Rising grocery bills, petrol costs, and rent increases got you feeling the pinch? You’re definitely not alone, mate. With the cost of living soaring across Australia, more people than ever are looking for ways to boost their income without giving up their day job. Whether you’re trying to cover those weekly grocery runs or save for something special, a solid side hustle could be your ticket to financial breathing room.
The beauty of side hustles in 2024 is the sheer variety available. From tech-savvy gigs you can do in your pyjamas to hands-on work that gets you out and about, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into the 20 best side hustles that are actually working for Aussies right now.
Online Side Hustles You Can Start Today
1. Freelance Writing and Content Creation
If you’ve got a way with words, freelance writing is booming in Australia. Businesses everywhere need blog posts, website copy, social media content, and email newsletters. The demand spans across industries – from local cafes needing menu descriptions to tech startups requiring technical documentation.
Many Australian businesses prefer working with local writers who understand our culture, slang, and market nuances. You’ll find opportunities ranging from quick product descriptions to comprehensive white papers. Specialising in a niche like health, finance, or technology can command premium rates.
Earning potential: $25-$100+ per hour Time commitment: 5-30 hours per week.
Getting started: Create a portfolio showcasing your best work on platforms like Contently or your own website. Pitch directly to local businesses via LinkedIn or join Australian Facebook groups for writers. Consider starting with lower rates to build testimonials, then increase as your reputation grows.
Pro tip: Many successful Australian freelance writers land ongoing retainer clients worth $1,000-$3,000 monthly by proving their value with initial project work.
2. Virtual Assistant Services
Busy entrepreneurs and small business owners across Australia are crying out for reliable admin support. As a virtual assistant, you might handle email management, appointment scheduling, social media posting, data entry, customer service, or basic bookkeeping.
The role varies wildly depending on your client’s needs. Some VAs specialise in specific industries like real estate or e-commerce, while others prefer general admin tasks. Many successful VAs build packages of services rather than charging hourly, creating predictable monthly income.
Earning potential: $20-$50 per hour Time commitment: 10-40 hours per week.
Getting started: List your administrative skills and any relevant software experience (think Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, social media platforms). Create profiles on BeMyVA or Virtual Assistant Australia. Start by offering services to local businesses or online entrepreneurs in Facebook groups.
Pro tip: VAs who learn specific tools like Hubspot, Mailchimp, or Shopify can charge significantly higher rates for specialised tasks.
3. Online Tutoring
Australia’s education sector has embraced online learning like never before. Whether you’re helping Year 12 students with their ATAR subjects, teaching English to international students, or offering music lessons via video call, there’s massive demand for quality tutoring.
Subject areas like maths, science, and English are always popular, but don’t overlook niche skills. Guitar lessons, coding classes, or even teaching Australian slang to international students can be surprisingly profitable. Many tutors find success combining group classes with one-on-one sessions.
- Earning potential: $30-$80 per hour
- Time commitment: 5-25 hours per week
- Getting started: Create detailed profiles on Tutor2You, First Tutors, or Wyzant highlighting your qualifications and teaching style. Offer free 15-minute consultations to build trust. Consider creating your own course content for passive income through platforms like Teachable.
Pro tip: Tutors who offer exam preparation courses during key periods like HSC season can earn $2,000+ in just a few weeks.
4. Social Media Management
Small Australian businesses know they need a social media presence but often lack the time or expertise to maintain it effectively. This creates huge opportunities for social media savvy individuals to step in and help.
The work involves creating content calendars, designing graphics, writing captions, engaging with followers, and analysing performance metrics. Many successful social media managers develop templates and systems that allow them to efficiently manage multiple clients simultaneously.
- Earning potential: $500-$2,000+ per month per client
- Time commitment: 5-20 hours per client monthly
- Getting started: Build your own strong social media presence first to demonstrate your skills. Offer free social media audits to local businesses, then propose monthly management packages. Focus on 2-3 industries initially to develop specialised knowledge.
Pro tip: Social media managers who include photography services or video content creation can charge premium rates and retain clients longer.
5. Graphic Design and Digital Art
Visual content dominates online marketing, creating endless opportunities for creative individuals. From Instagram story templates to complete brand identity packages, Australian businesses are investing heavily in professional design.
The work ranges from simple social media graphics using Canva to complex logo designs requiring advanced Photoshop or Illustrator skills. Many successful designers focus on specific niches like restaurant menus, real estate flyers, or e-commerce product images.
- Earning potential: $25-$75 per hour
- Time commitment: 10-30 hours per week
- Getting started: Build a diverse portfolio showcasing different design styles on Behance or Instagram. Join Australian design Facebook groups and offer competitive rates initially to build testimonials. Consider creating design templates for passive income.
Pro tip: Designers who master both static and animated content (like Instagram Reels graphics) can command significantly higher rates.
Delivery and Transport Side Hustles
6. Food Delivery Driver
Food delivery has become part of Australian culture, with apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog, and Deliveroo operating across major cities. The flexibility makes it perfect for side income – work when you want, where you want.
Success in food delivery comes down to strategy. Peak times (lunch and dinner rushes, weekends) offer the highest earnings through surge pricing and tips. Many drivers focus on affluent suburbs where orders are larger and tips more generous. Weather plays a role too – rainy nights often mean higher demand and surge pricing.
- Earning potential: $15-$25 per hour (including tips)
- Time commitment: 10-40 hours per week
- Getting started: Sign up with multiple apps to maximise order opportunities. Ensure your vehicle is reliable and consider investing in insulated delivery bags. Track your expenses carefully for tax purposes, including fuel, maintenance, and phone costs.
Pro tip: Experienced drivers who work strategically during peak times in high-demand areas report earning $25-$35 per hour.
7. Rideshare Driver
Uber and DiDi have transformed urban transport across Australia, creating flexible earning opportunities for drivers. Unlike food delivery, rideshare driving involves more social interaction and can be particularly rewarding for people-oriented individuals.
Airport runs, late-night rides, and special events offer the highest earning potential. Many successful drivers build regular clientele for recurring trips like daily work commutes or weekly shopping runs. Understanding your city’s patterns – when and where demand peaks – is crucial for maximising earnings.
- Earning potential: $20-$35 per hour (after expenses)
- Time commitment: 15-40 hours per week
- Getting started: Meet vehicle age and condition requirements, pass background checks, and ensure appropriate insurance coverage. Consider peak times like weekend nights, airport runs, and major events for higher earnings.
Pro tip: Drivers who maintain 4.8+ star ratings through excellent service often receive more ride requests and can qualify for premium ride categories.
8. Package Delivery
Amazon Flex, Sendle, Australia Post contractors, and other courier services offer package delivery opportunities with more predictable routes than food delivery. The work typically involves delivering packages during specific time blocks, making it easier to plan around other commitments.
Package delivery often pays better than food delivery because routes are optimised for efficiency. Many drivers appreciate not dealing with food temperature concerns or customer dining experiences. The work can be physically demanding but offers good exercise as a bonus.
- Earning potential: $18-$30 per hour
- Time commitment: 10-35 hours per week
- Getting started: Apply directly through courier company apps or websites. Maintain a clean driving record and reliable vehicle. Some positions require lifting packages up to 23kg, so consider physical requirements.
Pro tip: Drivers who secure regular contract routes with businesses can earn consistent weekly income rather than depending on ad-hoc deliveries.
Service-Based Side Hustles
9. House Sitting and Pet Sitting
Australians love their pets and need reliable care when travelling for work or holidays. Pet sitting offers the unique combination of earning money while enjoying animal companionship, often in beautiful homes across different suburbs.
Services range from simple dog walking and feeding visits to full-time live-in house sitting with multiple pets. Many sitters develop specialties – some focus on anxious rescue dogs, others prefer cats, and some specialise in exotic pets or livestock care.
- Earning potential: $30-$80 per day
- Time commitment: Varies from 30 minutes to 24/7
- Getting started: Create detailed profiles on Mad Paws, PetCloud, and Pawshake highlighting any pet experience. Get references from friends whose pets you’ve cared for. Consider pet first aid certification to stand out from competitors.
Pro tip: Sitters who provide photo updates and go above basic care (like bringing in mail or watering plants) often receive repeat bookings and premium rates.
10. Cleaning Services
Residential and commercial cleaning remains one of the most reliable side hustles. Busy professionals, elderly residents, and small businesses consistently need cleaning support, creating steady demand across all Australian cities.
Starting with basic house cleaning, many successful cleaners expand into specialised services like end-of-lease cleaning, post-construction cleanup, or commercial office cleaning. The work is physically demanding but offers flexible scheduling and the satisfaction of immediate, visible results.
- Earning potential: $25-$45 per hour
- Time commitment: 10-40 hours per week
- Getting started: Invest in quality cleaning supplies and equipment. Obtain public liability insurance and consider police checks for client peace of mind. Start with friends, family, and neighbours before expanding through word-of-mouth referrals.
Pro tip: Cleaners who offer package deals (like weekly or fortnightly service) create recurring income and can charge slight premiums for guaranteed regular work.
11. Handyman Services
Australia’s property boom has created massive demand for handyman services. From furniture assembly and picture hanging to minor repairs and maintenance tasks, handy individuals can build thriving side businesses.
Popular services include IKEA furniture assembly, TV mounting, shelf installation, door repairs, and general maintenance tasks. Many handymen find consistent work through property managers maintaining rental properties or busy homeowners lacking time or tools for DIY projects.
- Earning potential: $30-$60 per hour
- Time commitment: 10-30 hours per week
- Getting started: List your skills comprehensively on Airtasker and Hipages. Maintain competitive pricing initially while building five-star reviews. Invest gradually in quality tools as your client base grows.
Pro tip: Handymen who respond quickly to job posts and maintain excellent communication throughout projects often build waiting lists of regular clients.
12. Gardening and Landscaping
Australia’s outdoor lifestyle and climate create year-round demand for garden maintenance. From basic lawn mowing and hedge trimming to seasonal planting and landscape design, there’s work available for all skill levels.
Many successful garden service providers start with basic maintenance and gradually add services like irrigation installation, tree pruning, or landscape design. Seasonal work like Christmas light installation or storm cleanup can provide significant income boosts.
- Earning potential: $25-$50 per hour
- Time commitment: 15-40 hours per week
- Getting started: Begin with basic garden maintenance tools and build your kit over time. Focus on building regular clients for consistent weekly or fortnightly work. Consider specialising in native Australian plants or water-wise gardens.
Pro tip: Gardeners who offer package deals combining lawn mowing, hedging, and basic maintenance create reliable recurring income streams.
Creative and Skill-Based Hustles
13. Photography
Australia’s lifestyle and events create abundant photography opportunities. Wedding photography commands premium rates, but don’t overlook family portraits, business headshots, product photography for small businesses, or event coverage.
Many successful photographers start with friends’ events and gradually build portfolios and referral networks. Specialising in specific types of photography – like newborn portraits or food photography – can command higher rates and create niche expertise.
- Earning potential: $50-$200+ per hour
- Time commitment: 5-25 hours per week (including editing)
- Getting started: Build a diverse portfolio showcasing your best work. Network with event planners, real estate agents, and small business owners. Offer mini-sessions at competitive rates to build experience and testimonials.
Pro tip: Photographers who master both shooting and efficient post-processing workflows can maximise their hourly earnings significantly.
14. Music Lessons
Music education thrives across Australia, with parents investing heavily in their children’s musical development. Online lessons have expanded opportunities beyond geographic limitations, allowing teachers to reach students across the country.
Popular instruments include piano, guitar, violin, and drums, but niche instruments can command premium rates due to limited teacher availability. Many successful music teachers combine in-person lessons with online students and group classes.
- Earning potential: $40-$80 per hour
- Time commitment: 10-30 hours per week
- Getting started: Create video demonstrations of your teaching style and musical abilities. Join local music teacher networks and online platforms. Offer trial lessons to build confidence and demonstrate value.
Pro tip: Music teachers who prepare students for AMEB exams or school performances often retain students longer and can charge higher rates for specialised preparation.
15. Fitness Coaching
Australia’s health-conscious culture creates strong demand for fitness instruction. Personal training, yoga classes, group fitness, and specialised programs like seniors’ fitness or post-injury rehabilitation offer diverse opportunities.
Many successful fitness coaches start with outdoor group classes in parks before transitioning to private clients or studio rentals. Online coaching and nutrition guidance have become increasingly popular, allowing coaches to serve clients beyond their local area.
- Earning potential: $40-$100 per hour
- Time commitment: 10-35 hours per week
- Getting started: Obtain certification through Fitness Australia or similar recognised body. Start with outdoor group classes to build experience and clientele. Develop specialised knowledge in areas like strength training, or rehabilitation.
Pro tip: Fitness coaches who combine training with basic nutrition guidance and lifestyle coaching can command premium rates and retain clients longer.
E-commerce and Selling
16. Dropshipping
Dropshipping allows you to run an e-commerce business without holding inventory. You market and sell products online while suppliers handle storage and shipping directly to customers. This model requires strong marketing skills but minimal upfront investment.
Success in dropshipping depends heavily on finding profitable product niches and effective marketing strategies. Many successful dropshippers focus on solving specific problems for targeted audiences rather than competing on price with generic products.
- Earning potential: $500-$5,000+ per month
- Time commitment: 20-50 hours per week
- Getting started: Research profitable niches using tools like Google Trends and Facebook Audience Insights. Set up a professional Shopify store and establish relationships with reliable suppliers, preferably Australian ones to reduce shipping times.
Pro tip: Dropshippers who build strong brands around specific customer problems rather than just selling random products achieve much higher success rates.
17. Etsy and Online Crafts
Turn creative hobbies into income streams by selling handmade items, digital downloads, or vintage finds online. Popular categories include jewellery, home decor, printable planners, craft supplies, and personalised gifts.
Success requires balancing creativity with business acumen. Understanding SEO, photography, and customer service becomes as important as crafting skills. Many successful sellers start with one product category and expand based on customer feedback and sales data.
- Earning potential: $200-$2,000+ per month
- Time commitment: 15-40 hours per week
- Getting started: Perfect 3-5 products before launching your store. Invest time in high-quality photography and SEO-optimised product descriptions. Research successful competitors to understand pricing and positioning strategies.
Pro tip: Craft sellers who offer customisation options often achieve higher profit margins and customer loyalty compared to those selling standard items.
18. Reselling and Flipping
Buy items cheaply from garage sales, op shops, clearance sales, or online marketplaces, then resell them for profit. Successful resellers develop expertise in specific categories like vintage clothing, collectibles, electronics, or furniture.
The key is understanding market values and spotting underpriced items others miss. Many resellers focus on items they’re passionate about, making the research and hunting process more enjoyable while building genuine expertise.
- Earning potential: $300-$1,500+ per month
- Time commitment: 10-30 hours per week
- Getting started: Start with categories you know well – perhaps vintage band t-shirts, books, or electronics. Use sold listings on eBay and Facebook Marketplace to understand current market values. Reinvest profits into better inventory.
Pro tip: Resellers who develop relationships with regular sources (like specific op shops or garage sale organisers) often get first access to the best items.
Property and Space-Based Hustles
19. Airbnb Host
Australia’s tourism industry creates strong demand for short-term accommodation. Whether you’re renting a spare room, granny flat, or entire property, Airbnb can generate significant income with the right approach.
Success requires treating it like a hospitality business. Location matters enormously – properties near attractions, transport, or business districts perform best. Exceptional guest experiences through thoughtful amenities, clear communication, and spotless cleanliness drive positive reviews and repeat bookings.
- Earning potential: $50-$200+ per night
- Time commitment: 5-15 hours per week per property
- Getting started: Research local regulations and body corporate rules thoroughly. Create an attractive listing with professional photos showcasing your space’s best features. Provide excellent guest experiences to earn five-star reviews.
Pro tip: Hosts who provide local guidebooks with restaurant recommendations and activity suggestions often receive higher ratings and can charge premium rates.
20. Storage Space Rental
Got unused space in your garage, shed, or spare room? Platforms like Spacer and Storemates connect you with people needing storage solutions. It’s essentially passive income once you’ve set up your space properly.
Popular storage needs include furniture during relocations, business inventory, recreational vehicles, and seasonal items. Secure, clean, easily accessible spaces command higher rates, especially in inner-city areas where storage is expensive.
- Earning potential: $50-$300+ per month
- Time commitment: 2-5 hours per month
- Getting started: Clean and secure your available space thoroughly. Take professional photos highlighting accessibility and security features. Price competitively compared to traditional storage facilities in your area.
Pro tip: Storage hosts who offer additional services like accepting deliveries for stored items or providing moving equipment can charge premium rates.
Making Your Side Hustle Work
Start Small and Scale Smart
Don’t quit your day job on day one. Most successful side hustlers start with one opportunity, master the fundamentals, then either scale up or add complementary income streams. Spreading yourself too thin across multiple hustles often leads to mediocre results everywhere.
Track Everything for Tax Time
Keep meticulous records of income and expenses using apps like QuickBooks, MYOB, or simple spreadsheets. Many side hustlers get caught out at tax time because they haven’t properly tracked earnings and deductible expenses throughout the year.
Know Your Legal Obligations
Some side hustles require ABNs, specific insurance, or professional licences. Research requirements upfront to avoid compliance issues that could derail your success. When in doubt, consult with an accountant or business advisor.
Time Management is Everything
Successful side hustlers treat their extra work like a legitimate business. Set specific working hours, create clear boundaries, and ensure your side hustle doesn’t negatively impact your primary job performance or personal relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most popular side hustles in Australia?
Food delivery, rideshare driving, and freelance services consistently rank as the most popular choices. Online tutoring and virtual assistance are experiencing rapid growth, especially since the pandemic accelerated digital adoption across all age groups.
How much can I realistically earn from a side hustle in Australia?
Earnings vary dramatically based on time investment, skill level, and chosen opportunity. Most Aussies earn $200-$1,000 monthly from part-time side hustles, while dedicated hustlers working 20+ hours weekly often achieve $2,000-$5,000+ monthly.
Which side hustles can be done entirely online or from home?
Virtual assistance, freelance writing, online tutoring, social media management, graphic design, dropshipping, online coaching, and digital product creation can all be done remotely with just a computer and internet connection.
Do I need to register for tax or an ABN for my side hustle?
If you’re earning over $75,000 annually or operating as a business (rather than hobby income), you’ll need an ABN. All side hustle income must be declared on your tax return regardless of amount, though you can claim legitimate business expenses as deductions.
How do I find legitimate and safe side hustle opportunities in Australia?
Stick to established platforms with strong review systems, research companies before providing personal information, and trust your instincts about opportunities that seem too good to be true. Join Australian Facebook groups for your chosen hustle to learn from experienced practitioners.
Your Side Hustle Journey Starts Now
The best side hustle is the one that aligns with your skills, interests, and available time while generating meaningful income toward your goals. Whether you’re trying to cover rising grocery costs, build an emergency fund, or save for something special, the opportunities exist to make it happen.
Don’t wait for perfect conditions or complete knowledge before starting. Every successful side hustler began exactly where you are now – with an idea and determination to take action. Pick one opportunity from this comprehensive list that resonates with your situation and take the first concrete step today.
Your financial future depends on the actions you take right now. What’s it going to be?
