Seasonal pop-up haunted house

Teenagers and young adults, families with older kids, groups of friends and date-night couples. Schools, youth groups and workplaces can also book group sessions.

Admission tickets sold online and at the door, with extras such as group packages, fast-entry tickets, photos and a small snack or merchandise stand.

• Creative set design and building
• Organising people and schedules
• Directing and training actors
• Marketing on social media

• Council and building approvals for temporary use of a venue, including fire safety and exit requirements, which differ by state and council
• Public liability insurance, and check whether your venue landlord requires specific cover
• Safety of strobes, fog, dark spaces and trip hazards, plus access for people with disability
• Working with children checks if cast or crew include minors, and age guidance for scares
• Pay and workers compensation obligations if you hire staff rather than use volunteers
• Music licensing if you play recorded music to the public
• Halloween demand varies by area, and one short season means you could lose your startup spend

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the venue, scenery, lighting, sound and cast. These are estimates. With one short season, you could lose your startup spend if demand is weaker than expected.

Monthly revenue is typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your venue, ticket numbers and group bookings. This is an estimate, and Halloween demand varies by area, so treat it as a guide only.

Check council and building approvals for temporary venue use, including fire safety and exits, which differ by state and council. Also check public liability insurance, working with children checks, music licensing, and pay and workers compensation if you hire staff.