homes, schools and venues using a ute or van and the right lifting gear.
- A$3k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Vehicle shipping agent for dealers and importers
Handle the transport and paperwork for dealers and buyers moving cars into or around Australia, by road or sea.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- From home
Home-based freight forwarder for small importers
Book shipments, sort paperwork and work with carriers for small businesses that import or export.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
Local delivery runs for businesses
Collect goods from suppliers and deliver them to local shops, offices and homes on regular runs.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
One-on-one motorcycle rider coaching
Coach new, returning and nervous riders one-on-one in quiet car parks and on local roads.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Heavy vehicle licence test-prep coaching
Coach learners for their heavy vehicle test using hired or partner trucks, without buying your own.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about